Top 5 Castles to Visit near Paris (incl. Versailles)
Includes Versailles, Fontainebleau, Chantilly, Vaux-Le-Vicomte and Pierrefond.
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=== OFFICIAL WEBSITES ===
📍 Château de Chantilly
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📍 Château de Fontainebleau
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📍 Château de Pierrefonds
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📍 Château de Versailles
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📍Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte
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=== GROUP TOUR OPTIONS ===
🎟 Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux Day Tour from Paris
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🎟 Chateau of Chantilly: Skip-the-Line Ticket
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=== TIMESTAMPS ===
00:00 Intro
00:48 Chantilly Castle
03:54 How to Get to Chantilly Castle from Paris
04:42 Fontainbleau Castle
07:13 Auberge à la bonne idée (Michelin 1 Macaron)
08:51 Pierrefond Medieval Castle
11:24 Vaux-Le-Vicomte Castle
15:19 Versailles Castle
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==== CREDITS ====
🎬 Credits:
(in order of appearance)
Antoine Dupont - Marketing, Public Speaker & filmmaker newbie
Colleen Dupont - Branding, Identity Coach & cooking enthusiast
Filmed with a Canon 70D, Samsung Galaxy S21FE & Parrot Anafi Drone
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I love how you guys always highlight everything by giving tons of options that many travel bloggers tend to miss or skip. Ya'll are like a three course dinner while everyone else is fast food.
Well said!
Love this!
So glad you highlighted Fontainebleau. I lived there, just a block away from the chateau itself, for close to 2 years. One thing I like about it is that it is fully furnished with furniture, etc., and gives you a clear view of how they would have lived there (at least through the Napoleon III period). The other big chateaux, like Versailles, are not as fully furnished out, and can seem a bit empty. The collection of tableware there, especially the porcelain and silver are incredible.
You deserve 1M+ subscribers, I really love your videos!
Well said!
Les Frenchies never disappoint! Great tips on castles that people might now consider but are top of the list as opposed to crowds of Versailles! We look forward to your next adventure!!
Chantilly Castle, OMG the gallery with all those gorgeous classical paintings is already worth a visit.
Thank you Antoine and Collen for all the great tips you provide on your channel! We just got back from a two week trip to Paris and your tips proved invaluable in hitting the ground running, so to speak! We too went to Fontainebleau and found the following information useful, and maybe to your viewers also. How to get there by train: Take the train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon station. Train tickets cannot be purchased online yet, but can be acquired in advance from any Paris Metro Service desk, not just from Gare de Lyon itself! Tickets are NOT date or time specific, but for any day and time. However when purchasing tickets the trip leg must be specified. Cost: 5 Euro per trip per adult. At Gare de Lyon the ticket for the trip segment must be validated before boarding (as mentioned by Colleen). The back side of the ticket has the date and time stamp once validated. Keep your ticket! You will also need it at the exit turnstile at Fontainebleau-Avon. Getting from Fontainebleau-Avon station to the chateau: Three methods available. Walking (about 35 minutes), but honestly it's quite a hike. Next taxi, which is right at the station exit. Finally the #1 Fontainebleau bus (at 2.10 Euro), also right at the station exit. We took the bus. Not sure but we saw local passengers use a Navigo card for their ride, yours may also work if you have one for Paris Metro as it's the same fare. Otherwise get tickets from a vending machine or the Service desk. Remember to also purchase a return bus ticket! If taking the bus, get off at stop "Chateau", cross the street and head for the "Jardin de Diane" entrance. Main entrance is a short walk away. Coming back: Exit the chateau via the same way entered the gardens, stay of the same side of the street and go to the bus stop "Hotel de Ville". Take the #1 bus straight to the station. Here use the return train ticket on the entry turnstile, which will also validate it. No need to use the ticket at Gare de Lyon when exiting (but keep for proof-of-purchase, if requested). Travel time to-from the train stations is about 40 minutes and is an enjoyable part of the adventure! We did it! Fontainebleau is definitely worth it! And a LOT less busy than the 'other' chateau!
Another EXCELLENT informative video! 👏👏👏 Thank you so much, Colleen and Antoine! Since Versailles is on everyone’s list, could you do a video on where to eat in the area before/ after visiting the palace? I’m sure there are a lot of overpriced tourist traps, and I would love some guidance on where to go for a good, but reasonably priced meal. Thanks in advance.
I’ve been to Versailles twice and what I was most moved by were the gardens! I kept gazing for as far as I could see thinking of the beauty someone created that still exists. Next time I will do a tour of Vaux le Vicomte. I really enjoyed the story you provided about the castle’s owner. Side note, that meal looked extraordinary from beginning to end! 💃🏽
They are right. Vaux le vicomte still belongs to a family so it is not so touristic compared to versailles. But it is not close to Paris. My husband went to one of their candle suppers ,he was delighted but they all came back to Paris with a chartered bus !
Amazing! I am a Canadian who just relocated to Paris with my new Job and your videos have been a great way to discover and plan which attractions and hidden gems to explore in this amazing city, which can be confusing and overwhelming at times.
Wow! These are truly places to visit. Thank you so much for this video. Amen
@@LesFrenchiesTravel I enjoyed this so much. Thank you again and I have you on notification each time you guys come on. Amen
Thanks for sharing this absolutely wonderful video n for d tour around 5 castles near Paris. Truly magnificent heritage of France.
@@LesFrenchiesTravel Merci beaucoup. 🙂
Visiting the château de Fontainebleau, also take one hour to walk in the gorges de Franchard in the forest (+/- 4 miles from the city).
Merci les Frenchies ! J'irai probablement jamais, donc merci de m'avoir fait visiter ces merveilleux châteaux 💛
Another amazing video and wonderful tip. I’ve been to 3 chateaus-Versailles, Fountainbleau and Vaux el Vicomte and they’re all stunning and beautiful. I’m planning to visit Chantilly this December. First time I’ve heard of Pierreford castle and I will definitely check this out and so is the restaurant -Auberge a la bonne Idee. The food looks amazing. Thank you again for the lovely video. I always look forward with your video. I’m going to South of France, too. Hopefully you will have a video of South of France.
Thanks for sharing all the highlights of Paris. I could never stop watching your videos. I find it very interesting, informative and helpful. The castles are beautiful and breathtaking. God bless you both!!!🙏💖🙏💖
Most places are accessible by train. Most of us do not rent car$ or hire private driver$ in a foreign country. It would be really helpful to explain how to get to all your destinations (including Normandy) on public transportation. It is actually quite easy and much kinder on the budget. Please consider taking trains like the vast majority of us do.
Last time we went to Paris, we visited Pierrefond. This is where our teenage daughters wanted to visit, one of their favorite shows “Merlin” was filmed there. Beautiful!
Bonjour!! Thanks for this amazing video. As always, an amazing and beautiful editing work!! Merci beaucoup. Odalis from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
Vaux Le Vicomte looks lovely and a much better experience being less crowded. Thanks for this comparison video. Very Helpful!
Vaux Le Vicomte looks like a castle that would be nice to experience. I have never been one to seek out the opulence of the high life. We purposely did not book time at Versailles when we visited France previously, because the crowds were not worth the highlights for us. Our heritage in North America is rooted in the Acadian culture of the 1750’s. I saw however a comment enquiring about some afternoon boat canal trips and that sounded absolutely wonderful. I do hope to perhaps see a video about this feature. Thank You by the way for all your work and travel and arrangements prior to videoing and all the smooth editing after your many days touring. Your work is so much appreciated because you take us along with you thru out your beautiful country. A very sincere thank you for allowing us to see and appreciate all the lovely historic and natural beauty of Paris and France.🍷
This is absolutely beautiful makes me want to go back such a great video thank you !!!!!!
Great video guys! The food at that restaurant looked awesome! I look forward to anything new you both put out!
When I was in France, because I could understand French pretty well, I'd get the French speaking tour. The french-speaking guides were marvelous., poetry, history. My husband and kids got he English tour. Since I wasn't doing the English version I always wondered how good that was. It helps to know the language.
Thank you for the time and effort you put into your videos. Its very much appreciated. I am planning my trip as I watch this. 😊
thank you for yet another informative video. will definitely be checking some out next month.
Outstanding! Can't wait to visit. I really enjoy the production value of your videos.
Incredible video guide! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Another very informative video - thank you.
Another absolutely fantastic video! So good. So enjoyable. So informative. Thank you! We will take you up on these tips. 😀🍷
Another great royal castle near Paris is Saint Germain en Laye (west). It's also the national archeology museum. And don't forget Vincennes, very near of Paris in the East, a gigantic medieval royal castle.
The Chateau de Vincennes is the final station of the metro line No 1
Got your travel guide, great information and tips. Love the videos. Off to Paris April '23.
Thank you for sharing your trip there in Paris..
The 1 o clock tip for Versailles was an eye opener. Thanks 👍
Ooh, the frenchies on Castle Tour,perfect...😀👍
Your content is always on point. The KZhead community is so grateful 😊🙏
Just lovely!
It's truly magnificent and breathtaking. The landscaping is gorgeous.
Great information and great video- I’m so happy I found your channel. My husband needs to travel for work twice a year to Paris and Italy. On his next trip I will go with him and your channel is the best ,so grateful. Muchas gracias!
Love your videos! Informative, interesting, and love how you two maintain our attention throughout the video! Tres magnifique! 🍀👋🏼🤓
You guys are amazing. One stop shop for Paris travel tips. I’m coming back to Paris for the 3rd time next month!
I just got my copy of your guide! The restaurant tips are alone worth it ❤️😊
I adore the parks de Sceaux, stunning walks that last forever, great outdoor cafe and 10 minutes off the RER!
Me and my fiancé love your guy's videos! such great tips and were taking a lot of notes for or honeymoon this October! We even downloaded your guide! we are very excited to try the places you guys recommend.
De nouveau merci pour ces belles visites, à bientôt .
We will be visiting Paris & Versailles next week for the 1st time can’t wait!!
This video needed to be wayyyyy longer. Like a video for each castle!! 😂
Again, excellent video. Always love your enthusiasm. The options you give are incredible. I think everyone needs to do Versailles at least once and make it a day. Try to forget the crowds and enjoy the experience but I like how you mentioned the gardens. Have lunch in the city or in the gardens. One of my favorite days in Paris was Versailles, renting bikes through the garden enjoying ice cream .
Can you guys do a Video on Canal Tours? I love the afternoon one from La Villiette to Musee d'Orsay. The afternoon lights through the canals and even the grotto like underpasses. It's a fairy tale like feeling. But there must be so many more boatride opportunities I don't know about. Watching you guys figuring this one out will be a great assist for my next stay. Thanks for your efforts and hard work!
Is it not a barge trip ??so different from a boat !
I'm French and I'm living just at 10 minutes away from pierrefonds if you are a castle fan and going to pierrefonds just stop by Compiègne just before going to pierrefonds there is also a beautiful castle one of the favorites ones of French kings to go hunting in the tremendous forest that we have you can visit the castle walk in the forest visit beautiful churches that we have there is also not so far from Compiègne if you're a fan of history there is the exact place where the 1918 armistice was signed really if you have few days free and your in Paris come here at Compiègne it's a beautiful small town of around 50,000 inhabitants you can get there by train directly from Paris in 40minutes and you would have the chance to discover another city outside of Paris where people are so much more friendly than in Paris and moreover if you are coming in December there is a beautiful little Christmas market and beautiful Christmas lights all over the city
Really enjoyed this. Beautiful castles.
They are so delightful ♡
Another great video!
I was just looking into these. Thanks.
Amazing! Thank yoooooooooou!!!!!!!!!
Bonjour guys. Thank you for this video! Been to Versalle ( mind blowing)…. Going to Fountain Bleu in September, maybe will squire few more in my trip.
Lovely post, Fontainebleau was also one of Napoleon's residence. As a child I loved La forêt de Fontainebleau. Going to these castles you get to drive through the beautiful French countryside too.
Your videography shows off Fontainebleau better than what I remember seeing in a visit six years ago! I’ll be getting your guide for its info and to support your work.
Great resource!
Ahhh! Went to Versailles, Fountainbleu, Chantilly and Chambord. Would love to see the other two that you recommended. They are all different.
These videos are great. We are visiting Paris next year.
another great video!
I just came back from Paris and did go to Chantilly to see the Domaine there and it was wonderful! I would say though that instead of cutting through the trees and therefore approach the estate from the back, I would just walk straight through the town in order to see the shops and regular culture in this city. I am pretty fit and I have to say that the walk was not just 15 minutes but more 25 to 30 and it is really long! I would recommend that one use a taxi if one has mobility issues.
Bjr, la marche c'est bon pour la santé votre ❤️/tension artérielle vous dira merci.
Lovely couple!
Chantilly is really cool. Usually really quiet and not too many people. And the park is great for a walk along the canaux or in the woods. In addition to these 5 castles, a little further from Paris you also have the many Châteaux de la Loire!
I love this couple ❤️❤️
Enjoy the good life!!! That's the way to do it. 😍🤩
Great video. You two have been a wonderful find for our upcoming trip to Paris in September. Can you share more information on what looks to be a swissgear sling bag you are wearing in this video?
I miss le Chateau d'Ecouen ( le Musee nationale de la Renaissance) and le Chateau de Malmaison (the residence of Napoleons first wife, Empress Josephine de Beauharnais)
Love you guys! I have not been at Pierrefods.
Loved this vlog! It triggered so many happy memories!! I am lucky, we have been to all, with the added bonus of enjoying Versailles many, many times in the off season when visiting family... Pretty sure I would hate it in full season... Oy, the crowds and the buses : / ... Chantilly definitely got the lion's share of paintings and decorative arts... Have you been to Chateau de Vincennes? It is just outside of Paris. So close we walked back to the Marais after a visit! Seriously under rated chateau with a spectacular history. Definitely for hard core chateau fans and lovers of medieval architecture, not meublé, but interesting just the same. And then there is Malmaison... *sigh*, the roses... I just got back from France and you make me miss it so much!!!
@@LesFrenchiesTravel Oh if you are freakily obsessed with Richard the Lion Heart there's Chateau Gaillard!! It is somewhat close to Paris... It is stunning. A total ruin but beautiful. And then there is Chalus! Last year I just found out after 35 years that Chateau de Talmont, in la Vendee, where we have a beach house was also a R the LH chateau... (head smack) There is a whole route of his fortresses, actually... But the real prize for castles and fortress lovers are the strongholds of the Cathars... Go south to visit the Cathar strongholds!!! Go to the less visited ones. Spoooooooky!!
Good to know about the 13:00 hour ticket at versaille. Whe are planning to visit it next week. Thanks for the tip!
I agree, great tip!
@@LesFrenchiesTravel is the ticket time to enter the castle itself or does it include the grounds?
Oh the main staircase of Fontainebleau looks amazing after the restoration!
Don't think I've been to Pierrefonds, but have certainly seen the others. All well worth a visit imo.
Would you recommend starting at the rear of Versailles, at the Trianons, working through the gardens, then entering the palace at 13:00?
Truly enjoying a Michelin Meal is something special indeed.
Great Video, thank you for all good information, Versailes Next to my trip on November, could you make video or inform also how to go to Le Moint St Michel from Paris using Public Transportation? Merci
I feel like I'm there with you and your husband. What a beautiful scenery.
Hi...Hello... Bonjour.... Muita alegria em ter a oportunidade de conhecermos vocês pessoalmente.... foi no dia 10/10 na Estação de Chantilly. Eu, Roberto e a pequena Ruth. Realmente o Chateau des Chantilly é uma riqueza!!!
Colleen I love your sunglasses 🕶, I have a pair myself. All of these chateau are free if you get the Paris Museum Pass. We have only gone to Versailles I really recommend buying The Royal Serenade it’s really nice experience and if you go to Versailles in the RER C look up for the one that says VICK end on Versailles.
Thanks for redirecting me here when I asked about Versailles this was helpful and I only have time to visit Versailles but the others looks beautiful!!! Colleen I love that white scarf 😍 where did you get it ?
I would love to do something like this if it was accessible.
Gorgeous castles!!! I've only been to Versailles. Next time i choose an other! Do you know if they are accessible for wheelchairs? At least some parts? Thank you for creating this video, beautiful to watch!!
Greetings. Thank you for your work and effort in developing such a helpful video. Can you please provide the link to private drivers? I do not see it in the description. On another note, I'm going to a music festival at the Chateau Chantilly. Should I stay in that area, or is there another area you'd kindly recommend? Please advise, and Thank you!
I visited the Château de Versailles but couldn’t visit the gardens, it was doing 38.3° on that day, I also visited the Château de Pierrefonds, it’s impressive from the outside
Très beaux châteaux!❤(Osvaldo Cruz-SP-Brasil)
Oui!
Very interesting, I've learn so much! like St-Michel slain the Dragon I thought it was St-George but there is another one! Thanks
@@LesFrenchiesTravel Merci and your french is very good
On a much smaller scale but very cute 18th century castle/palace is Champs sur Marne mid way between the Champs sur Marne and Noisiel RER A stations. French President used to welcome foreign chiefs of state there. It's an adorable little palace. If Napoléon is your cup of Tea, visit the Château de Malmaison, in Rueil, West of Paris via RER A and a bus. (may be tram one day but not before two decades I'm afraid) Pierrefond was one of Viollet le Duc restaurations projects of a life time like Notre Dame. It also served as inspiration for the Disney castle ! About Medieval castles near Paris, there is obviously Château de Vincennes, the highest Keep in Europe still standing. Its History is rich during the Hundred Years War when TWO kings were ruling from it, Henry Vth of England and Charles VIth the Crazy. Henry Vth died there and his corpse went under the Moist Totonicum ritual to cook his body in vinager and oil to separate flesh from bone in order to transport the remains back to England while avoiding putrefaction.
Nice 👍
I’ve watched most of your videos and the information has been amazing to plan my next trip to Paris and have options of places where to go outside of it! I’m going with my mom and I’d love to invite her to a nice Michelin star that is about the price per person you’re showing on this! It would be great if you could make a video of your experiences at Michelin stars in and out of Paris. I’ve also heard that there are plenty of restaurants competing for a Michelin star (therefore amazing food) but affordable before they get the recognition, is there a list of places a website where to find them? Merci beaucoupe
Thanks for the 1300 tip!
ممنون
Great info. Going to do Versailles for sure and maybe that one that was 25 min away. For Versailles....can you just do the garden first at like 10 and do the palace at 1? To be in accordance with your tip of going at 1. Or us it that you can't get into even the gardens if your ticket isn't till 1?
Do you have any videos of Chambord? I am trying to decide if I should go there, or Fountainebleau. Your videos are so helpful and informative! Thank you!
Chambord is not in the Paris region, it's near Blois and is part of the Loire valley castles. Best solution is to make a several days trip to the Loire valley visiting seceral different castles, tasting Loire valley wines ...
If you like I can make you visit two forest near fontainebleau: the first is Barbizon with a great small city close to the forest, it's beautiful, it's lot of rocks and hills with stairs made of wood, the second is les sables du cul du chien which is a huge place with lot of sand like a huge beach in the middle of the forest! it could permit you to create a video.
Could you please do a guide to clothes shopping in Paris on a budget, please.
Is the fountain show at Vaux Le Vicomte during the summer on Saturday evening really good? I got a choice of going there in a private car driven by a relative but on a weekday only so no fountain show, or by public transport on Saturday when relative can’t drive me. I’m not adverse to public transport if it’s really worth catching the fountain show.
Do you have a recommendation for private day tours to the Loire Valley Castles? Thinking Amboise, Chenenceau, and Chambord. visiting in September! thanks!
Yes, right here 👉lesfrenchiestravel.com/recommended-vip-day-trips/
Just wanted to say thank you for the quick response! I love your channel! Planning a girls 50th trip, and this will be my 4th trip to Paris. Thank you for all the knowledge and fun tips you share. You are living the dream! I admire you both! God Bless! I will be in touch!
Do you guys wait for the perfect weather before shooting a video or is the weather always that sunny? I’ve watched several of your videos and the sky is always that slightly cloudy sunny bright blue.
Versailles looks packed. Is this a weekend or is it the same for the weekdays?
18:00 you can also have breakfast or lunch at the Ore - Ducasse au château de Versailles (reservations only during high season) and pay extra €20 per person to skip the line
What month was this filmed? Thank you.
Great Video! Awesome tips... but I'm sure now 1 p.m. will be the new 9 a.m. not that you've advertised it. 😂...
@@LesFrenchiesTravel I meant Versailles... haha since you said go at 1 not 9 a.m.