A recreational visit to one of Aube’s most beautiful chateaus!
Open to the public for the first time since 11 July 2015, Vaux Chateau welcomes visitors in an original way. The chateau itself is inaccessible as it has a damaged roof, but great enjoyment can be had from exploring the outbuildings and their recreational, family, historical setting, full of nice surprises. There’s something there for everyone!
Vaux, a remarkable chateau!
Vaux Château is twenty kilometres to the south of Troyes, in the municipality of Fouchères, in the heart of the department of Aube en Champagne. It is visibly and clearly signposted from the main road. After going through woods and meadows for 2 km, you come out into a clearing where the chateau nestles at the end of a wide avenue.
Dating from the 18th century, in 1854 it came into the ownership of Mr Maupas, Napoleon 3rd’s Minister of Police. It remained in this family up until 1970 when it was sold to an association, which due to lack of financial resources, sold it again in 2014. Mr Edouard Guyot, aged 22 years became its owner.
Saving chateaus by the Guyots, it’s a family history!
This young man profits from the experience of his family, which has restored 5 chateaus. His parents for example, saved St Fargeau chateau, his uncle is backing the medieval site of Guédelon. In his turn, as soon as Edouard Guyot acquired this heritage, he launched into the adventure and in just a few months, opened its doors. He wants to share his passion for this site by offering leisure and culture.
He is targeting a varied public. Each paying visitor means he can buy a slate, and he needs 300,000! This year the outbuildings can be visited; next year, the basements, including the kitchen, should be visitable. The expected number of visitors, currently 5,000, is set to increase to 15,000 in 2016. To increase the Chateau’s resources, a gîte with room for 15 people (6 double bedrooms) has just opened its doors and a 1000m2 reception room can be rented.
For 2016, a shop will open, bikes will be made available to do the round of the circuit in the forest, accessible on foot this year, and theme days are being envisaged (old cars, hunting, …).
Tour of the estate with an historic police investigation…
In the form of a police investigation, the outbuildings and circuit can be explored without a guide using a very clear leaflet on a clear map; at each of the 15 stages, historical questions and evidence/clues allow you to gather information, as well as have fun in a varied and recreational manner. Children, families and grown-ups will find this circuit interesting due to its variety and organization! It relies on all the senses: observation, reflection, spirit of initiative, dexterity and communication are welcome, along with good humour, in this country and relaxing setting.
I tried it out …
– Access this new attraction: clear signs, a huge car park, and a warm, smiley welcome, a visit accessible to everyone because the need for walking has been reduced if you don’t use the path in the wood. Picnics are possible within the chateau’s walls or under the trees!
– The recreational historical circuit for young and old in the form of a police investigation! It’s a real pleasure to play together and put a lot of effort into really enjoying yourself; it also encourages exchanges with other visitors also playing … Allow about 2 hours to enjoy it at a gentle pace.
It was a nice surprise for me to discover this unrecognized piece of Aube heritage. A place I wouldn’t hesitate to visit again with family and/or friends; the site is superb and preserved. A visit holds many surprises and the recreational circuit offers a good time and good humour!
Practical information
Visit to the estate:
Open up to 30 September 2015 (inclusive) from 11.00 to 18.00.
60 hectares of grassy parkland with benches, deckchairs and a picnic area close to reception.
Events:
Viewing the deer rut at Vaux chateau:
end of September/beginning of October (weekdays and weekend) booking only.
For groups of from 2 to 20 people – €35 / person (for an informed and discreet public only).
Country dinner in the chateau courtyard as from 19.00:
Picnic hampers with local specialities available at the entrance (bread, terrine, chaource and champagne).
Explanations concerning the rut and initiation into deer recognition.
Listen to the rut from 19.30 in the neighbouring area up to 21.00.
Drink in the chateau’s outbuildings when the participants return. A unique opportunity to explore the wildlife in a remarkable, preserved, and natural setting. Booking compulsory.
Other services:
Accommodation: On site, a gîte for groups awaits you (15 to 16 people).
Organise your events: in the room or in the courtyard.
Contact:
chateau.vaux@gmail.com
09 84 25 93 15
06 33 33 57 94
