Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte in 2 days
Two day trips from Paris to explore the palaces of Seine-et-Marne. On day one, visit Fontainebleau’s Renaissance interiors, courtyards and gardens; travel by train to Fontainebleau-Avon, then take a bus to the palace. On day two, discover Vaux-le-Vicomte at Maincy and its formal gardens. Plan each public transport trip separately and consult official travel options for Vaux-le-Vicomte. The 25 km shown links the estates and excludes return travel from Paris.
Suggested timings
Indicative timings for a 9:00am start by car, lunch break included. Adjust them to each site's opening hours.
- Drive23 min • 23 km
- 1
Stop 01 • Fontainebleau · Seine-et-Marne09:00 – 10:30Visit 1h30Palace of Fontainebleau
Eight centuries of royal residence, from the Renaissance to the Empire.
History & visiting tips → - 2
Stop 02 • Maincy · Seine-et-Marne10:53 – 12:23Visit 1h30Drive 23 minChâteau de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Nicolas Fouquet’s estate and its formal French gardens.
History & visiting tips →
Practical tips
Set off around 9:00am: most sites open between 9:00 and 10:00 and crowds are still light early on.
Book museums and guided tours online, especially from June to September and during school holidays.
Walking shoes, a windproof layer and water: much of the route is outdoors and often exposed.
In Paris, walk or use the metro and RER. For the palaces, check engineering works, connections and local journeys with Île-de-France Mobilités.
Book only on official websites. Times, prices, free admission and access conditions vary by landmark and date.
Versailles deserves a day; visit Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte on separate excursions to enjoy the gardens without rushing.