3CHÂTEAU DE VAUX-LE-VICOMTE Nicolas Fouquet (1615-1680) is the tragic figure connected to this site.He com- missioned the most important artists of the day (Le Nôtre, Le Vau and Le Brun) to construct this17th-century masterpiece and its superb garden. For a truly memo- rable experience, take the candlelit visit on Saturday evenings (May to Oct). 77950 Maincy.From Gare de l’Est to Gare de Verneuil l’Étang, then the shuttle bus Châteaubus. 01 64 14 41 90.Days and CHÂTEAU opening times vary, contact the venue for information. Candlelit visit (early May to early DE FONTAINEBLEAU Oct): Sat, until 11pm.Daytime visit/full rate: €16.90. Candlelit or Christmas visit/full rate: €19.90. Special visits (Easter, Grand Siècle, Cinema): €17.90. https://vaux-le-vicomte.com The history of this grand palace,like its architecture, is marked by eight centuries of royalpresence, from the Capetians to the Bonapartes. The keep, dating back to the Middle Ages, can still be seen in the Oval Courtyard. In the 16th century, François I undertook spectacular works to transform the place into an Italian-style palace and took advantage of the game forest – now a paradise for hikers – for his royal hunts. 4MEDIEVAL CITY OF PROVINS The place was then marked by the Bourbon The medieval city of Provins is a Unesco dynasty – King Louis XIIIwas born in Fon- world heritage site.Visitors can enjoy a tainebleau – before becoming an imperial stroll along its ramparts and admire the Tour palace after the French Revolution. It wasCésar (Caesar’s Tower) and the Grange aux from the must-see horseshoe staircase – Dîmes (Tithe Barn). The city is also famous a symbol of the chateau – that Napoleon for its medievalshows featuring eagles, gave a touching speech to his guard before knights and troubadours. going into exile.Marie-Antoinette’s bed in 77160 Provins. Provins Tourist Office. theEmpress’s room and throe of Napoleonn 01 64 60 26 26. www.provins.net in the King’s room are among thhighlightse of avisit. For an alternative t a classio c visit, 5DOMAINE DE CHAMARANDE you can discover more private places such Located 35 km south of Paris,this estate as Madame de Maintenon’s apartment, combines historicalheritage and contem- Marie-Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir or the porary art. Exhibitions on art, architecture, theatre of Napoleon II I, on a guided tourdesign and botany are held in the Louis XIII- (byappointment). The visit contines in theustyle chateau (1654), in the gardens or in the large 130-hectare park, with itsg sarden, orangery. architectural wonders, a pond ad anartifi-n 38 rue du Commandant Arnoux. cial grotto – a delightfulplace to stroll. 91730 Chamarande. 01 60 82 52 01. Place du Général de Gaulle. Daily from 9am. Closing time varies 77300 Fontainebleau.01 60 71 50 70. according to season. Free. Daily, except Tues, 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec. http://chamarande.essonne.fr Apr to Sept: 9.30am-6pm. Oct to March: 9.30am- 5pm. Full rate: €12. Park and gardens: free. www.chateaudefontainebleau.fr 82| OUTSIDE PARIS