The Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte was built in the 17th century by Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV's finance minister. Though Fouquet was a successful minister (whose namesake Cafe on the Champs Elysees in Paris has had a recent resurrection), this was not a wise move, as it left the Sun King's rather more paltry residence at nearby Fontainbleau in the dust. Where did this finance minister get the money, his jealous colleagues whispered? Where indeed... He was eventually arrested and the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte was confiscated. Today, the chateau is fully furnished and visitors can see the state apartments, dining room, and many other lavishly decorated rooms. It's a glorious chateau. However, perhaps its greatest legacy is the idea it planted in Louis's head - to go one better. A few short years later his great Chateau at Versailles was completed, and Vaux-Le-Vicomte sank back into obscurity.

Written by  katie_f.

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