Fontainebleau, Chantilly, or ?

I have not visited Fontainebleau or Chantilly. However I have visited https://vaux-le-vicomte.com/en/. The chateau was the inspiration for Versailles . It is an easy day trip from Paris. We stayed for dinner and fireworks which were lovely.

Vaux le Vicomte is a great suggestion.
Otherwise, between Chantilly and Fontainebleau, my preference this year goes to Chantilly because there is some renovation work going on at Fontaineableau - the scaffolding wasn't too intrusive when I passed by last week, but it is still there.

Fontainebleau is like Versailles a royal palace, that means it’s packed with a whole lot of French history. For instance you can see Napoleon’s throne there and the little table where he signed his abdication as emperor before being exciled to Elba. So if history is of interest too I would go to there. Nevertheles the museum part of Chantilly is interesting and if you like horses there is nearby a horse museum. For the rest I like both places, every time I have that wow sensation seeing one of them, ofcourse my experience but think in this respect you can ‘t really go wrong.

As a whole package (main building + garden/park) my vote goes to Vaux-le-Vicomte too. Lesser history, but the tragic story of Nicolas Fouquet remains fascinating.

Thank you Balso for noting the renovation work and scaffolding at Fountainebleu and suggesting Chantilly.

Vaux le Victomte is IMHO the more interesting then those mentioned here
https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2010/09/20/vaux-le-vicomte-our-last-chateau/
Its gardens were designed before Versailles and by the same architect; the owner of this palace was imprisoned by Louis XIV after he saw the palace and was convinced by the conniving Colbert that he must be stealing to afford such a lavish home. The gardens are wonderful. Definitely pay the 2 Euros or whatever to go to the top of the tower -- great views.

Thanks everyone for responding! We appreciate your advice and experience. Good to know in advance about the scaffolding at Fontainbleau 😕. We’ll add Vaux le Victomte to the list. Appreciate all your help.