Autumn half-term 2026 at Vaux-le-Vicomte: The Carnival of the Animals and a lantern-lit exploration.

During the All Saints’ Day holidays in 2026, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is offering families a special program blending seasonal décor, activities, and a discovery tour of the estate. A family outing to plan with the kids in Seine-et-Marne.

Located less than an hour from Paris, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a true 17th-century masterpiece, is the perfect place for a family outing just outside Paris! Young visitors can discover the incredible architecture of the dome, the painted decorations by Charles Le Brun, and the immense French gardens designed by landscape gardener André Le Nôtre.

On the occasion of the vacances de la Toussaint, from October 18–31, 2026, the château offers children costumes of princesses and mousquetaires for a memorable, costumed tour, with free rental for kids. Adults who want to dress up too can do so for a few euros. Ready for a visit? Let’s go!

Throughout the year, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte organizes a variety of events to showcase its history and architecture, while inspiring us to dream. The monument is particularly famous for its candlelit evenings in summer, and its sumptuous Christmas decorations.

During the All Saints' Day vacations, the château offers a completely different atmosphere. Children and their parents are invited to take part in fun activities and tours that plunge us into a mysterious and magical atmosphere, perfect for this season!

Here’s what awaits you at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte during the All Saints’ Day holidays in 2026. Please note: online reservations are mandatory to visit the château of Vaux-le-Vicomte!

What's on the agenda:

Torchlight exploration – New for 2026

From 5 p.m., after the castle closes to visitors and falls into darkness, you’ll be greeted by our guide in the vestibule, where a cloak and a flashlight are handed to you before the tour begins.

The Carnival of the Animals
It's a disaster! All the castle’s animals have vanished, and it's up to you to track them down with the help of our performer. Stay vigilant—you’ll find them tucked away everywhere: in the paintings, frescoes, tapestries, porcelain, sculptures, statues, and more. To avoid scaring them off, you’ll need to blend in with them; so, donning a Venetian cape, the kids will surprise them by explaining why they’re there…

- Recommended for children aged 4 to 6
- 8€ per child (an accompanying adult must be present and is free) - Activity in addition to the admission ticket
- Dates and times: Wednesdays 22 and 29 October at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- In French only
- Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before your reserved slot.

The Immersive Sound Experience

As part of our permanent offering, the immersive sound tour takes visitors to the heart of History, brought to life by sound: historical figures awaken and come alive around you!

Two options are available:

- For children aged six and up: "The Fabulous Story of Vaux" featuring Jean de la Fontaine and Panache, the flying squirrel (family-friendly trail, written by Timothée de Fombelle) – available in French and English,
- For older visitors: "The Fouquet Case" (adult trail, written by Xavier Maurel) – available in French, English and German
- Headphones available at the castle entrance – included with the "Castle and Gardens" admission

Free kids’ costumes
To the delight of both young and old, you can also enjoy a complimentary vintage costume rental during your visit to the castle! A unique experience, letting you explore the castle interiors dressed as princesses and musketeers.

- No reservation required.
- Age: from 3 years old

The Sound Forest – Fables from the Hollow of the Tree

The trees of Vaux speak up. Nestled within the hollow of majestic carved cedars, listen closely and hear La Fontaine's Fables reimagined by contemporary artists. A poetic stroll that extends Vaux-le-Vicomte's artistic legacy.

A 30-minute, family-friendly hike, available during the site’s opening hours. Free to access, with no additional charge, recommended for ages 6 and up. Not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

Garden Route: The Mystery of the Iron Mask — From History to Fiction
Nestled in the Bosquet de la Patte d’Oie at Vaux-le-Vicomte, a cultural stroll invites visitors to plunge into the captivating mystery of the prisoner with the iron mask. This immersive journey guides kids and adults alike through a vaulted 17th-century underground passage and beyond to springs hidden deep in the forest. At every stop, immersive setups illustrate the many theories about the enigmatic prisoner’s identity. As you move forward, a sequence of scenes unfolds, drawing you gradually toward the final revelation. Was he the Sun King’s secret brother? Fouquet himself? A troublesome witness? Bring family or friends and treat yourselves to a fresh perspective on the estate’s history!

What better way to experience the history of this very special château than by taking a stroll? So, shall we go?