The original building was purchased as a small and not extraordinary chateau in 1641 by nicholas fouquet, a member of the french parliament. The sun had just set, wisps of light still lingering, and thousands of candles were shimmering all around the castle, in its windows. It took madame fouquet ten years to recover the estate, to which she later retired with her eldest son. The chateau vaux le vicomte is a hidden treasure of maincy for those who wish to have an exclusive lavish affair, it has been one of frances best kept secrets for four centuries. About a 30 mins walk from the chateau is the napoleonic museum. The outbuildings, in its forecourt, guide the eye past tall gates an innovation for the period to the facade, as if at the center of a miseenscene.
Vaux le vicomte is a magnificent chateau approximately 60 km south of paris. The history of any family home has a gravitational pull as a voyeurist historian myself, nothing could be more unearthly than the story of vaux le vicomte. The numbers differ as to how many of the guard were present on that occasion, imagine 500 to thousand in that courtyard. Maincy the picturesque village hidden in france, 55 km southeast of paris is a testament to 15th century france. Based on the architectural plans of louis le vau, this mid17thcentury jewel of classical architecture was constructed by nicolas fouquet and decorated by charles le brun. The pictorial history of the famous french chateau of nicholas fouquet, louis xiv minister of finance. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. One of the appealing aspects of french design and decor is their strict adherence to symmetry and balance as well as the architectural alignment of interior and exterior. Vaux le vicomte castle france leonardo decaprias man in the iron mask was filmed here.
For the first time in history, this visionary man brought together louis le vau. In order to clear the ground for castle, garden, and a proper open space round them, it was. Vaux le vicomtes rich history began in 1641, when infamous finance minister. Unlike versailles, however, vauxlevicomtes turbulent history reveals a great deal of treachery and misfortune brought to its owners and, especially, its creator. Built in 17th century for louis xivs superintendant of finances, nicolas fouquet, the palace combines the talents of the best artisans and artists of the period. Built of warm yellow stone, it was designed by the architect louis le vau for the charming, politically astute nicolas fouquet 16151680, the powerful superintendent of france for louis xiv. The book opens with the history of the chateau, whose striking architecture and idyllic gardens were the inspiration for versailles. A 17th century masterpiece, vauxlevicomte was the backdrop to many major historical events and witnessed the tragic eviction of its creator, nicolas fouquet, following an extraordinary trial. Bus tour to vaux le vicomte and fontainebleau castles. Why you should visit vauxlevicomte, versailles magnificent. The chateau of vauxlevicomte france and its incredible. This castle was the inspiration for versailles, and it is so beautiful. Vauxlevicomte is well worth you time, ive visited it twice during the day, on one occasion at.
Vauxlevicomte where magical beauty meets the turbulent. The history of vaux le vicomte in the time of louis xiv. Following his death, she sold the vauxlevicomte in 1705. This chateau set the standard for the renovation of versailles under louis. In addition to some pretty stunning photography, the book delves into the history of the estate, from fouquet through its modernday managers, who actually grew up on the estate. Vauxlevicomte, with its deluxe 17th century decor and outstanding french gardens is enchanting. This is a chateau with an exquisite and electrifying heritage. This stunning french estate was so lavish that it landed its original owner in jail for the rest of his life. You will then enter the palace of fontainebleau with your visioguide. In 1641, the 26year old parliamentarian, nicolas fouquet, purchased the manor of vauxlevicomte and its small castle. The chateau is one of the settings of alexandre dumas novel the vicomte of bragelonne. If you love french history, the estate of vaux le vicomte is a mustsee. Built between the years of 1656 and 1661, it is a fine example of french classicism.
From prices and availability to skiptheline options and mobile tickets, get all the information you need to make the most of your trip to france. You will visit the castle of vaux le vicomte in a traditional way or by following the fouquet plot. Vauxlevicomte was closed down, and its treasures seized tapestries, furniture, paintings, books and rugs even the orange trees were removed by the king. Chateau vaux le vicomte, maincy, france near paris. The chateau louis xiv, nestled in an authentic lush green setting, is consistent with the standards of the 17th century, and its parks and gardens are no exception. A confused retelling of the vauxlevicomte story was given by character little carmine lupertazzi in season 4 of. Vauxlevicomte is a magnificent chateau approximately 60 km south of paris. Our private tour of vaux le vicomte the highlights is designed for you if you already came to versailles, if you like the french history and if you wish to discover a sheer of beauty and intimacy french chateau in a peaceful environment without any crowds as we can get at versailles. Purchased in 1641 by nicolas fouquet, vauxlevicomte was transformed from a small castle into the finest chateau and gardens in france by architect louis levau, charles lebrun, and andre le notre.