Vaux-le-Vicomte
Reservation

Saturday 22 May 2027

A new chapter is about to be written…

Every year, the Rendez-vous Grand Siècle is one of the most eagerly awaited events for lovers of 17th-century France. In 2027, the event is being reimagined, inviting you to experience French art de vivre in an entirely new way.

True to the spirit of ambition and harmony that inspired Nicolas Fouquet when he made Vaux-le-Vicomte one of the most magnificent estates of the Grand Siècle, this new edition promises an entirely fresh experience where elegance, history and celebration come together.

Whether in costume or simply curious, history lovers and party-goers alike are invited to save the date: Saturday 22 May 2027.

On that day, Vaux-le-Vicomte will offer a day worthy of the Grand Siècle…

More details to follow from March 2027!

Practical information

Saturday 22 May 2027

Ticket sales to open mid-March 2027.

Delve into the art of the French formal garden through the permanent exhibition dedicated to André Le Nôtre, the visionary landscape designer of the 17th century.
In the château’s vaulted basement, a large animated scale model reveals the secrets behind the layout of Vaux-le-Vicomte’s gardens—a masterpiece of symmetry, proportion, and perspective.

An inspiring, family-friendly experience that blends heritage, innovation, and visual poetry.

The king has every reason to be angry—he finds, here at Vaux-le-Vicomte, the perfection of the French garden. Alain Baraton, Head Gardener of the Palace of Versailles.

Open every Saturday from May 16 to September 26, 2026, during the Candlelit Evenings.

Take a moment to unwind, comfortably settled in a deckchair on our terrace overlooking the splendid French gardens designed by Le Nôtre.

With its homemade treats, fine foods, and carefully selected wines and champagnes, this pop-up champagne bar celebrates the French art of living in an enchanting setting.

Come and experience a moment suspended between sophistication and the gentle warmth of summer.

 

 

A pop-up gastronomic restaurant.

Every Saturday evening from May 16 to September 26, as well as Sunday, July 13 and Friday, August 15, Les Charmilles invites you to a unique fine dining experience in the magical setting of the Candlelit Evenings.

Located on the West Courtyard Terrace or indoors in the event of bad weather, this ephemeral restaurant offers breathtaking views of the château and its candlelit French gardens.

Practical information

An admission ticket is required to access all restaurants within the estate.

 Reservation is required.

In case of unfavorable weather (Rain, risk of rain, or temperatures below 18°C), dinner will be served indoors – without diminishing the charm of the experience. The decision is made every Saturday morning based on weather forecasts.

Book a table soon

In an intimate and elegant ambiance, enjoy refined and creative cuisine at tables for 2, 4, or 6 guests.

Discover our 2026 menus

Located just past the entrance gate, in the château’s outbuildings, Le Relais de l’Écureuil invites you to relax and enjoy a simple yet generous meal. This self-service, family-friendly restaurant is ideal for a leisurely lunch or sweet break in a charming and authentic setting.

Our cuisine celebrates the great traditions of French cooking. Carefully prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, our homemade dishes combine authenticity and a sense of togetherness in the spirit of refined home cooking.

 

Practical information

  • No prior booking required.
  • An admission ticket is required to access the restaurant.
  • For groups of over 20 people, please book in advance: commercial@vaux-le-vicomte.fr.

Expect to pay around €28 for a full meal (starter, main course, dessert).

Payment methods accepted: cash, credit cards, checks, Chèques-Vacances ANCV, and meal vouchers (except on Sundays).

Le Relais de l’Écureuil is open:

  • From 10.00 am to 5.45 pm on weekdays and weekends, except during Candlelit Evenings.
  • From 12.00 pm to 10.45 pm during Candlelit Evenings.
  • Hot meals are served from 12.00 pm to 2.00 pm on weekdays and from 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm on weekends and public holidays.
  • During Candlelit Evenings, hot meals are served from 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm and from 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm.

Enhance your visit with a full historical immersion by renting period costumes for both children and adults. Step into the shoes of a noble figure from the past and explore the château’s magnificent interiors in character—a playful and memorable experience for the whole family.

Rates :

  • Children : €5
  • Adults : €6
  • Available without reservation, starting from age 3.

For a truly breathtaking experience, climb to the top of the château’s dome for a panoramic view over the entire estate. At 25 meters high, the sweeping landscape unfolds in every direction—an unforgettable perspective.

Additional ticket: €5 (Access restricted to visitors over 1.35 m tall)

Discover Vaux-le-Vicomte as you’ve never heard it before. Using cutting-edge 3D audio technology, this immersive sound journey invites you to experience the château’s history through spatialized storytelling—heard through high-definition FOCAL headsets, a first in any French château.

Two tours are available:

Written by Xavier Maurel and available in French, English, and German, this gripping narrative spans key moments from the death of Mazarin to the arrest of Nicolas Fouquet. Voices and scenes were recorded inside the château itself for maximum immersion.

Written by Timothée de Fombelle and available in French and English, this whimsical adventure is led by Jean de La Fontaine and Panache, a flying squirrel, as they explore the château’s many secrets.

The experience is self-paced and family-friendly, beginning at age 6.

Included in the admission ticket (excluding special events such as the Easter Egg Hunt, the Grand Siècle Day, and the Christmas Season).

Opening hours: 10 am – 7 pm during the day, 11 am – midnight during Candlelit Evenings

Housed in the château’s majestic stables, the Carriage Museum presents the evolution of horse-drawn transport, from royal carriages to the craftsmanship behind the scenes.

Step into a fascinating world of leatherwork and blacksmithing, and explore a rare collection of carriages, harnesses, and period equipment. A fun and educational visit for the whole family!

During Candlelit Evenings, from May 16 to September 26, between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm, immerse yourself in a captivating ballet of water as you admire the estate bathed in the soft, golden glow of candlelight.
A suspended moment where the beauty of nature meets the history of the place.

Les jeux d’eau de Vaux-le-Vicomte sont bien plus qu’un simple spectacle : ils sont une véritable invitation à la magie du domaine. Pendant les Soirées aux Chandelles, les fontaines du château se réveillent sous vos yeux. De 17h30 à 20h30, du 24 mai au 27 septembre, vous pourrez les admirer, éclairées à la lueur des bougies, dans une atmosphère intime et chaleureuse. C’est l’occasion idéale de vivre un moment de convivialité en famille, tout en découvrant l’harmonie qui unit le jardin et l’architecture de cette demeure unique.

The story behind the water displays

The hydraulic system at Vaux-le-Vicomte, designed in the 17th century by André Le Nôtre—Louis XIV’s famed landscape architect—operates on a gravity-fed network of aqueducts and reservoirs. Though restored in the 19th century, the original engineering marvel still brings life to the estate’s fountains. Of the 36 pools Le Nôtre created, 20 remain active today—testaments to the grandeur of French formal garden design. Let yourself be swept away by the beauty and fluidity of this unforgettable sensory experience.

Did you know?
The carp living in the château’s basins and moats play a vital role in keeping the water clean by feeding on algae—preserving the clarity of the pools and the beauty of the gardens.