The Grand Noël
A Christmas journey around the world
From 14 November to 3 January, step through the doors of the chateau and be swept into a whirlwind of festive décor, entertainment for all ages, and treats to share as a family — for a day out of time.
This year, the Grand Noël invites you aboard for an incredible journey around the world. Room by room, the chateau is transformed into a series of enchanting stops, filled with lavish décor, automatons and immersive projections. A trail to explore as a family, where every room holds its own surprise… we won’t say any more — come and discover it for yourself!
As night falls, head out to the garden: fairy lights, a pop-up ice rink and a spectacular projection show across the 1,000 m² chateau façade bring the day to a magical close.
And to make the magic last even longer, 13 late-opening evenings let you enjoy the Grand Noël until 9 p.m., with two extra evening projection shows.
|
Dates |
Hours |
Last entry |
|---|---|---|
|
14 Nov – 4 Dec, 6 – 11 Dec, and 13 – 18 Dec Wednesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) |
10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
7 p.m. |
|
5 and 12 Dec, then 19 Dec – 2 Jan excl. 24, 25, 31 Dec and 1 Jan |
10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
7 p.m. |
|
24 and 31 December |
10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
4 p.m. |
|
25 December and 1 January |
Closed |
Over 4 hours of Christmas magic, with family or friends
Allow a little over 4 hours to make the most of the Grand Noël: enough time to wander through the rooms transformed into stops from around the world, enjoy the illuminated garden and the projection show on the façade, and stop for something to eat. Some visitors stay even longer for the immersive show or a turn on the ice rink, it’s entirely up to you how you shape your own Christmas break.
🌟 A unique journey, room by room
Push open each door and let yourself be surprised: automatons, lighting and staging transform the state rooms into a series of enchanting stops…
- Chateau and garden tickets
- Self-guided visit
- Around 1 hour
- Booking required: please arrive within your chosen time slot
🎬 The chateau’s façade comes to life
Every evening, a monumental projection transforms 1,000 m² of façade into a single moving picture: “Vaux-le-Vicomte, a stopover in the land of dreams.” A final stop that extends the magic of the Grand Noël and invites young and old to continue their journey around the world, eyes wide open.
- Three shows: 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m.
- Single show at 5:40 p.m. on 24 and 31 December
- Duration: around 8 minutes
💌 The Grand Noël’s Messengers
Once again this year, the Museum of Carriages becomes an enchanted mail workshop. In this reimagined space, you can send thousands of Christmas cards to people who are most isolated, becoming a Grand Noël messenger yourself.
A poetic, charitable initiative run with the French Red Cross and the ADPHILE association, celebrating the simple joy of writing and the power of a shared message.
🧭 A treasure hunt around the world
Armed with their “Little Traveller’s Passport,” each child searches the garden for hidden clues and collects a stamp at every stop, right up to the final surprise.
- From age 3
- Every day, 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- No extra charge
- Papo figurines or Fossier biscuits for explorers who complete their passport
🔥 The evening fireside treat
The Grand Noël’s warm, easy-going tradition: come toast a marshmallow by the fire with friends or family!
- Every day, 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- No extra charge
🌠 Make a wish at the grove of stars
In the spirit of Japanese wishing traditions, write down your dearest wish and leave it in the “Green Rooms” grove, a suspended moment where everyone can hope their wish comes true.
- Every open day, 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- No extra charge
Optional extras, for those who want even more
❄️ The ice rink
A 420 m² pop-up ice rink, fed by water from the estate’s own springs, offers a magical, suspended moment facing the illuminated chateau.
- Every day, 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Price: €5 per person
- Online booking is not available, pay on site
- Skate aids for children and sliding chairs available
- You’re welcome to bring your own skates
- Gloves strongly recommended
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult
Dining on site
No need to leave the estate to eat: several dining spots are available throughout the day.
- The Kiosque Les Charmilles and the skating chalet Le Gourmet, in the garden, offer a sweet treat, a light bite or a mulled wine with a view of the chateau.
- The Relais de l’Écureuil, in the chateau’s outbuildings, offers self-service dining, ideal for lunch or an afternoon snack, with a children’s menu.
|
Pricing |
Weekdays |
Weekends and school holidays |
|---|---|---|
|
Children under 3 |
Free |
Free |
|
Reduced price* *Children aged 3 to 17, holders of a disability card or CMI, students, or jobseekers. |
€ 20,90 |
From € 22,90 |
|
Full price |
€ 25,90 |
From €27.90 |
|
Garden only |
€ 19 |
From €20 |
« Every Christmas, our family home takes on a new face, without ever losing what makes it what it is: the pleasure of welcoming people in and sharing something with them. This edition becomes the starting point for a journey around the world, where every room opens a window onto a new horizon. »
Ascanio de Vogüé — Owner and Managing Director of Vaux-le-Vicomte
Frequently asked questions
Allow around 4 hours to enjoy the chateau’s décor, the garden’s entertainment, the immersive show and a few treats along the way.
The chateau visit (for chateau and garden tickets), garden access, the projection show, the treasure hunt, the evening fireside treat, the charity mail workshop and the Grove of Stars are all included in your ticket. The ice rink, access to the dome and costume hire inside the chateau are optional extras.
By car, free parking is available on site. By train, from Melun station (line R), a shuttle bus runs every day during school holidays (€12 return per adult, €7 per child, booking required).
Allow a little time to walk from the car park to the estate entrance when planning your visit.
Yes: the Grand Noël is best experienced as a proper walking trail, taking in both the chateau’s rooms and the formal garden, indoors and outdoors alike. Wear warm clothing and comfortable, weather-appropriate shoes.
Unfortunately, the chateau visit is not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, as entering the chateau involves around thirty steps. The garden, however, is accessible, and electric buggies are also available to hire (subject to
Yes, several dining spots are available in the garden and in the chateau’s outbuildings, from quick bites to a full meal.
Yes, many activities are designed with families in mind: a treasure hunt from age 3, the evening fireside treat, and an ice rink with skate aids for children…
Yes, booking your entry ticket online is required to enter the estate. Places are limited and the Grand Noël is often fully booked, so it’s best to book early to guarantee your visit.
