The estate of vauxlevicomte spans 500 hectares, including 33 hectares of french formal gardens. The chateau of vauxlevicomte france and its incredible. See more ideas about french chateau, castle and french interior. 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. Vauxlevicomte palace candlelight tour including dinner.
The pictorial history of the famous french chateau of nicholas fouquet, louis xiv minister of. Sometime late in 1664, the musketeer dartagnan rode beside a. Comprising more than 900 benefactors, donors and ordinary members, the association has made possible a number of acquisitions and restorations. About a 30 mins walk from the chateau is the napoleonic museum. 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. Discover the history of vauxlevicomte through the centuries, in video. This stunning french estate was so lavish that it landed its original owner in jail for the rest of his life. 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. For the historian, architecture enthusiast or fracophile, this is a book. 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. Fouquet, louis xivs finance minister, commissioned an impressive trio of artists to build the chateau of his dreams.
In addition to some pretty stunning photography, the book delves into the history of the estate, from fouquet through its modernday managers, who. Aug 17, 2017 vauxlevicomte is frequently used as a film set, and can be spotted in films, such as moonraker 1979, where it provides the setting for hugo draxs house. Capetiens, valois, bourbons and orleans, all members of french ruling dynasties have lived within these walls. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Beautiful country chateau and very, very interesting history.
Palace of vauxlevicomte is a baroque french chateau located in maincy, near melun, 55 kilometres 34 mi southeast of paris in the seineetmarne department of iledefrance. Vauxlevicomtes rich history began in 1641, when infamous finance minister nicolas fouquet bought the estate and enlisted architect louis. Tripadvisor vauxlevicomte castle day trip with chateaubus. Vauxlevicomte, chateau near melun, france, designed in 1656 by louis le vau for nicolas fouquet, who was finance minister to king louis xiv. Mar 05, 2015 the castle of vauxlevicomte, which inspired versailles, is to be visited in a thousand and one ways. Vauxlevicomte where magical beauty meets the turbulent. Built between the years of 1656 and 1661, it is a fine example of french classicism.
Vauxlevicomte is a magnificent chateau approximately 60 km south of paris. Its creator, nicolas fouquet, was superintendent of finances under king louis xiv. The estate of vaux le vicomte spans 500 hectares, including 33 hectares of french formal gardens. Unlike versailles, however, vauxlevicomtes turbulent history reveals a great deal of treachery and misfortune brought to its owners and, especially, its creator. History of vauxlevicomte the original building was purchased as a small and not extraordinary chateau in 1641 by nicholas fouquet, a member of the french parliament. To build his home, he enlisted the services of three of the greatest artists of the era. From its creation in the 17 th century by nicolas fouquet, its acquisition and restauration by the sommier family in the 19 th century after that and finally, the stewardship by the vogue brothers today. Apr 23, 2018 read more about the history of vauxlevicomte. Vaux le vicomtes rich history began in 1641, when infamous finance minister. Vaux le vicomte is a magnificent chateau approximately 60 km south of paris. At sunset, explore the vauxlevicomte palace and stroll around the. Vaux le vicomte, buildings and gardens are designed as one complete coherent package, and as far as i know still preserved to day as such. Vauxlevicomte is well worth you time, ive visited it twice during the day, on one occasion at. The numbers differ as to how many of the guard were present on that occasion, imagine 500 to thousand in that courtyard.
The estate of vauxlevicomte is the fruit of a creative and passionate mind, that of nicolas fouquet. The chateau bears witness to a long and tumultuous history. If you love french history, the estate of vaux le vicomte is a mustsee. In august, 1661, french finance minister nicolas fouquet threw one of the most lavish parties of all time at his new chateau, vauxlevicomte, southeast of paris. Oct 25, 2015 uniqueness of the chateau vauxlevicomte lies in the fact that its style and beauty had inspired the creation of the much more famous versailles, the favourite residence of louis xiv, the sun king. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your. Nicolas fouquets history in 1641, the 26year old parliamentarian, nicolas fouquet, purchased the manor of vauxlevicomte and its small castle. Vaux le vicomte was een domein met een klein kasteeltje. However, during the early part of the 17th century, vaux was merely a small castle situated at the confluence of two small rivers, between the royal residences of. Maincy the picturesque village hidden in france, 55 km southeast of paris is a testament to 15th century france. This evening tour offers a memorable opportunity to visit the enchanting 17th century vauxlevicomte palace, which inspired the building of the palace of versailles. With chantilly and certainly fontainebleau is this lesser the case due to a number of modifications throughout the ages, making vaux more pleasant to the eye to my opinion.
As with many of the best designs, the architecture of vauxlevicomte, mingling the traditional, the fashionable, and the novel, seemed to belong. Chateau vauxlevicomtes rich history began in 1641 when french minister nicolas fouquet hired the most talented artisansarchitect louis le vau, painter charles le brun, and garden designer andre le notreto create an extravagant palace and estate that achieved perfect harmony in architecture, decor, and landscape. It is the largest private historical monument in france. Vauxlevicomte is a superb example of french classical design. Go to fontainebleau not vaux le vicomte tripadvisor. 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. It is today owned by the vogue family, which ensures its preservation and management. Vauxlevicomte, 45km from paris in seineetmarne, is one of the most important privatelyowned chateaux in france. The chateau, finished in 1661, is considered to be one of the masterpieces of french baroque residential architecture. Vauxlevicomte tours visit the gardens pariscityvision. Vauxlevicomtes legendary landscape architect andre le.
Discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that. 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. For the historian, architecture enthusiast or fracophile, this is a book to be savored. For the first time in history, this visionary man brought together louis le vau. The book opens with the history of the chateau, whose striking architecture and. Vaux le vicomte is well worth you time, ive visited it twice during the day, on one occasion at night.