Vaux-le-Vicomte

Vaux-le-Vicomte is a palace in Maincy, northern France, that served as a model for Versailles. The central salon with its oval dome opens on both sides to formal gardens with geometric parterres and water features, while two symmetrical wings house living quarters and chambers.

Nicolas Fouquet hired three artists in 1656 to create the estate that made the French king jealous. The lavish party of 1661 led to Fouquet's arrest just three weeks later, and Louis XIV recruited the same masters for Versailles.

The royal reception of 1661 with its 6,000 guests set new standards for courtly celebrations across the kingdom. Charles Le Brun's ceiling frescoes still depict mythological scenes celebrating the rise and power of French aristocracy.

The gardens extend over several levels and require comfortable shoes for walking the paths and terraces. Electric cars are available for visitors who prefer to avoid long walks.

The palace was the first to offer a perfectly axial view from the entrance gate to the far garden boundary. The reflections in the main canal double the entire composition and create an optical illusion of infinite depth.

Location: Maincy

Location: Moisenay

Inception: 1656

Architects: Louis Le Vau

Official opening: August 17, 1661

Architectural style: classical architecture

Address: 77950 Maincy, France

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-17:45; Sunday 10:00-17:00; November 11-December 31 off; January 1 - March 9 off; May 3-October 4 17:00-23:00

Website: https://vaux-le-vicomte.com

GPS coordinates: 48.56528,2.71417

Latest update: January 5, 2026 10:34