Vaux le Vicomte, the chateau that inspired VersaillesIt was built by Nicolas Fouquet in record time between 1656 and 1661 and largely inspired the design of the palace of Versailles. The tragic destiny of its charming owner is a testament of the Sun King's jealousy. Superintendent Fouquet was arrested and imprisoned on the occasion of the inauguration of his chateau at Vaux. A life sentence was the price he paid for his 'folie de Vaux'. The incomparable work at Vaux is due to a trio of artists. Louis Le Vau was the architect, Charles Le Brun the decorator and Andre Le Notre the landscaper. The chateau of Vaux le Vicomte is still a private domain and offers an admirable itinerary for visitors, allowing them to discover the first floor and its apartments, the ground floor with its spectacular stately rooms, and the basement with its superb kitchens. Visitors can admire the chateau and its French gardens (lit with candles from May to mid-October on Saturdays) and can explore a superb museum of horse-drawn carriages in the old stables. HIGHLIGHTS 2012:LUNCH ON THE GRASS AND 17TH CENTURY DAY
20 MAY 2012
Dressed feast and luch on the grass.Special day where visitors can bring their own seventeen or eight century cotumes and have lunch on the grass in the french style gardens.Many animations in the afternoon in the gardens such as artistic fencing, baroque dancing, theatre of Molière, nautils on the canal, classical music live, carriages rides....Possibility to rent costumes on site and to buy pique-nique.Special entry fares :Chateau, carriage museum and gardens : Adults 16 € - Discount rate : 13 €CANDLELIGHT EVENING VISITSEvery Saturday from May 5th to 6th October 2012, from 8.00 pm to midnight : as night begins to fall the château of Vaux le Vicomte and its gardens are lit up by more than 2000 candles to recreate the magical atmosphere of the lavish reception Nicolas Fouquet gave on 17th August 1661 on honour of Louis XIV. Dinning is possible in our restaurant L'Ecureuil or in our 17th century outbuildings, by reservation only.VAUX LE VICOMTE CELEBRATES CHRISTMASFrom december 22th 2012 to January 6th 2013 and 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16 December 2012Vaux le Vicomte will open its doors during the christmas holidays !Enchantment starts with a white christmas trees path leading toward the entrance of the chateau.In the stately rooms, a new atmosphere is set up with sumptuous christmas decor and music.Kids will also have the possiblity to rent costumes to visit the castleDiscover many other lit surprises in the garden of Le Nôtre........From december 22th to January 6th 2013, except December 25th and january 1st.
NEW EXHIBITION !
Grandeur and Misfortune of Nicolas Fouquet.
This year, we are happy to present you a new exhibition dedicated to: The Splendour and Misfortune of Nicolas Fouquet. This exhibition which takes place in some of the States apartments and the basement of the chateau, puts back to life the most important moments of Nicolas Fouquet's life, with the help of a neat production, using wax models, period costumes and surprising technical effects. A great visit for the whole family !
Further informations : Vaux le Vicomte - 77950 MAINCY Tel : 33 (0) 1.64.14.41.90 Fax : 33 (0) 1.60.69.90.85website: http://www.vaux-le-vicomte.com