Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

At the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

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The site combines classical elegance and grandeur. It was commissioned by Fouquet when he wanted to receive Louis XIV and his court for a lavish party in 1661. It took the best architects nine years to complete Vaux-le-Vicomte alongside the top landscape architect, painter and fountain-maker of the era, all of whom went on to work on Versailles, making it one of the most wildly beautiful palaces of the 17th century. It has over a hundred rooms, a formal garden with the most majestic view ever designed, fountains

bursting with a thousand burbling springs, large stables, and more besides. But the King was aff ronted by his minister’s corrupt ways and taste for ostentation, and halted proceedings

at the château just a few weeks after the party. Since then, it has become a historical treasure that has outlasted all the vicissitudes that time has thrown at it. The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte has been beautifully restored to the pinnacle of its splendour and off ers visitors a memorable experience and some extraordinary events. One of the most enthralling parts of the experience is the unusual route visitors can explore. It covers three storeys, all of them fully furnished and decorated as they would have been in Fouquet’s era. The apartments, stately salons, King’s Chamber and imposing kitchens give visitors an insight into 17th-century French life. Technological innovations also give visitors an array of options, including a 3D scripted tour complete with sound eff ects, immersive light projections on the Grand Salon’s monumental ceiling and a panoramic tour of the site’s roofs. Younger guests can even wander the château in period costumes! Once they have

seen the house, guests are welcome to explore the formal gardens, with their theatrical

layout and host of little surprises highlighted by fountains and waterfalls. Visitors can

either stroll around on foot or use the electric buggies provided. During candlelit visits

(every Saturday from May 24th to September 27th), guests will see the water features

in action. Finally, the main stables feature a unique exhibition of horse and carriage

equipment dating back three centuries. There is no doubt that Vaux-le-Vicomte will continue to dazzle us for many years to come.

Château Vaux-le-Vicomte

77950 Maincy