Summer Holidays
Experience Vaux-le-Vicomte as a family
The summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to discover Vaux-le-Vicomte with your family. Bathed in sunshine, Le Nôtre’s magnificent gardens are at their most splendid, the ornamental ponds bring the perspectives to life, and the château offers a refreshing escape filled with discovery. From adventures in the gardens and immersive experiences to outdoor games and moments of relaxation, visitors of all ages can enjoy a memorable day together.
Practical information
During the summer holidays, from 4 July to 30 August
Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (last admission at the ticket office), except on Saturdays during the Candlelit Evenings, from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm.
Château & gardens
- Full price: €18
- Reduced rate: €14.50
- Family rate: €59
- Free for children under 6
Garden only
- €13,50
Extras
- Costume hire
- Dome access
- Club car rental
Different admission rates apply for the Candlelit Evenings.
Le Relais de l’Écureuil
A friendly self-service restaurant, perfect for a gourmet break, offering daily specials and desserts made from fresh ingredients.
The Kiosk
For a quick break without interrupting your garden visit, enjoy takeaway options to savour on the terrace facing the château.
Discover the château differently
Take advantage of the cool elegance of the château’s state rooms and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Vaux-le-Vicomte through a 3D audio experience. Equipped with a headset, you will be transported to the heart of the key events that shaped the estate: court intrigues, a lavish celebration, and the remarkable fate of Nicolas Fouquet…
For younger visitors, a dedicated trail invites them to follow Jean de La Fontaine and Panache, a flying squirrel, on a playful and poetic journey through the château.
New experiences to discover
- The collaborative puzzle: in Hercules’ antechamber, help recreate a monumental artwork by Charles Le Brun.
- The living library: take a break in a warm, intimate space, just like a family home.
Dome access :
Climb to new heights and enjoy spectacular views over the estate from the lantern, more than 25 metres above ground level (extra charge, tickets available on site).
Be amazed in the French formal garden
Summer is the ideal season to make the most of the gardens. Between leisurely strolls, outdoor games and sensory experiences, the estate can be discovered from a whole new perspective.
The Trail of Textures : An invitation to experience the estate differently: walk barefoot and explore the textures of the garden — stone, water, wood, metal… a unique immersive experience.
The Mystery of the Iron Mask : In the Patte d’Oie grove, embark on a captivating investigation. This scenographic trail takes you through underground passages and clearings to uncover one of history’s greatest mysteries.
Activities for the whole family
Around the bassin de la Couronne, several experiences await children:
- For little gardeners: take part in the “Seedling Gardener” activity and plant wildflower seeds in our flowerbeds.
- For little sailors: set your small wooden sailboat afloat in one of the bassin de la Couronne.
- For players: collect a wooden games cart and enjoy fun moments with your family.
Older visitors can also experience the gardens in a different way:
- For players: search for Nicolas Fouquet’s emblem hidden in the gardens… and try to win your return visit to Vaux-le-Vicomte.
- For adventurers: at the end of the gardens, the monumental statue of Hercules awaits. Reachable on foot or by electric buggy, it offers breathtaking views over the estate’s grand perspective.
- For dreamers: brand new this season, the confessional becomes a relaxation area. Settle into a deckchair under the lime trees for a nap or a peaceful moment out of time…
