Vaux-le-Vicomte
Vaux-le-Vicomte is 50 km away. It is located from Paris and is a palace-estate dating back to the 17th century. This building is considered the forerunner of Versailles and enjoys great success among tourists.
The history of the Vaux-le-Vicomte Palace dates back to 1641, when Fouquet acquired possession of a small estate. After some time, the owner of the estate is offered the position of the country's chief financier. With the money, Fouquet decides to transform his estate and build the best palace in the whole country here. To complete the idea, he invites the most talented craftsmen, including architects Andre Lenotre, Louis Leveaux, and artist Charles Lebrun. This trio of magnificent craftsmen created a real masterpiece on this territory, which incorporated the style of Louis XIV. The main structure is surrounded by a moat filled with water. There are also wonderful fountains, various channels and stalls, which were facilitated by the rivers located here.
In August, Fouquet's dream came true and he celebrated a housewarming party. But he did not manage to live quietly in the manor. Many accusations were leveled against Fouquet, and he was eventually arrested. The financier died in prison in 1680. The Vaux-le-Vicomte Palace itself was transferred to the state. Ten years later, the palace still returns to Fouquet's wife. Many scientists are raising the theory that the financier was arrested for his too brazen disposal of public money.
The palace has long been in the possession of Fouquet's relatives, who inherited it. But a misfortune has happened in the castle, which is connected with the murder of his wife by the duke. After this incident, Vaux-le-Vicomte was empty for thirty years. Then the looted building was put up for auction. The new owner of the palace immediately began to restore it. As for the ownership of the manor today, it is privately owned by the Counts of Vogue.
The entire palace of Vaux-le-Vicomte is decorated with magnificent frescoes depicting nymphs, as well as various deities. The splendor of the manor is also given by the gilding with which it is filled. On its walls there are magnificent paintings that have arrived here from different parts of the world.
The surroundings of the palace are presented at a very high level. There is an ensemble of magnificent statues, as well as a number of fountains. At night, the buildings on the territory of Vaux-le-Vicomte are illuminated by various lights, which makes the entire park ensemble simply wonderful.
The wonderful novels of Dumas, as well as the fact that the filming of the famous film "The Man in the Iron Mask" took place here, give great interest to this landmark in France.
Tourists can see luxurious halls, offices, ancient cellars, as well as secret underground passages. The most wonderful view of the entire park area opens from the bell tower, which can be climbed. An interesting event called the "Evening of Candles" takes place here every Saturday, starting on May 1st and ending on October 9th. Thousands of candles are lit here at this time, as they were during Fouquet's lifetime.
On the territory of the Vaux-le-Vicomte Palace, you can dine in local restaurants, as well as cafes. Souvenir shops and bookstores are located here. Getting to the palace complex will not be any problem, either by train or by car.
