- Description of the castle of Vaux -le-Vicomte
- History of the castle of Vaux -le-Vicomte
- Event marking the castle of Vaux -le-Vicomte
- Tours of the castle of Vaux -le-Vicomte
- Transfer from the Chateau de Vaux -le-Vicomte to Paris airports
The castle of Vaux -le-Vicomte is a field that is located in the town of Maincy . It is located 50 km southeast of the city of Paris near Melun. This is a castle dating from the seventeenth century , its open character and ” massaged ” Plan determine that time.
Description of the Castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte
The Castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte features a large south-facing moat-encircled mud terrace. The main residence is linked to the garden through two entrances. Its primary structure showcases a three-section facade on the courtyard side, with a distinctive dome at the center of the garden-facing facade. The castle includes four pavilions, two rectangular and two square, adhering to traditional French architectural styles. Inside, a dual row of parallel rooms includes double-backed doors. The layout encompasses a hallway leading to a spacious central span, offering a ‘lantern’ effect that guides visitors from the courtyard, through the hallway, to the garden’s corner vistas. The ground floor houses two apartments facing the courtyard, while the first floor features a longitudinal corridor.
History of the Castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte
The Castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte, constructed between 1658 and 1661, served as the grand abode for Louis XIV’s Superintendent of Finances, Nicolas Fouquet. Acquiring the Vaux-le-Vicomte fiefdom and a modest castle in 1641, Fouquet embarked on creating an architectural marvel two decades later. This endeavor engaged the era’s foremost talents: architect Louis Le Vau, painter Charles Le Brun, landscape designer André Le Nôtre, and master mason Michelle Villedo. The castle’s grand opening on 17 August 1661, intended to impress the court, inadvertently led to Fouquet’s imprisonment by an envious Louis XIV. By 1705, the property was sold to Marshal Villars, a distinguished military figure. After several generations, the Villars family sold it to the Duke of Choiseul-Praslin in 1764. Following years of neglect, the Choiseul-Praslin heirs auctioned the estate in July 1875. Alfred Sommier, a French sugar magnate, acquired and initiated extensive restoration to return the castle to its former glory.
Event Marking the Castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte
The Castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte, a monumental architectural and decorative masterpiece, stands as the largest private property classified as a historical monument since 1875. From 2001 to 2009, the castle played host to the Plein Air Opera Festival in its courtyard. On 7 July 2007, it served as the picturesque venue for the wedding of renowned basketball player Tony Parker and actress Eva Longoria.
Tours of the Castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte
The Castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte offers unrestricted visitor access, including to its cellar and kitchen, leading to vaults that provide a captivating overview of the estate. Discover the museum of Crews in the outbuildings, showcasing a unique collection of carriages. Not to be missed are the candlelight tours held every Saturday from May to October, illuminating the castle and gardens with thousands of candles. The castle also organizes various activities for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
For a hassle-free visit, consider using a shuttle service to transport you from your location to this magnificent castle. Our agency provides a range of vehicles to suit your travel needs, including collective shuttles, private cars, and VIP luxury cars, all accompanied by a dedicated driver for your journey.
Transfer from the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte to Paris Airports
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is situated 62.9 km from Paris, making it easily accessible for visitors. It is located 46.9 km from Orly Airport, 63.9 km from Charles de Gaulle Airport, and 140 km from Paris Beauvais Airport, providing convenient transfer options for those traveling to or from the city.