Issue No. 21

In 1661, the famous French writer and poet
Jean de la Fontaine wrote of Vaux-le-
Vicomte:
The stage was set with green so lush,
and by a hundred torches lit;
Once curtain raised, all Vaux was
hushed,
All strove to please this King of ours:
Music, cascades, lanterns and stars…
More than 350 years later, de la Fontaine
would certainly recognise the castle and
his description would be unchanged other
than that it is not a King who will thrill to
the sight but visitors who will relish the
music, cascades, lanterns and stars on
show at Vaux at Christmas.
Just 35 minutes by train from Gare de l'Est
in the centre of Paris brings you to Maincy
where a shuttle bus whisks you to the
historic 17th century Chateau of Vaux-le-
Vicomte. At Christmas it takes on an extra
layer of glitter and air of enchantment
when rooms are decorated with thousands
of lights, garlands and baubles and this
captivating castle presents a unique festive
show.
"Sparkles, twinkles... the smell
of Christmas spices..."
Sparkles, twinkles, the smell of Christmas
spices and chocolate, traditional carol
songs and glowing lights. But this is no
Disney castle, Vaux-le-Vicomtes Christmas
coat is traditional, classic and just a little
kitsch as the best Christmas’s should be.
Rooms are adorned with lights, Christmas
trees and vintage toys, scented with
cinnamon and chocolate, spices and sweet
smells. It’s a unique presentation of
Christmas in an incredible setting.
As you walk up the path to the chateau, it’s
a wow moment. Glittering Christmas trees
line the route, the castle is festooned with
giant festive bows and two huge toy
soldiers stand either side of the door that
leads into the largest private domaine in
France.
50 years of visitors
Incredibly the chateau was a wedding
present to the current resident, 90 year old
Count Patrice de Voguë in 1967. He has
made it his life’s work to protect the castle
for future generations. A chateau of this
size isn’t easy or cheap to maintain, so he
opened the doors to the public in 1968,
inspired by the British National Trust (which
is entrusted with opening buildings of
major interest to the public), and in
particular by Highgrove house, home to
Prince Charles.
The Count's son Alexandre, who together
with his brothers Ascanio and Jean-Charles
now runs the estate, says that his father
began the Christmas at the Chateau event
12 years ago, again inspired by Highgrove
House. The event has become more and
more popular over the years, and in 2017
more than 67,000 visitors headed to Vaux-
Le-Vicomte to enjoy the Christmas fun.
What began as just a weekend event
attracts so many visitors that the castle is
now open from Wednesday to Sunday (until
23 December) and daily until 6 January
(excluding Christmas day and New Year’s
Day).
Click to read about the etraordinary history of Vaux-le-Vicomte