A 17th century masterpiece, Vaux-le-Vicomte was the backdrop to many major historical events and witnessed the tragic eviction of its creator, Nicolas Fouquet, following an extraordinary trial.
Louis Le Vau was already widely celebrated when Fouquet called on his services in 1653. As the King’s “Principal Architect,” he had already erected a number of Parisian famous mansions. Considered the greatest ambassador of the Italianate style of architecture in France, Le Vau also drew inspiration from classical antiquity. Drawing on these traditional sources, he then created a powerful new style of his own, starting with Vaux-le-Vicomte. Here, he layed the foundations of French architecture for the next 150 years.