Conflans-Sainte-Honorine to Vaux-le-Vicomte: Day trip

Commissioned by Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s superintendent of finances, the chateau was a collaboration between the renowned architect, landscape architect, and painter-decorator who would go on to create the Château de Versailles. When it was completed, Fouquet threw a lavish banquet to impress the King with his good taste. Instead, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, an ambitious advisor, convinced the Louis that Fouquet was trying to outshine him, so Louis had Fouquet arrested and imprisoned for life. Today, the chateau has been restored to look as if Fouquet and his relatives still lived there. The innovative layout is fully furnished with lavish furniture, opulent fixtures, and magnificent artwork, all accented with fine stucco and woodwork. In the stables, the carriage museum exhibits an impressive collection of beautiful antique carriages and their equipment catered for use in the city, the country, and the hunt. Visitors can also explore the groundbreaking gardens that would set the bar for all future estates. Before scheduling your visit, please check the chateau’s hours at http://www.vaux-le-vicomte.com/en/prepare-your-visit/date-and-time/