I haven’t done an official Travel Tuesday post in quite a long while, but the recently published book © A Day at Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte by Alexandre de Vogüé, Jean-Charles de Vogüé, and Ascanio de Vogüé, Flammarion, 2015, photographs © Bruno Ehrs offers quite a tour of both the history and beauty of this amazing place.
The Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte is located in Maincy, near Melun, southeast of Paris.
Vaux le VicomteThe Chateau was built by Nicolas Fouquet, finance minister to Louis XIV, in 1641. At that time, before Versailles, there was nothing like it in all of Europe. Not only was this the inspiration for the design, architecture and landscaping of Versailles (built 1661-1678) , it is considered to have inspired all of Europe.
Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s finance minister
The authors and current stewards of the estate: Ascanio, Jean-Charles and Alexandre de Vogüé are the fifth generation of the Sommier family.
Garden view
Ground floor as engraved by Jean Marot
17th Century engraving of the parterres as first laid out
The gardensThe book A Day at Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte offers a wonderful level of detail about this great estate, as well as gorgeous photography to drool over. As a designer – this is a wonderful resource for an in-depth study of classic French design of Le Grand Siècle. As a traveler – this is a must-see place on my next trip to France.
Some inside views from the book with photography by Bruno Ehrs, used with permission:
Befitting it’s subject, the book comes in a gorgeous slipcase.
Note: I received no compensation for this post, other than receiving a press-copy of the book for review.
I bet being the steward of the estate is a blast, don’t you think Linda?
I’ve thought about doing a day trip here several times but generally stay away from the tourist sites like this! haven’t been to Versailles since 1970! But….after this and the video, I just may have to go. We will be back in France in May/June and maybe will do this. Another great day trip is to Rouen..just fyi. Very easy to do, the cathedral is quite something, and there is a wonderful ceramics museum right in town. Love Travel Tuesdays: can we see more????