What better place to experience the festive ambience of Christmas than in an authentic French chateau, decked out with incredible decorations? See the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte with Expat Explore Travel with us on our Christmas tours!

The Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte is the largest private chateau in France, having served as the inspiration behind the legendary Palace of Versailles. The castle was built from 1658 to 1661 for Nicolas Fouquet, the Superintendent of Finances in France under King Louis XIV. The collaboration at the time between architect Louis Le Vau, landscape architect Andre le Notre and the painter-decoratod Charles Le Brun marked the start of the “Louis XIV style”, combining architecture, landscape design and interior design in a single project.

Lavishly decorated with stunning gilded walls, statues, tapestries and the era’s finest furnishings, Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte remains one of the most famous French chateaux; though Nicolas Fouquet didn’t live there very long. Having aroused the king’s ire with his poorly-disguised ambition and extravagant habits – which included the building of the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte – Fouquet was imprisoned in 1661 until his death in 1680.

Interesting fact: The chateau has also been used in the James Bond movie ‘Moonraker’ and Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette! Today the chateau hosts various festivals and events, including a Christmas festival!

See the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte yourself if you’re nearby in Paris, and if you’re on our 10-day Christmas & New Year tour, enjoy a visit to the chateau as one of our optional excursions!