which chateau to visit in paris area

I lived in Fountainbleau and went to the chateau several times. It is fantastic. Last May I saw the outside of Vaux le Vicomte -- it looked fantastic and interesting too, and it's on my list of things I still want to see in France. Both places are magnificent. But there is a reason Versailles is so popular -- the chateau, the grounds, fountains, queen's hamlet and the Trianons are unsurpassed. I think 2 hours minimum for Fountainbleau and Vicomte, at least half a day for Versailles.

I agree wholeheartedly with BG. My all time favorites, near Paris, are Versailles, Vaux-le-Vicomte (never crowded) and Fontainebleau. All absolutely fantastic.

Vaux le Vicomte is wonderful during their candlelight evenings...they light the gardens in the back with thousands of candles lining the walkways and the interior of the chateau as well. They have fireworks accompanied by classical music just before they close quite late at night. It's magical!
Candlelight Evenings

I hate crowds so while Versailles is magnificent, it is a slice of tourist hell. Of Fontainebleau and Vaux le Vicomte, I would choose Vaux le Vicomte for the wonderful grounds. (Versailles was build after this chateau and took inspiration from it and used the same garden architects and techniques) When we went it was very uncrowded and we spent a whole day and wished we had had more time.
you can see snapshots in my photo journal here:
http://janettravels.wordpress.com/2010/09/20/vaux-le-vicomte-our-last-chateau/
One issue is transport. Fontainebleau is easy to get to; train to Avon and then bus to the chateau. Vaux le Vicomte is trickier with train to Melun and then taxi to the chateau and then calling a taxi for return. It is however wonderful. Fontainebleau is also historically interesting and worth seeing and it has lovely grounds -- IMHO Vaux le Vicomte is the most impressive visit.

How disappointing. The candlelight evenings end the Saturday before we arrive. That sounds so nice.

I've actually decided on Fontainebleau. It looks beautiful, easy to get to and beautiful grounds. I would do Vaux but I won't be there Saturday to see the candles :(

While I am sure candles are lovely -- the beauty of Vaux le Vicomte is in the building and grounds,best observed in the day light. A candlelight evening is a nice gimmick but not IMHO the best way to experience the chateau.

I agree with Janet. I recommend visiting Vaux le Vicomte in the daytime if it's a first time visit. You will miss so much if you go at night. Since I've been a couple of times, I know I would enjoy the night time candlelight visit but I wouldn't do that the first time, and maybe only time, you go there. Vaux is amazing and each time I've been (in the height of summer) there has been very few people there. There's more than just the chateau and gardens, there's also the stables, great gift shop and the wonderful cafe with outdoor seating.
It's also where they filmed the Leonardo di Caprio movie "Man in the Iron Mask".

Probably will bite the bullet someday, but we've avoided Versailles because of the crowds. We loved Fountainebleau - it was easy to get to and we probably spent about 4 hours there.

When we went to Vaux we arrived in the mid-afternoon and then stayed into the evening - you can have it all!

OMG...you guys are confusing me now. LOL. Vaux looks beautiful from the outside but Fontainebleau looks beautiful inside and out. I am hard pressed to make a decision.

The gardens of Vaux le Vicomte are the tipping point and I thought the interior was quite splendid too -- I don't remember being more impressed with Fontainebleau -- but then I have seen a lot of chateaux and they do sort of run together after a bit. Another interesting visit is Malmaison -- and we enjoyed Rambouillet, particularly for its grounds.
But Vaux is still my favorite.

Anita, that sounds like the perfect way to do it... then you get the best of both! Were you able to have dinner at their cafe?

FYI Paris City Vision has an unguided tour that takes you to Vaux le Vicomte and Fountainbleau in one day, and seems to give you enough time in both places. This bus tour leaves from a central location on the Rue du Rivoli. I recommend it.

Susan...yes we did! It worked out perfectly.

Thanks Anita, that sounds so perfect. I'll be sure to do that next time... get there in the afternoon, have dinner there and stay until night for the candlelight tour!

BG, that sounds like a great way to do both in one day...

I think whatever your choice will be you will be impressed anyway and if you can do both that will be great.

I have visited first Fontainebleau and was very impressed and years later it was the same with Vaux le Vicomte. What directly impressed me when arriving at Vaux was that special sence of space and grandeur of the buildings in combination with the parc and gardens. The dramatic story of first owner Nicolas Fouquet makes the visit more interesting.

If you care about history than Fontainebleau has to my opinion much more to offer. If not as said earlier both places are fine, but for the looks I’m leaning more to Vaux le Vicomte if you just want to visit one place.

Hi,

First of all, you cannot go wrong with any of the three. Chances are that Versailles wil be swamped with tourists. Fontainebleau is never as swamped as is Versailles, at least I've never seen it to same. the degree. As pointed out it's easier to get to once you arrive at Avon train station, either walk the 40 mins or take the bus that stops in front of the tourist office, ie, across the street from the Chateau. If you're more interested in history, both Versailles and Fontainebleau ( regarding Napoleon) are important. I never tire of seeing Fontainebleau.

I decided on Fontainebleau. I have to give my brother from another country what he wants. He is gonna take me to the main Mosque in Paris. I am excited!!! :)

The mosque in Paris is fantastic! Be sure to have a meal there - delicious food and a wonderful cultural experience.

I recently learned about the interesting history of the mosque and plan to go there in October.