Did you know that the Château de Vaux le Vicomte, to the east of Paris, was one of the main sources of inspiration for the Château de Versailles?... A brief reminder for those not aware of the history of this splendid 17th-century estate: its owner Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s superintendant of Finances, chose three men of genius for the task of its construction – the architect Louis Le Vau, the painter-decorator Charles Le Brun and the landscape gardener André Le Nôtre.

Vaux le Vicomte became the rendezvous of leading artistic figures of the time: Molière, Corneille, Charles Perrault, Jean de La Fontaine, Madame de Sévigné… to name but a few. Ultimately though, this oh-so-lavish existence incited the disapproval of the king who eventually arrested Fouquet - the rest is history. As for the designers of this magnificent domain, they went on to create the marvel that is the Château de Versailles.

It’s well worth taking the time to explore this admirable site, with a visit of the château and all its furnishings, the Musée des Equipages and the first French gardens by André Le Nôtre with their magical fountains. A sight for sore eyes!

A rich programme of festivities whisk you back to the 17th century to experience for just a few hours the pomp and splendour of this exceptional estate: “Candlelight evenings” recreate the magic of the feasts in honour of the young Sun King, staged tours on the theme of “Festes Galantes”, outdoor theatre, picnic lunch in costume, candlelit concerts in the gardens, shows for children and a permanent exhibition “André Le Notre, Les jardins de l’intelligence”.

S.C-.R.

photo © B. StGenest