Day Trip-Vaux-le-Vicomte OR Fontainbleau??

IMHO Vaux le Vicomte by far. Their website gives the route that takes you to a station with a shuttle bus to the estate. Note that it is closed till late March if you are traveling soon.

https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2010/09/20/vaux-le-vicomte-our-last-chateau/
Fontainebleau is also historical interesting and easily reached but IMHO not as interesting a visit as Vaux le Vicomte.

We ended up doing a tour that went to both places. I like them both, but liked Vaux-le-Vicomte the best out of the two. Our tour group were practically the only people there. Found all the history there fascinating.

We did both in a day trip from Paris and found it to be quite manageable. We did take a cab to and from Vaux as we were there on a weekday and there was not a shuttle available. We did not feel as though it was a rushed trip either. I am really glad we went to see both. Especially knowing the history it is fun to compare the two. I found Vaux to be far more beautiful than Fountainbleau, the grounds were so beautiful. Before you go , I would suggest reading about the Grand Fete at Vaux... I think it took place in September 1666? May I also suggest that if you do go to Vaux that you go up to the very top of the dome. There is an extra fee (I think maybe 8 Euro? ) We thought it was money well spent as you have an amazing view of the gardens. Enjoy !

We are Doing both Chateau on Gray line in April due to the hard to reach Vaux- le -Vicomte once you get off of the train,our friendsdid this trip on Gray Line and were very happy with the time allowed to visit both sites.
Mike

Both are very attractive, but if you go for enjoying a beautiful place Vaux-le-Vicomte wins to my opinion too. For history buffs Fontainebleau remains the top destination, nevertheless the history of Vaux-le-Vicomte is also interesting.

You can easily spend a few hours in the garden of Vaux-le-Comte only, especially walking all the way to the Hercules statue at the backside of the canal for enjoying the magnificent view there. The garden is arranged in such a way that you get different perspectives like the terraces making the canal and main building visually appear and disappear depending the direction you walk. Well that’s what I experienced last September thanks to a hint of Janet.

Thanks to all who provided suggestions! Will try to make a decision today! Thanks so much!
Karen

adding to my above comment on seeing both in one day. We took the RER to Vaux from Gare de Lyon to Melun , it was only 25 minutes. From Melun station we did take a cab to Vaux and back. Then we went to Fontainebleau - Avon from Melun was only 12 min. then from Fontainebleau -Avon back to Gare de Lyon 41 min.