Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

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Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte – a masterpiece by Louis Le Vau, Charles Le Brun and André Le Nôtre.

The splendour of this 17th century architectural gem provided inspiration for the construction of the Château of Versailles. Built for Nicolas Fouquet, Superintendent of Finances of Louis XIV, the château is a remarkably preserved example of the genius of three great artists of the period : the architect Louis Le Vau, decorator Charles Le Brun and landscape gardener André Le Nôtre.

Vaux-le-Vicomte Gardens

The garden ‘à la Française’ is perfect for strolling around. Majestically laid out along a 4km long axis, the château gradually appears like a theatre decor centrestage where one’s gaze is channelled by the walls of the outbuildings which line the forecourt. Without forming an obstacle, from either side of the façade the château allows glimpses of the gardens which stretch far beyond following the natural slope of the grounds tidily contained by vast terraces.
The main axis reigns at the centre of the skilfully balanced composition. Using a transparency effect, it runs through the château via the Vestibule and Grand Salon allowing the statue of Hercules 2km south to be seen from the road.

Visiting Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Visite château de Vaux-le-Vicomte — The tour of the château is arranged on four storeys, furnished and decorated as if Nicolas Fouquet and his family had just left. Visitors discover the private apartments of Monsieur and Madame Nicolas Fouquet, whose rooms have been decorated with their favourite works of art to create a reconstitution of a 17th century grand residence. The state rooms on the ground floor, from the Grande Chambre Carrée to the Salon des Muses, via the Cabinet des Jeux and Chambre du Roi, have the most Baroque and the finest decors. The furniture, wall coverings, bronzes, statues and busts are displayed so that visitors can wander by them at close quarters to soak up the atmosphere of the château whose décor was so groundbreaking in its time. The tour continues behind the scenes at the château with the « salle des gens », kitchens and vaulted cellars. The tour ends with the overhead projection of « André Le Nôtre à Vaux-le-Vicomte, l’œuvre fondatrice (founding work) ». From the dome/roof lantern more than 25 metres above the ground, you have a splendid view of the whole of the estate and surrounding countryside.

What to do at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte?

The largest privately-owned building in France, the château has retained its atmosphere of a home, welcoming each visitor like a benevolent host. It is the ideal place for a memorable family day especially as costumes for children (musketeer or princess) can be hired so they can launch themselves into 17th century life ! An activity booklet- puzzle book is given to every child with an admission ticket. 4-seater electric carts can be hired to explore the estate without getting tired, much to the delight of children…and grown ups too ! Guided tours in period costume on the theme of children in the 17th century are a really fun way to discover what life was like in the lap of luxury at that time !
For more than a touch of romance, visit the château by candlelight. Every Saturday evening in summer around 2,000 candles light the state rooms and garden walkways for a unique, intimate and oh so romantic visit. Throughout the year, different events are held to discover the estate in a different manner : At Easter a giant Easter egg hunt in the gardens ; Les Jeux d’eau – the 2nd and last Saturday of every month between 15.00 and 18.00 all the fountains in the grounds are switched on for a unique experience ; Journée Grand Siècle – take a trip back in time to the court of the 17th century wearing period dress; - Vaux-le-Vicomte fait son cinéma – a look behind the scenes of some of the best-known films and series made at the château ; Christmas – a thousand and one decorations and illuminations transport visitors to a marvellous, magical world.
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