Palace of Vaux-Le-Vicomte, France

The palace of Vaux-Le-Vicomte in the town of Maincy, about 55 km away from Paris, is an architectural masterpiece of the 17th century, built in Baroque style. It was commissioned by Nicholas Fouquet, an extremely ambitious young man and member of the Parliament of Paris. He later became superintendant of finances at the court of Louis XIV. Construction lasted until 1661. It was inaugurated in August that same year in the presence of his majesty the king. Probably not a really good idea, as the king got jealous and had Nicolas Fouquet arrested soon after this lavish festivity and sentenced him to lifelong imprisonment. His wife was sent into exile. Louis XIV put Vaux-Le-Vicomte under sequestration and sold many of the expensive pieces of art Fouquet had gathered in his splendid home. Then he set the team of architects who built and designed Vaux-Le-Vicomte on the task of building an ever bigger and more splendid palace that would outshine the one of his former minister of finances ... Versailles. Madame Fouquet later was able to recover the property and retired there with her eldest son. When her husband and son died, she sold the palace.

In 1968, after extensive restoration works, the palace was opened to the public and has become a major tourist attraction in the region.

Thank you very much for this beautiful card Karine !!!