In 1641, Nicolas Fouquet, superintendent of the kingdom's finances, bought the fallow lands of Vaux-le-Vicomte, an estate less than an hour from Paris, between Vincennes and Fontainebleau, two royal residences. He decided to build a superb château by Louis Le Vau, and a formal garden designed by the famous André Le Nôtre. A veritable masterpiece of classical architecture, the splendid monument would even serve as a model for the Château de Versailles, a feat of which Louis XIV was jealous. It was this jealousy that led to Fouquet's downfall, and his subsequent imprisonment!
In 1661, François Vatel organized a feast in honor of the Sun King. The evening was so impressive, with modern shows, a 1,000-cover buffet, water fountains, fireworks and a play by Molière, that the king was jealous. The king is furious at being ridiculed by so much pomp, while his own mansions are empty. A month later, denounced by Colbert for embezzlement, Nicolas Fouquet was arrested, deposed on the king's orders and imprisoned for life.
Fouquet's arrest was obviously not exclusively due to the Vaux-le-Vicomte party, which acted as one provocation too many. Louis XIV was suspicious of this popular and over-ambitious minister, who had already been warned off by Mazarin and Colbert. He was accused of misappropriation of public funds and lèse-majesté, and over time became one of the richest men in the kingdom of France. The particularly costly construction of Vaux-le-Vicomte was not in his favor.
The Sun King requested precious objects for his estates, including tapestries, brocade fabrics, marble tables, vermeil vases and orange trees from Vaux-le-Vicomte. Later, he called on the same talents to create the Château de Versailles.
Grand Christmas 2026 at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: the dates of the magical family event
The Grand Christmas at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is gearing up to enchant the festive season, running from Saturday, November 14, 2026, to Sunday, January 3, 2027. For the occasion, the château and its gardens will be transformed by sumptuous décor sure to delight the whole family. [Read more]
This castle has made the Sun King himself jealous: it’s open to visitors for the 2026 Heritage Days.
Don't miss this new edition of Heritage Days and set out to discover the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. On 19 and 20 September 2026, the monument will offer a special program. [Read more]
Candlelit evenings at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte 2026: a magical stroll and fireworks
Candlelit evenings at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte promise a magical moment to share with loved ones. The program includes a nighttime tour by the glow of 2,000 candles, water games, a romantic stroll through the gardens set to Baroque music, and even fireworks if conditions permit! An exceptional experience running from May 16 to September 26, 2026. [Read more]
The Château de Vaux le Vicomte and its gardens, a fabulous estate in Seine-et-Marne
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, 50 km from Paris, is one of the jewels of the Île-de-France region: its beauty even inspired the Château de Versailles. Come and visit this French heritage treasure, and its gardens, which offer great walks and activities for children. [Read more]
Location
Château de Vaux le Vicomte
Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte
77950 Maincy
Route planner
