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. Jul 30, 2014 by contrast, vaux le vicomte, a private home representing the pinnacle of 17thcentury elegance, is a single harmonious package, easily explored in an afternoon. Fouquet, louis xivs finance minister, commissioned an impressive trio of artists to build the chateau of his dreams. A 17th century masterpiece, vaux le vicomte was the backdrop to many major historical events and witnessed the tragic eviction of its creator, nicolas fouquet, following an extraordinary trial. Maincy the picturesque village hidden in france, 55 km southeast of paris is a testament to 15th century france. Vaux le vicomte is a magnificent chateau approximately 60 km south of paris.
Vauxlevicomte where magical beauty meets the turbulent. Fontainebleau is the only royal and imperial chateau to have been continuously inhabited for seven centuries. The result of this fraternal union was a work of unparalleled harmony and beauty. Before versailles, there was vauxlevicomte old master. By contrast, vauxlevicomte, a private home representing the pinnacle of 17thcentury elegance, is a single harmonious package, easily explored in an afternoon. Please note that the costumes for children are to be collected at the entrance of the vaux le vicomte castle. Vaux le vicomte\s rich history began in 1641, when infamous finance minister nicolas fouquet bought the estate and enlisted architect louis le vau, decorator charles le brun, and garden designer andr\u00e9 le n\u00f4tre to transform it into a lavish residence.
The frenchstyle gardens were designed by andre le notre. Visit vauxlevicomte 3142016 the national arts club. Bus tour to vaux le vicomte and fontainebleau castles. The french chateau vauxlevicomte was built in just five years from 1657 to 1661 by louis xivs minister of finance nicolas foucquet, halfway between the royal summer houses of vincennes and fontainebleau. As separate day trips, we are planning on going to fontainebleau and vaux le vicomte. Vauxlevicomte palace candlelight tour including dinner. Vaux le vicomte invites you and your family again to come and celebrate easter with a giant egg hunt and many animations on saturday april 11, sunday.
In 1641, the 26year old parliamentarian, nicolas fouquet, purchased the manor of vauxlevicomte and its small castle. He was commissioned by nicolas fouquet, the minister of economy for louis xiv, the sun king, to transform the ordinary gardens of a small chateau into an extraordinary park. Get the recipe for the countesss chocolate cake here. The tale of vauxlevicomte begins in 1641, when nicolas fouquetinfamous minister of finance under louis xivpurchased property outside of paris and enlisted the services of three of the most legendary designers in history to create it. For the first time in history, nicolas fouquet, louis xivs superintendant, brought together an architect, louis le vau, a painter, charles le brun, and a landscape gardener, andre le notre, to execute jointly the entire project. Get a guided tour of the carriage museum and then enjoy a luxury 3course dinner, prepared by a high quality chef, in the beautiful grounds of the chateau. Audioguided tours at each site are included, so youll learn about the castles history and art, as well as the eccentric royals who once called the places home. See two magnificent french castles vaux le vicomte and chateau fontainebleau on a day trip from paris. Susan cohen, landscape architect and landscape design program coordinator at the. Enjoy free time to explore the castles gardens, seeing the grandiose fountains, lakes and monuments that. 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.
Unlike versailles, however, vauxlevicomtes turbulent history reveals a great deal of treachery and misfortune brought to its owners and, especially, its creator. The gardens of vauxlevicomte sweep along a grand perspective, extending nearly a mile and a half 3km. Vauxlevicomte was closed down, and its treasures seized tapestries, furniture, paintings, books and rugs even the orange trees were removed by the king. Discover two of the most beautiful and historically interesting chateaux in the paris region on this small group day trip. Maincy the picturesque village hidden in france, 55 km southeast of paris is a. Vaux le vicomte strategically placed between paris and fontainebleau, it was the dream of nicolas fouguet, who was responsible for the creation of this architectural model of the 17th century which was never to be surpassed for its originality, symmetry and harmony, that this would be the perfect place for the court to pause in transit between. 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. Costume rentals for children at the entrance of the vaux le vicomte castle.
Valued pictures are images that add significantly to articles, by illustrating article content particularly well and being among wikipedia s most educational work. Jan 11, 2018 discover two of the most beautiful and historically interesting chateaux in the paris region on this small group day trip. 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. The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions. Vauxlevicomte, with its deluxe 17th century decor and outstanding french gardens is enchanting. Capetiens, valois, bourbons and orleans, all members of french ruling dynasties have lived within these walls. At sunset, explore the vauxlevicomte palace and stroll around the. The gift shop is open every day from march 25 to november 5, 2017, from 11.
This stunning french estate was so lavish that it landed its original owner in jail for the rest of his life. The french chateau vaux le vicomte was built in just five years from 1657 to 1661 by louis xivs minister of finance nicolas foucquet, halfway between the royal summer houses of vincennes and fontainebleau. The access to the dome of the vaux le vicomte castle is reserved to people over 1. Costume rentals for children at the entrance of the vauxlevicomte castle. This april, we are heading to paris for 10 days after spending 5 days in the loire valley. You will visit the castle of vaux le vicomte in a traditional way or by following the fouquet plot. Vauxlevicomte has inspired all of europe for centuries with its technical innovations, water conveyance systems, and french formal gardens. Designed by louis le vau, decorated by charles le brun and with gardens laid out by andre le notre, the house was still partially unfinished on the 17th august 1661 when. Apr 23, 2018 read more about the history of vauxlevicomte. The access to the dome of the vauxlevicomte castle is reserved to people over 1.
Built in 17th century for louis xivs superintendant of finances, nicolas fouquet, the palace combines the talents of. Journey time between the two chateaux is approximately 45 minutes. A handsome, illuminating book that is elegantly written and rich in detail, anecdotes, and stellar images. 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.
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. Please note that access to the dome of the vaux le vicomte castle is limited to guests at least 4 ft 5 in 5cm. In addition to some pretty stunning photography, the book delves into the history of the estate, from fouquet through its modernday managers, who. 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. Built between the years of 1656 and 1661, it is a fine example of french classicism. Vaux le vicomte and fontainebleau castles day tour from paris. You will find here a small sample of our offerings. The feast legacy of vauxlevicomte fountain display practical information bibliography links. Youll visit the lovely chateau and gardens of vauxlevicomte, where. This evening tour offers a memorable opportunity to visit the enchanting 17th century vauxlevicomte palace, which inspired the building of the palace of versailles.
The versaillesera chateau and the 250year old cognac each strive to preserve a deep connection to history, all the while looking to the future. 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. The chateau, finished in 1661, is considered to be one of the masterpieces of french baroque residential architecture. Our vaux le vicomte private tour paris to versailles. Vaux le vicomte and fontainebleau castles day tour from. However, if we feel a bit chateaued out by then and decide to only visit one, which would you recommend fontainebleau or vaux le vicomte. Vauxlevicomte, chateau near melun, france, designed in 1656 by louis le vau for nicolas fouquet, who was finance minister to king louis xiv. Following his death, she sold the vauxlevicomte in 1705. Why you should visit vauxlevicomte, versailles magnificent. Vauxlevicomte is a magnificent chateau approximately 60 km south of paris. 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. However, if we feel a bit chateaued out by then and decide to only visit one, which would you recommend. You will then enter the palace of fontainebleau with your visioguide. Discover the history of vauxlevicomte through the centuries, in video.
Oct 03, 2015 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. It took madame fouquet ten years to recover the estate, to which she later retired with her eldest son. 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. The sun had just set, wisps of light still lingering, and thousands of candles were shimmering all around the castle, in its windows, along the paths, and the length of the garden. At sunset, explore the vauxlevicomte palace and stroll.
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