Photo Béatrice

Photo Béatrice Lécuyer-Bibal Vaux-le-Vicomte, Seine-et-Marne In the TV series Versailles, it was the chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte which was featured, not the chateau of Versailles. Vaux-le-Vicomte has a more authentic interior for the days of Louis XIV. Far less crowded, elegant and exquisitely beautiful, Vaux le Vicomte was the inspiration for the Palace of Versailles and made Louis XIV mad with jealousy when he saw it. Stunning gardens and interior make this a must-see chateau. From Paris Gare de l’Est, take the train to Verneuil l’Etang train station (35 minutes) and hop on the “Châteaubus” shuttle to to the Château. There’s a lovely restaurant too. More on Vaux-le-Vicomte:

4 Chateau Visits Fontainebleau, Ile de France UNESCO listed Fontainebleau has a long and interesting history going back to the 12th century. In the middle of a forest it was originally a hunting lodge used by the French Kings. Its gold plated gates and iconic horseshoe shaped staircase (where Napoleon stood to announce his abdication in 1814) immediately alert you to the fact that this castle is special. The castle has a rather intimate feel inside despite the fact that it’s enormous, with 1500 rooms it’s one of the largest in France, Take the train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon, which takes about 40 minutes, and from there it’s a bus ride of about 15 minutes (Bus No. 1 behind the station). More on Fontainebleau: The Chateau de Fontainebleau Gardens of Fontainebleau