Garden Finder > France > Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Last updated on 22 September 11
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Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte

  5.0/5 (4 ratings)
  • Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte Photograph © Stephen Harmer
  • Vaux-le-Victomte, France Photograph © Gardenvisit.com
  • Period Costumes at Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte Photograph © Oxford Botanica/Adam Hodge
  • View from the Road, Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte Photograph © Oxford Botanica/Adam Hodge
  • Vauxxx Photograph © Gardenvisit.com
  • Vaux le vicomte2 Photograph © Gardenvisit.com
  • Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte at night Photograph © Stephen Harmer

Gardenvisit Editorial

The most elegant and geometrically harmonious of all high Baroque gardens. Vaux was designed, before Versailles, by Andre le Nôtre and Louis II le Vau. The composition is perfectly proportioned and soothingly harmonious, with the gardens organised on a central axis. The axial principle derives from Bramante and was recommended by Andre Mollet. At Vaux, the axis passes through parterres, over basins of water, and into forests. Brilliant use of the landform allows many surprises. Yet the composition is balanced from every point of view. The garden was laid out for a rich financier, Fouquet, and had many statues which Louis XIV removed after casting the owner into jail for being overly ambitious. Vaux was designed as place of show, and remains splendid for a day's promenade. It was not designed, or used, for domestic pleasure. Vaux fell into disrepair after Fouquet's arrest. Eventually, it was carefully restored by Henri and Achille Duchêne after 1875. They used less license here than at Courance.
Address - Maincy, Ile-de-France, France, 77950
Opening times - April to October. Daily. Open 10am to 6pm. Also open 11am to 5pm in March.
Website - Visit the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte website

Designers and Influences

This garden has been designed and influenced by Andre Le Notre, Achille Duchene (Duchesne), Henri Duchene (Duchesne)

Local Hotels

Hotels within 30km as the crow flies from this garden.

Nearby Gardens

Gardens within 30km as the crow flies from this garden.

Reviews and Comments

Have you visited this garden?

  • 10 months ago Anonymous said

    Vaux-le-Vicomte is a must see... The Castle is totally impressive and perfectly preserved, the visit of the castle is very well organised and you visit it from basement to attic!
    The gardens are French gardens by Le-Notre by the book. Just beutiful.

    (5.0/5)
  • almost 2 years ago Adam (UK) said

    Breath-taking. One of the most amazing places I've ever been!

    (5.0/5)
  • almost 4 years ago ciril said

    i went there and it looks amazing even in the picz you can catch the beauty of this marvollous garden .i wish i could go back there and have another look.my nan is over there now and i hope she gets to see this awesome garden.

    (5.0/5)
  • over 4 years ago Adam Hodge said

    This place is totally awesome ! Even the view of the Chateau from the road suggests grandeur and stunning elegance. As soon as you get through all the ticketing stuff and out through the courtyard one is gradually eased into the utter mind- boggling grandeur and size of the place. Before going round the garden take time to go into the Chateau, climb up to the top most point in the belfry thing and view the place. Then go experience. It is quite brilliant and awesome.
    If you enjoy period costume there is a Sunday [ June 15th I think] where lots of visitors can dress and promenade in period costume with courtly Baroque music playing etc etc. Fantastic !

    (5.0/5)

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