Unfortunately I don't think we'll be able to make it to Vaux le Vicomte this trip to Paris (next time!) but it's still an awe inspiring site, don't you agree?The history is fascinating - built by the superintendent of finances to King Louis XIV, he aroused suspicion of stealing funds for this magnificent palace. Plus, you never wanted to outshine the King! He was thrown into prison after a huge estate-warming party, but not before inspiring the king to turn Versailles into the place we know it as today.
Enjoy your own weekend and don't worry about outshining anybody!
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I dined there once, a number of years ago, at an event sponsored by a shelter magazine. It was the most ravishing house. And it was thrilling to get to peek into rooms once had only ever seen in photographs (and several that haven't been in magazines). I remember walking up the drive to the house, with hurricane lanterns flickering on either side.
When you plan this trip-count me in, this I gotta see too. There is a movie with Depardieu as chef to Fouquet prepping for Louis' visit. It should be easily googlable(this is now a word) You must see, if you haven't already. G
stealing money sometime has some benefit ;-)
Confession: I think I prefer Vaux le Vicomte to Versailles! But you are right to see Versailles first and as thoroughly as possible. The textiles are not quite up to snuff at Vaux in terms of the splendor of more authentic reproductions. At Versailles EVERYTHING is, of course, top notch and kept up/restored dans les règles de l'art. When I was younger I thought, through photos that Versailles was too much - too gold, too grand - and I couldn't appreciate it! Ha! Still Vaux has warmth and more human proportions... plus the great story of Foquet behind it!
Your trip is approaching quickly! It sounds like it will be very memorable. Also really enjoyed the post on the house in Provence.
HELLO,
I TOO AM AN ARCHITECT. I HAVE BEEN TO PARIS 37 TIMES. I HAVE BEEN TO ALL THE USUAL PLACES IN THE CITY AND SITES OUTSIDE THE CITY.
IF YOU DO NOTHING ELSE, BE SURE TO VISIT THE "MUSEE NISSIM DE CAMONDO". NO OTHER STRUCTURE (OTHER THAN THE PETIT TRIANON} IS AS MAGICAL.
HOWARD
Beautiful Place!
i have been there!
and it IS gorgeous architecture!
i was impressed with where the lady of the house had her commode..right in front of the window overlooking all of the back grounds, imagine that!
I agree with anonomous. You must see the Musee Nissam de Camondo. It has an amazing collection of period furniture in appropriate settings and it is set on the edge of the Parc Monceau. Also it might be important to see the Musee Carnavelat. It is a history of the city of Paris, including architecture, furniture and a reproduction of Marie Antoinette's prison cell. Vaux is about a 1/2 hr. drive outside of the city. The path is not as well beaten at that to Versailles. It would take the whole day. If this is your first trip then, I would save it for the next time.
I went to Vaux in 1982 and have never forgotten it, that how big an impression it leaves. Huge moats (which then had enormous fish in them, don't know if they are still there) and the gardens were extraordinary.
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