A Day at Ch�teau de Vaux le Vicomte

Vaux-le-Vicomte’s rich history began in 1641, when infamous Finance Minister Nicolas Fouquet bought the estate and enlisted architect Louis Le Vau, decorator Charles le Brun, and garden designer Andr� Le N�tre to transform it into a lavish residence. His extravagance piqued Louis XIV’s jealousy, and he was thrown into prison for mishandling funds. The ch�teau inspired the design of Versailles, and was later home to the great chef Vatel, who famously died for his art. This volume traces the ch�teau’s history from the seventeenth-century through the Belle �poque, World War I, and its public opening in 1968. Exclusive photography and archival documents offer unprecedented access to the ch�teau, furnishings, and gardens, and illuminate the extraordinary secrets of court life and centuries of celebrations that include the enchanting candlelit tours held today.