Virtual Tour, Christmas at a Chateau
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On the occasion of the 400th anniversary of his birth, Molière returns to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.
Starting November 19, the playwright will be at the heart of a completely renewed program that will immerse visitors in his world. To welcome this illustrious artist of the Grand Siècle, Vaux-le-Vicomte will be transformed into a Palace of the Arts.
The courtyards, the outbuildings, the castle and the French garden will welcome visitors in an enchanted world that will take them on a magical journey, with activities for young and old: workshops, shows, treasure hunts, gourmet breaks by the fire, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more.
Experience French culture
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"The Vaux-le-Vicomte en fête event has been redesigned to offer a new experience to our visitors, sharing a multitude of activities adapted to all audiences."
The Grand Entrance
As soon as guests arrive on the estate, visitors will pass through the "Artists' Entrance". This is precisely where Molière will take up residence. Visitors will receive a red cape, in a subdued atmosphere to the sound of Lully's arias, and will then pass through different spaces, in which four giant golden frames will transport them to the world of Molière from the beginning of the visit.
There will be thousands of lights throughout the property.
Unforgettable!
Good to Know!
Les Fâcheux was Molière's first comedy-ballet, commissioned by Nicolas Fouquet for the party he gave for Louis XIV's entertainment at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte in August 1661. The comedy was conceived, learned, and performed in fifteen days.
Thanks to the staging of costumes, sets and automatons, visitors will witness the creation of a play, up to a tableau vivant animated by two actors who will be busy rehearsing the famous play Les Fâcheux, created by Molière in 1661 at Vaux-le-Vicomte. You'll have to get caught up in the game and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this moment of emulation.
After this immersion, visitors will be invited to pass through the Courtyard of the crews, decorated with 60 golden and silver birches. Then the main courtyard with its avenue of 40 illuminated fir trees adorned with golden masks will offer a gentle stroll in the open air in a warm atmosphere and will allow visitors to admire the magnificent exterior decorations while listening to baroque music, all the way to the entrance of the castle for the beginning of the festivities!
Stunning video projections
Visitors will be immersed in the festivities of the 17th century during a 360° projected images on the 1000 m2 walls and dome of the Grand Salon. They will witness a spectacular reinterpretation of the Ceremony of the Turks from the Bourgeois Gentilhomme, set to music by Lully. For the occasion, the Grand Salon will be transformed into a theater for the duration of the projection, with sets of turqueries.
The terms will reinterpret the lessons of Monsieur Jourdain: songs, fencing and spelling while the dome vault will be transformed into theater boxes. On the walls of the Grand Salon, a ballet will be played on baroque tunes mixing farandoles of XVIIth century characters, music and dance! Mirror games will complete the show. The 4-minute projection will be repeated in a loop so that all visitors can enjoy it during their visit of the castle.
Inside the Château
Inside the castle, the Vaux-le-Vicomte en fête experience will take visitors into the famous inspirations of Molière, honored in the ceremonial rooms. As a starting point, the vestibule dressed with a giant silver garland, then the Grande Chambre Carrée. Our guests will be welcomed and greeted by Molière and Nicolas Fouquet, thanks to animated automatons. Once in the Muses' Room, they will have the chance to attend the famous play "L'École des Maris", with large characters in fir robes, staged in red and gold tones.
Beauvron-en-Auge
I have been to this village twice in a year, I love it that much. This is the most touristic village of the three, with tour buses crowding the public parking spot in high season. I've visited off-season both times and found the village to be quaint, quiet, and full of antique stores to discover. Beauvron-en-Auge is also on the famous Normandy cider route.
Both visits, I have booked a lunch at Le Pavé d'Auge restaurant (online reservations available). I consider both experiences one of the top culinary meals I have had in all of France.
exquisite!
In the library, it is the effervescence around the school of the women. In a golden setting, an army of little automatons are busy making the famous play. The visit continues in the King's Chamber, with this time a tribute to Lully, Molière's faithful friend and partner. In a décor of toile de Jouy, our visitors will discover the musical instruments dear to the artist.
Then, let's go to the King's Cabinet to marvel at the crib filled with little squirrels, Fouquet's emblem!
In the Buffet Room, visitors will discover the art of French-style entertaining, with a large 5-meter long table, magnificently set for a festive meal. A sublime setting with porcelain, floral art and decorations. A true magnificence of the French savoir vivre and
French know-how.
Veaux-le-Vicomte in the Château Gardens
Fun and Poetic Tours
In the gardens, visitors will be invited to take part in the Molière Trail created especially for the occasion. They will be given a booklet that will allow them to complete a fun and family-friendly tour, with a program of participatory works, games, calligraphy, a workshop on the art of fly tying and many other surprises.
During these challenges, visitors will be plunged into the year 1661, when Molière was busy preparing his comedy-ballet Les Fâcheux commissioned by Nicolas Fouquet.
They will discover the writing and staging of this great classic by Molière. Each participant's booklet will be sealed with a seal and a present will be given to all the children at the end of the play.
Gourmet Moments
Every day, the domain will offer a gourmet break by the fire. Each visitor will be given a marshmallow to roast on one of the braziers on the orangery terrace and to enjoy while listening to the famous tunes of Molière's comedies and ballads.
Carriage Rides & Costumes
An original and relaxing way to discover the French gardens of André Le Nôtre. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be offered on the estate.
(Extra charge: 6 € and 4 € for children under 10 years old).
For a total immersion, Vaux-le-Vicomte will propose costumes for rent for your visit of the castle.
Did you know?
Discover a panoramic view of the entire estate from the lantern overlooking the dome, the highest point of the castle. A breathtaking view at more than 25 m above the ground!
(3 € in addition to the entrance fee)
Dates & Details
From November 19 to December 31:
Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5:30pm (last admission)
Christmas vacations from December 17 to December 31:
Every day from 10 am to 5:30 pm (last access at the counter)
Except on December 24 and 31: from 10am to 4:45pm (closing at 5:45pm)
Closed on December 25
Ticket price for the castle and garden:
Adult rate : 21,90 € (for adults)
Reduced rate : 19,90 €
Free for children under 6 years old
Free parking
Purchase Online!
Coming Soon! VIDEO TOUR
I will be joining a press trip at the end of November and sharing an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour with my newsletter subscribers.
“Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” - Dr Seuss
