Night Biking and Candlelight at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

We visited the Château during our weekend away in Barbizon (link here to our previous post on Biking to Barbizon). We pedaled from our Airbnb house to the Château and back. Not a lengthy ride, mostly flat terrain—easy if you're staying in Barbizon and want to visit the Château. By day, our journey was a breeze, but our return journey post-sunset ventured into the realm of dimly lit roads. Note: pack your lights for the return leg—it got a little questionable for me, especially when cars would pass. But Aaron is a seasoned night rider, equipped with all the safety gear. Here is a link to our route.

Truth be told, neither Aaron nor I are history buffs. While we appreciate historical significance shaping the world, we're more "vibe seekers" than history aficionados. Yet, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte surprised us with its intriguing past. Constructed in the 17th century by Nicolas Fouquet, a man of finance in Louis XIV's court, the estate's opulence irked the king, leading to Fouquet's life imprisonment over allegations of pilfering monarchy funds. Despite this, the estate remained in the family's hands and stands today as one of the few privately owned Châteaus by a French family.

Château Gardens

The vibes here are immaculate! The estate, a visual delight inside out, might not match Versailles in size but competes in allure. It boasts lesser fame than Versailles, offering a quieter ambiance without the overly long queues. The pièce de résistance? A candlelit evening tour every Saturday during warmer months. They light over 2,000 candles around the estate where you can then wander the gardens, have a drink, or even bring your own picnic for the lawn across the way. Encircled by a moat, the scenery is simply breathtaking. You're allowed to take a picnic bag of food inside with you when you tour. Then, when you walk out to the expansive gardens, you'll see the lawn across the water where you can walk to (or use a golf cart). A sunset picnic amidst flickering candlelight awaits, topped off with a fireworks display. The audio guide and Château tour felt more like a storytelling session than a history lesson, making it engaging and unforgettable.