A Day at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

by Alexandre de Vogüé, Bruno Ehrs (Photographs), Ascanio de Vogüé

An insider’s tour of the magnificent seventeenth-century castle and gardens, conceived by Le Vau, Le Brun, and Le Nôtre, that inspired the great châteaux of Europe. Vaux le Vicomte’s rich history began in 1641, when infamous finance minister Nicolas Fouquet bought the estate and enlisted architect Louis Le Vau, decorator Charles Le Brun, and garden designer André Le Nôtre to transform it into a lavish residence. His extravagance piqued Louis XIV’s jealousy, and he was thrown into prison for mishandling funds. The château inspired the design of Versailles and was later home to the great chef Vatel, who famously died for his art.
This volume traces the château’s history from the seventeenth century through the Belle Époque, World War I, and its public opening in 1968. Exclusive photography and archival documents offer unprecedented access to the château, furnishings, and gardens, and illuminate the extraordinary secrets of court life and centuries of celebrations that include the enchanting candlelit tours held today.

Genres: France

192 pages, Hardcover

First published August 7, 2015

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and informative biography of a French Chateau - the huge size, the expanse of the grounds, the expense and the history. Reading about this fabulous chateau filled me with wonder but no envy.

[Anna Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received a review copy of this book from the publisher at my request.)

A Day at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is a gorgeous photobook which has 170 color photographs, many of which highlight interesting details that you might miss on a regular visit to the château. In addition to some pretty stunning photography, the book delves into the history of the estate, from Fouquet through its modern-day managers, who actually grew up on the estate.

Yet A Day at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte book is more than a charming photobook with history to share: it is a moving tribute to Vaux-le-Vicomte itself. At the end of the book I found myself not just knowing so much more about the château, but caring about it in a way I hadn't before.

Full review: http://vivelaqueen.blogspot.com/2015/...

[Alice Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautifully done. The entire concept is ravishing. Historically, it brought nothing new, but it was still instructive and so pleasant to read.

[Δημήτριος Καραγιάννης · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful coffee table book. It makes you want to visit Vaux le Vicomte and thus fulfills its purpose.