Vaux le vicomte worth visiting via public transport?

I thoroughly enjoyed my day there. Nice, reasonably priced restaurant (if still open). The gardens are not as elaborate as Versailles but nice. The signage for transport from the village is not well documented, so I had to ask. Once I found it - a short ride. The timetable to return was much more evident.

Hmm, interesting advice about Melun area.

Good to know.

How long is the train ride? Sounds like a big time commitment because of transit time and whatever time you spend there.

We’ve been to Vaux-le-Vicomte 3 times, we followed Rick’s instructions in his Paris guidebook on how to get there, which sounds like Ashley’s instructions.
It was easy, not any more time consuming than getting to Versailles, Monet’s Gardens, Malmaison, Fontainebleau, Chantilly, etc.
Vaux-le-Vicomte is WELL worth visiting. We absolutely love it, at any time of the day. Been there in the height of summer and it’s never been even slightly crowded. It’s one of my favorite chateaux (and I’ve been to many all over France). The chateau and the grounds are a delight.

And if you can go on one of their summer days when in the evening, they light the candles all through the gardens, it’s even more lovely.

Well as it turned out, I didn't get to go to Vaux le vicomte or Versailles either for that matter.

I was in Paris 5 nights and the weather was gray so I didn't want to visit when the gardens were not brilliant.

Vaux le Vicomte was my favorite Chateau in the Paris area and definitely worth the trip. It is also not crowded. Here was our trip:
https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2010/09/20/vaux-le-vicomte-our-last-chateau/
We went at a time when the shuttle wasn't working and had some trouble getting a cab from the station and then had to have people at the chateau call us a cab to get back to the station -- but we managed. From time to time there is a shuttle and so see if it is running when you make plans.

If you don’t visit places on a trip to Paris because it’s “gray”, you will miss a lot.

I prefer sunny exteriors.

Anyways, after Paris it was Cote d'Azur and Provence so plenty of sun, way more than I bargained for.

Gardens at Chateaux are architectural not flower gardens for the most part, so the weather doesn't matter -- you won't be seeing brilliant colors anyway.

Even sun lit shrubbery and lawns with blue skies are better than gray skies and dim greenery.

Thanks, Jane for the link to your photos of Vaux le Vicomte. My husband and I are hoping to visit for a Sat evening candlelight tour next year in May or June. We're thinking we might be able to stop overnight in Fontainebleau during our drive between Paris and the Dordogne. Better yet, 2 nights and maybe see Fontainebleau as well.

If you don’t visit places on a trip to Paris because it’s “gray”, you
will miss a lot.

Amen Susan. First, one of my favorite days in Paris was walking between sights with a new friend in the pouring rain. Secondly, from a photography standpoint, bright sunlight often washes out the wonderful colors. I always bring rain gear, and always go out regardless of the weather.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Street;_Rainy_Day

Phil, I love Caillebote and this painting.
My all time favorite painting of any artist is Caillebotte’s “Floor Scrapers.” It’s genius. When you look at the original, in person, you feel like you’re standing there in the room with them and and can hear them talking to each other.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_raboteurs_de_parquet

Susan -- this is also my favorite painting --- it is just wonderful in composition and execution. We have the wonderful Caillebotte Paris Street; Rainy Day here at the Chicago Art Institute -- truly wonderful.