Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is France’s largest privately owned estate. Nicolas Fouquet was appointed Superintendent of Finances for Louis XIV in 1653.
In 1641 at age 26, Nicolas Fouqet (1615-1680) purchased a small castle near Melun which would become Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. It was the first time in history that architect Louis Le Vau, painter Charles Le Brun and garden designer Andre Le Nôtre were brought together to jointly execute a project.
On September 5, 1661, “The Man Who Outshone the Sun King” was arrested in Nantes by royal order for embezzling public funds. It was the trial of the century and lasted 3 years. The judges found nothing and voted that Fouquet be banished from France. However, Louis XIV intervened and incarcerated Fouquet in Pignerol until his death on March 23, 1680. After Fouquet’s arrest, Louis XIV summoned Le Vau, Le Brun, and Le Notre to create le Château de Versailles.
Above left and right: the Grand Salon; Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is magically decorated during the Christmas season.
Above top and above: views from the highest point of the gardens and the service buildings. Below and below lower right: view of the garden front; below lower left: view of the forecourt platform and surrounding moat.
Tour companies like Viator.com, Pariscityvision.com and getyourguide.com offer organized day tours to Vaux-le-Vicomte combined with Château Fontainebleau. Alternatively, check Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte website for details on how to make your way there. Trains leave from Gare de L’est for Verneuil-l’Étang. A shuttle bus will take you to and from le château for a fee.