Must decide between Versailles and Vaux le Vicomte

I think Versailles will be easier to get to, but not that Vaux le-Vicomte is very difficult.

Do you have some specific interests. I would add that perhaps consider Chantilly, it is not all filled with furniture ,, a few pieces yes,, but an amazing onsite collection of paintings, by masters, which few people realize. I went in August last year and it was a treat to have entire rooms to oneself expcept perhaps one or two other couples, as opposed to Versailles where you are breathing each others breathes,, yikes.
The Gardens and grounds are lovely, smaller , but also a tiny " village" of old timmbered houses to see( ok not so much a village as 3 or 4 houses)but also an outdoor cafe that serves,, Of course, Chantilly cream and strawberries!
If you like horses there is a wonderful museum right down the road, and the Royal Stables, which are definately worth seeing!!
One train, from Gare du Nord and 30 minutes and you are there.

Should add they have a good website with english, just google " Chateau Chantilly"

I love both Versailles and Vaux le Vicomte equally but since you both have been to Versailles, I would recommend Vaux le Vicomte. It's wonderful! We've been there 3 times and there were so few people there each time that that was a treat in itself. Going to V le V by taxi from the station and back was easy. We went to Chantilly once and did not care for it. Found it boring. It's small and the grounds are nothing impressive. It was easy taking a taxi there from the station, but getting one back was awful. We had to wait for over an hour, outside in the sun in 110 degree heat. Not a fond memory.

110 degree heat, wow, that is unusaul.

I meant to say 100 degrees.

Not sure about this but the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles is undergoing renovation and visiting that hall may have limitations. If you opt for Vaux-le-Comte you can also visit Fountainbleau. There will be a shuttle between the two in June. We went in October after the shuttle no longer ran and had to use taxi--expensive but worth it. Vaux is very interesting and you can enjoy the gardens there in June.

The Hall of Mirrors is done.

Many thanks for all of the replies. Vaux le Vicomte it is. We have a car so we will probaly take in Fountainbleau as well. Then we drive to Chartres. What an experience awaits us.

Thanks again!

If you can, go to Vaux-le-Vicomte in the late afternoon/early evening on a Saturday. Why so specific? In the summer the entire chateau and its gardens are lit up with candlelight. It was, quite frankly, one of the most spine-chilling experiences I've ever had, and truly one of the most memorable visits. Beat Versailles hands down, which IS a must-see, but you've already done it, albeit a while ago!

This is a photo my husband took of it, lit up by the candles : http://www.flickr.com/photos/69315627@N00/1241827822/
And a friend and I talk about our visit on our podcast about expat life in France :
http://www.katiaandkyliemac.com/archive/kk_episode_74_the_one_where_th.php

Everyone has helped to decide to visit Vaux le Vicomte. This does bring up another question... We would like to drive to Vaux on a Friday morning, then on to Chartres before arriving in Amboise. Would we have time to see a chateau before we arrive in Amboise? Or should we pass Vaux as the Loirre Valley Chateaus are equally as impressive.

Me personally. I would not pass up Vaux. It is the perfect chateau experience IMO. I love many chateaux in the Loire (Chenonceau is my favorite) but none more than Vaux. I also think Vaux deserves at least 2-3 hrs minimum to enjoy. After Vaux, depending on how long you spend at Chartres you could have time for another chateau (you mentioned Fontainebleau) but I think that's a lot in one day. It is do-able, but it'll be more rushed and for me, less enjoyable. I'm the kind of person that would rather see and enjoy 1 or 2 sights in a day rather than rush through 3 or more sights. Everyone is different though. I'm wondering how long you'll be in Amboise, the town itself, because the chateau there is interesting (you could do it in less than 1 hr), then there's Leonardo de Vinci's house which we loved and then best of all for us, was slowly walking all over the residential part of town which most tourist's never take the time to do. Amboise is charming & beautiful.

Thank you Susan for your comments. We will leave Friday morning (June 6)and arrive when Vaux opens at 10:00. Tour until around 13:00 and after a bite drive to Chartres. We should arrive in Chartres around 15:00. Visit Chartres until 18:00 and drive to Amboise. We should arrive in Amboise around 20:30. After I read my notes, it is obvious that we will have not time for any more chateau visits in Amboise. We will stay in Amboise for two nights so we should be able to visit at least three chateaus before we take off for Brittany.

Thank you to all of my fellow travelers for your input.

The planning of a trip is crucial to a great time so I do appreciate all of the help from those who can contribute to the experience..

I think your plan is perfect! Vaux has a wonderful cafe/restaurant with great food which I highly recommend, and a really nice area to sit and eat outside. I hope you have a really great time!

I will be in Paris in January and am wondering if anyone has visited Vaux in the winter. I see from their website that it will be open and decorated for Christmas, which sounds great, but as the website seems to emphasize activities for children I'm wondering if it will be overrun with kids. And obviously, the grounds won't be as splendid at that time of year. Is it worth visiting?

I would Love to visit Vaux in the winter!! Maybe you could go on a weekday when kids are still in school?