The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte opens its doors for Heritage Days 2026.

Take advantage of this new edition of Heritage Days to visit the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. On 19 and 20 September 2026, the monument will present a very special program...

During the winter holiday season, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte captivates us with its spectacular festive settings. In warmer weather, it’s the candlelit evenings that enchant visitors. And in autumn, the château offers yet another rendezvous, a well-known favorite among culture lovers...

The Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle is taking part in this new edition of the Heritage Days. On 19 and 20 September 2026, seize the opportunity to visit this château, built for Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s master of finances. The statesman wanted a palace worthy of his wealth and rank... to the point that the Sun King would reportedly have felt humbled by a palace so grand!

Centuries later, today’s visitors can admire a restored and furnished castle, rich in history, as well as gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, adorned with flower beds, fountains and statues. So seize Heritage Days to visit this important castle in Seine-et-Marne!

Please note that admission to the castle remains payable during this Heritage Days weekend, and some activities are also charged.

What’s on for this European Heritage Days at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte:

Workshop - The fountain-maker's craft
How the fountains and the hydraulic system at Vaux-le-Vicomte operate? Alongside Luc Renault, the estate’s head fountain keeper, unlock the secrets of this technical feat. Enjoy two privileged days of exchange, during which he will showcase his tools and genuine pieces of fountain craftsmanship. The ideal chance to go behind the scenes of “Retour aux Sources,” the major restoration project reviving the château’s basins.
Participation conditions: The workshop is included in the domain’s admission price — access with either a Château & Gardens ticket or a Gardens-only ticket — no advance reservation required.
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Workshop - At Vaux Grenouilles
Let your imagination run wild at this papier-mâché craft workshop. Create your very own little frog inspired by Vaux-le-Vicomte and take your creation home as a keepsake from the day.
Participation terms: Limited to 20 participants per workshop. The workshop is included in the castle admission. Access is available with either a Castle & Gardens ticket or a Gardens-only ticket — reservation is mandatory — https://association-les-amis-de-vaux-le-vicomte-wxwmzn4dnw9cj.assoconnect.com/collect/description/710545-h-les-journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-a-vaux-le-vicomte
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:30–12:20, 13:30–14:20, 14:30–15:20, 15:30–16:20 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:30–12:20, 13:30–14:20, 14:30–15:20, 15:30–16:20
Guided Tour - The Curator's Secret
Heritage continues to thrive today thanks to unique trades and know-how. Alongside Julie Defretin, conservator at Vaux-le-Vicomte, meet the professionals who safeguard our history and protect it. You’ll also have the chance to trace Vaux-le-Vicomte’s evolution through two centuries of photographs.
Participation conditions: Limited to 25 people per tour slot. The workshop is included in the domain’s entry price. Access is only with a Castle & Garden ticket. Reservations required - https://association-les-amis-de-vaux-le-vicomte-wxwmzn4dnw9cj.assoconnect.com/collect/description/710545-h-les-journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-a-vaux-le-vicomte
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:30–12:20, 14:30–15:20 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:30–12:20, 14:30–15:20
Guided Tour – Managing a Historic Garden
Join Sébastien Gégout, the château’s deputy head gardener, for a tour of a garden designed by André Le Nôtre. From its landscape layout to its famed perspective, you’ll discover how Vaux-le-Vicomte was conceived, along with the influences and philosophy of 17th-century gardens. Finally, dive into today’s challenges to learn how the grounds are maintained amid current constraints.
Participation conditions: Full price: €18; Reduced: €14.50; Family rate: €59; Garden only: €13.50. The visit is included with the admission. Accessible with a Castle and Gardens ticket or with Garden-only access. Limited to 25 people per time slot. — Reservation required — https://association-les-amis-de-vaux-le-vicomte-wxwmzn4dnw9cj.assoconnect.com/collect/description/710545-h-les-journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-a-vaux-le-vicomte
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 12:30 PM–1:20 PM, 3:30 PM–4:20 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 12:30 PM–1:20 PM, 3:30 PM–4:20 PM
The Evolution of Vaux-le-Vicomte: Trades and Techniques Through History
Heritage remains vibrant today thanks to unique trades and know‑how. Discover how Vaux-le-Vicomte and its artisans have evolved—from the creation of the hydraulic system in the 17th century to the current shifts in the profession in response to water challenges. A rare interview with Frédéric Sichet, a landscape architect, to understand how history is adapting to the issues of our century.
Participation conditions: Full price: €18; Reduced price: €14.50; Family rate: €59; Garden only: €13.50. Limited to 25 people per timeslot. Workshop free, included in the castle admission. - Booking required | Special rate - https://association-les-amis-de-vaux-le-vicomte-wxwmzn4dnw9cj.assoconnect.com/collect/description/710545-h-les-journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-a-vaux-le-vicomte
Times: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 13:30–14:20, 16:30–17:20
Conference – The Heritage of a Castle
Meet Alexandre de Vogüé, co-owner of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, during the European Heritage Days.

Enjoy an intimate conversation with the stewards of the Vaux-le-Vicomte estate and the duties that come with its guardianship. Hear firsthand about the realities and pressures of preserving endangered heritage and the colossal efforts needed to safeguard it today. A dialogue that peels back the curtain on the transmission and survival of this masterpiece.
Participation conditions: The conference is included with the admission ticket. Access is only with a Château & Garden ticket. Limited seating, booking essential. - Booking required - https://association-les-amis-de-vaux-le-vicomte-wxwmzn4dnw9cj.assoconnect.com/collect/description/710545-h-les-journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-a-vaux-le-vicomte
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

Don’t stop there: many castles are throwing open their doors to visitors this weekend. Take the chance to see as many monuments as you can in just two days!

Heritage Days 2026 at the castles of Seine-et-Marne (77), visits on the program
The Heritage Days also invite you to discover the region’s castles. In Seine-et-Marne, a rich program awaits in these royal residences: explore suggested outings for this weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]