Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte opens for the first time at Christmas

Guests of La Réserve Paris can check in for a two-night VIP experience – and spend the night before Christmas in sumptuous style

An opulent Christmas Eve can be found at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, as the private estate opens its doors to guests of La Réserve Paris – its first major collaboration with the hotel and the first time in its history that it’s been open at Christmas.

Guests will enjoy a dinner prepared by La Réserve’s two-Michelin-starred chef Jérôme Banctel, accompanied by the wines of Clos d’Estournel | Image: Collectif Image

The event will see a small group of up to 15 friends and family whisked away from the Parisian hotel by helicopter to the countryside setting of Maincy, and the largest privately owned property in France – a château set in sweeping gardens realised in 1661 by architect Louis Le Vau, painter Charles Le Brun and the Sun King’s landscape designer André Le Nôtre.

Following a tour of the historic building, the festivities will begin with dinner prepared by La Réserve’s two-Michelin-starred chef Jérôme Banctel. In addition to seasonal celebratory offerings, guests will be treated to the wines of Cos d’Estournel. The memorable evening is set to conclude with a literal bang as the party moves to the gardens for a glittering fireworks display.

The sumptuous interior of Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte | Image: Collectif Image

The evening is part of a two-night package (priced from €239,000 for up to 15 people), and the Parisian leg of the trip is also filled with festive treats – an entire floor of the hotel will be made available for the party’s private use and they will enjoy a customised cruise on the Seine, special VIP access to the Eiffel Tower, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Louvre and “off-hour” access to some of Paris’ finest boutiques and maisons.