The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte was built in 1661 by the royal superintendent Fouquet (Nicolas Fouquet) during the time of Cardinal Mazarin.
On August 17, 1661, Fouquet invited the young Louis XIV and organized an unprecedentedly luxurious celebration: tableware made of cast gold, over 1000 fountains, an endless number of tables, performances in the park and in the castle. Jean de La Fontaine was responsible for these performances. Jean-Baptiste Molière also participated.
A few days later, Fouquet found himself in prison, the castle was confiscated by the king, and the builders were sent to construct Versailles.
Fouquet was acquitted by the court, but – almost the only time in French history – the king intervened not to soften but to aggravate the sentence, and Fouquet spent the remaining 19 years of his life in confinement. The king confiscated carpets, paintings, sculptures… for his own benefit.
It was here that Fouquet, with the help of the best masters of the era, laid the foundations of the architecture and palace splendor of future Versailles. Wasn’t his true guilt that he overshadowed the rising sun of the young king?
The castle is considered one of the most beautiful in France. The park is a masterpiece of architect Le Nôtre (André Le Nôtre), restored almost as it was in the 17th century. Magnificent interiors of the 17th-19th centuries.
In the former stables of the castle, there is an exhibition of carriages.
Many historical and artistic films have been shot here, the latest of which is “The Man in the Iron Mask.”
On Saturdays, evening visits to the castle and park by candlelight are possible, which adds a touch of romance…
It is located 70 km southeast of Paris. One of the four most majestic and powerful castle-palaces in France.
