Review: Versailles, Vaux le Vicomte & Barbizon VIP Tour

If you’re thinking about soaking up some majestic French history and scenic charm all in a single day, the “Versailles Vaux le Vicomte Castles Barbizon VIP 8hrs” tour, is almost certainly worth considering. Very well, you might ask, what makes this specific trip tick? Well, it sets itself apart by bundling together visits to not one, but two super-grand castles, along with a peek at the village of Barbizon, and that last one has strong ties to art history. Very well, let’s take a more granular view of my experience, along with some hints that might assist your travel arrangements.

First Stop: The Unparalleled Grandeur of Versailles

Very well, so kicking off the day with Versailles, what I found is that the palace is, honestly, awe-inspiring. We are talking, very very big, gilded decorations, and an abundance of history oozing from every hall. Basically, the tour I selected, the “VIP” bit gets you to skip the insane queues, so you, like your fellow tour-goers, have got more time to wander the insides. Actually, what struck me particularly was the Hall of Mirrors; honestly, it’s even grander in person than photos can convey.

Arguably, there is something to be said about the gardens, which, admittedly, are just vast. You might want to, just might want to consider wearing comfy shoes because strolling around takes a while, a fair bit. What our tour guide did, and it’s something you could be grateful for, is point out some smaller yet quite significant bits of the gardens, instead of, say, getting lost amid the overall enormousness of the area. Even though, one might wonder, did Marie Antoinette literally have to have that many flowers? Well, maybe that much grandeur did call for them. So it goes. I mean, the fountains alone were, actually, incredible, it really showed how luxurious this, like, entire palace setup was.

Next Up: The Subtler Splendor of Vaux le Vicomte

Next, you know, it’s on to Vaux le Vicomte, which is a change of pace from Versailles; quite a change. I mean, what hits you is the intimacy. Rather, compared to the larger Versailles, Vaux le Vicomte almost seems approachable, in some respects even cozy.

Arguably, its tale makes the building more attractive; actually, this was the castle which stimulated Louis XIV to build Versailles! Of course, as a matter of fact, the architecture is lovely and those grounds? Absolutely superb. Seemingly, you might spend an entire afternoon just wandering the landscape, if you want. At the end of the day, this particular building felt more human; maybe you should picture what life could have very nearly, more or less, been back then.

A Touch of Art: Barbizon, the Artists’ Village

After those two extravagant feasts for the eyes, very, very well the trip includes a visit to Barbizon, which functions almost as a palate cleanser, just a bit. You see, it’s where a group of painters in the 1800s did some of their painting outdoors; clearly, you may even call it an artist’s retreat, in that case.

For example, while you may not find its sights breathtaking, the town has this unmistakable vibe. Very well, there is a simplicity, and you see hints of why it attracted landscape painters. At the end of the day, you may even picture them just setting up easels, attempting to catch light amid a field. Or, frankly, I suppose they would just be looking to get away from city living as such. At any rate, the galleries there give a solid perspective of the works these artisans came up with, arguably offering an excellent peek at a significant point in the history of art.

What Makes it “VIP”? Considering the Added Perks

When you put “VIP” on any trip, what, naturally, do people think? Alright, you assume some special touches are included, honestly, and on this tour they’re, just, mostly transportation and queue-skipping benefits, usually. By the way, going in a comfortable van definitely makes a big difference, particularly following all of the strolling.

Basically, queue skipping at Versailles, specifically, actually saves an immense quantity of duration, that. Now, arguably, more time enjoying yourself, that’s, just, quite worth it. As a matter of fact, the guide being super insightful, giving context and bits that made things more vibrant, that, is alright, a solid addition, clearly making it more luxurious.

Some Tips Before You Go

• Dress Comfortably: There’s going to be walking, a fair bit. So it’s almost certainly best to wear relaxed footwear.
• Check the Weather: Almost certainly because most of your time is outdoors, check the weather forecasts, alright? That should probably impact your clothing options.
• Bring Snacks and Water: When touring all day, it is almost certain that keeping nourished and hydrated becomes vital.
• Photography: Seemingly, there are going to be a huge amount of prospects for photos; do ensure you have your camera set.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour For You?

Very well, is “Versailles Vaux le Vicomte Castles Barbizon VIP 8hrs” the very tour you need? Well, the tour, at the end of the day, presents a fantastic sampler of French history and splendor, but the amount of touring inside of just one day means some travelers may believe that specific bits get just enough time spent at them. Still, for people with a specific interest in observing lots, the VIP therapy is often justifiable. Naturally, you might, naturally, have the capability to pack loads in!