Vaux-le-Vicomte
Reservation

Autumn Holidays

Enfants profitant de leur visite à Vaux-le-Vicomte

From 18 to 31 October 2026

Vaux-le-Vicomte invites young and old to experience history in a different way.

Costumes to borrow, an explorer’s notebook, immersive audio tours and forest trails: during the Toussaint (All Saints’) school holidays, the estate becomes a playground for family discovery!

As a reminder, the estate is open every day from 10 am to 5:30 pm (last admission at the ticket office).

Good to know — languages

The immersive audio tour is available in English, and costume rental is open to every child. Two guided activities this season, the torchlight exploration and the Carnival of the Animals, are held in French only, as is the Sound Forest trail. They are clearly marked throughout this page.

Which activity for which age?

All activities are open to families. This guide is here to help you plan your visit.

Costume rental (free) – For the length of your visit, your child puts on a period costume and explores the château as a character from the 17th century.

 

The Carnival of the Animals (in French only) – An actress leads little ones on a mischievous treasure hunt to find the animals hidden in the décor of the château’s rooms.

 

From the Sounding Forest (in French only), where La Fontaine’s Fables whisper among the trees, to the vaulted tunnel of the Mystery of the Iron Mask, not forgetting the immersive audio tour (available in English) in a children’s or an adult version, curious visitors are spoilt for choice.

 

Torchlight exploration (in French only) – Velvet cape on your shoulders and a torch in your hand, older children set off in a group with our guide to explore the state rooms plunged into darkness.

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Free Costume Rental for Children !

To celebrate the autumn holidays, from 17 October to 1 November, costume rental is free for all children aged 3 and over!

Princesses or musketeers? Young visitors choose their costume and experience their visit to Vaux-le-Vicomte as a character from the 17th century.

A playful, immersive way to make discovering the château even more memorable!

 

Enfant en costume d'époque lors de la visite du château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

The Explorer’s Notebook

Young explorers have a mission of their own at Vaux-le-Vicomte! Observe, search, touch, create and take on the challenges devised around the works of art and landscapes of the estate.

A playful, sensory adventure to become, for the length of a visit, a true “Landscape Designer of the Exceptional”.

Free notebook, available at the ticket offices!

Carnet d'exploration en famille dans les jardins à la française de Vaux-le-Vicomte

The Immersive Audio Tour – Available in English

Part of our permanent offer, the immersive audio tour takes you to the heart of history, brought to life through sound: historical figures awaken and come alive around you!

Two tours are available:

  • For children aged 6 and over: La Fabuleuse histoire de Vaux (“The Fabulous Story of Vaux”), with Jean de La Fontaine and Panache, the flying squirrel (children’s tour, written by Timothée de Fombelle) – available in French and English.
  • For adults visitors: L’Affaire Fouquet (“The Fouquet Affair”) (adult tour, written by Xavier Maurel) – available in French, English and German.

Audio headset provided at the château entrance – included in the “Château and gardens” entry ticket.

Enfants vivant l'histoire de Vaux-le-Vicomte en immersion avec le parcours sonore immersif

Our Forest Trails

The Mystery of the Iron Mask: From Reality to Myth

The Mystery of the Iron Mask takes young and old through a vaulted 17th-century tunnel and then into the heart of the forest. Through a series of staged scenes, the different theories about the identity of the famous prisoner are revealed: Louis XIV’s hidden brother, Nicolas Fouquet himself, or an inconvenient witness? It’s up to you to make up your own mind…

Open every day the estate is open, about 30 minutes. Free access, no extra charge, recommended from age 6. Not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

 

The Sounding Forest – Fables in the Hollow of the Tree (in French only)

The trees of Vaux have found their voice. Nestled in the hollow of majestic sculpted cedars, lend an ear to La Fontaine’s Fables, reimagined by contemporary artists. A poetic walk that continues the artistic tradition of Vaux-le-Vicomte.

A 30-minute hike, accessible during the estate’s opening hours. In French only. Free access, no extra charge, recommended from age 6. Not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. 

La Forêt Sonore vous plonge dans les Fable de la Fontaine
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Holiday Calendar

The special autumn-holiday activities start on Sunday 18 October and run until Saturday 31 October inclusive. On Saturday 17 October and Sunday 1 November, you can enjoy our permanent offer: immersive audio tour, costume rental, participatory puzzle, explorer’s notebook and the forest trails (Sounding Forest and Mystery of the Iron Mask).

Dates

Activities

Every day, 17 October – 1 November

Free costume rental · Immersive audio tour (English available) · Explorer’s notebook · Mystery of the Iron Mask · Sounding Forest (French only)

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, at no extra charge. Audio headsets are provided at the château entrance.

Yes. From 17 October to 1 November, costume rental is free for all children aged 3 and over.

No. The Sounding Forest and the Mystery of the Iron Mask are not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

Autumn Holidays

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
Booking coming soon

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
Salon du château décoré pour le Grand Noël à Vaux-le-Vicomte

🎬 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
Projection monumentale sur la façade du château de Vaux-le-Vicomte à Noël

💌 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.

Fabrique postale solidaire du Grand Noël à Vaux-le-Vicomte

🧭 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
Booking coming soon

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
Familles profitant de la patinoire éphémère du jardin de Vaux-le-Vicomte à Noël

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.
Dessert spécialement créé pour Le Grand Noël

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

The Grand Noël is also a collective adventure: meet the artisans of the Grand Noël, the French houses who bring every setting to life.

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.

Please note: there is a short walk between the car park and the entrance to the estate!

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.

Booking coming soon

Autumn Holidays

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.