My 12y daughter and I would like to visit Chateau Vaux le Vicomte from Paris on a Monday in October 2023. Rick's book says that you can take a train to Verneuil l’Etang train station and then a Chateaubus to the Vaux. However, the official website does not list this as an option (Chateaubus from Melun only on weekends), and searches do not turn up any forums after covid discussing this option. Does anyone know if this is still possible? Or do my daughter and I have to take the train to Melun and pay the expensive taxi prices to get to the Chateau? Thank you.
Posted by
Chicago
777 posts
I would trust the website - not a guide, Rick's or otherwise. Guides are frequently out-of-date, even the most recently published. The schedule looks pretty definitive and up-to-date to me.
https://media.vaux-le-vicomte.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/05170249/Horaires-navette-ANGL-2023.pdf
The Chateau is my favorite after visiting many in France. In my opinion, it is worth the expense of transport. For something hilarious, watch the James Bond movie Moonraker with shots of the gardens!
If you decide against Vaux le Vicomte. Fontainebleau is a little easier by public transport. Train ride and walkable from the station.
https://www.chateaudefontainebleau.fr/en/ If you speak French, check the French website ticket (billet) section - there are tours in French not indicated on the English site.
Posted by
161 posts
I will be going in November but on a weekend. According to the Shuttle 2023 Season schedule, the bus from the station to the Chateau is only on the weekend and public holidays.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10229 posts
We went in April of last year. We took the RER to Melun, then a taxi from the train station to the château. When we were ready to return we asked an employee there to call a cab to take us back to the station. We really enjoyed our visit there.
Posted by
Chicago
8063 posts
We did the same a dozen years ago: we got a cab TO and the people in the gift shop called us a cab to go back to the train.
It is IMHO a far better visit than any other chateau in the region except Versailles -- and of course doesn't have the crowds of Versailles. Wonderful grounds designed by the man who did the Versailles gardens. https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2010/09/20/vaux-le-vicomte-our-last-chateau/
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
Totally agree with Janet. It’s one of my favorite chateaux in France. Absolutely wonderful.
We did what Andrea and Janet did to get there. Been 3 times, twice we shared a taxi with 2 other people we didn’t know who were also going, it’s easy to spot who else is waiying for a taxi. Coming back we’ve never shared. But the cost isn’t super high and it’s worth every penny. Plan a whole day there starting early, there’s so much to see and enjoy there. Bonus is they have a wonderful café with very good food.
Posted by
Jacksonville, FL
4 posts
Thanks for this info. It clears up quite a bit. Perhaps I'll get lucky and can find some other party to share the taxi ride.