Vaux-le-Vicomte, Melun

hile talking about gardens in France, we have to pay attention to the Vaux-le-Vicomte Chateau and its gardens in the first place. Some of you may wonder why the focus is firstly drawn on Vaux-le-Vicomte, a name which sounds less familiar than, for example, the well-known Versailles. The truth is that Vaux-le-Vicomte marks the beginning of a new size-based style in garden building and as a matter of fact, it is the predecessor of the Versailles Palace and Park. 

The gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte were built in the 17th century by the order of Nicolas Fouquet, the finance minister of King Louis XIV. Fouquet hired three professionals, namely Le Notre (a landscape gardener), Le Brun (a decorator) and Le Vau (an architect), who eventually produced an incredible work of art, the beauty of which amazed even the King. In order for the construction to take place, three villages had to be moved away and a river had to be diverted (it covers an area of around 100 acres). 18,000 workers in total were employed and the work was finished for 5 years (1656-1661). 

Three lanes, having the shape of sunrays, lead to the park entrance. The composition of the park is concentrated around the central alley, which represents its main axis, and three other cross axes. The first of these axes actually lies parallel to a drawbridge, located in front of the built-on-a-terrace chateau, which connects the building with the main garden. The second axis is marked by a round basin and the third one – by the river canal. In front of the chateau, as well as on both sides of it, spread out “embroidered” parterres, the decoration of which speaks of the baroque influence. The main axis runs on straight until it reaches a square basin, beyond which is the river canal. The paths around the square basin afford one of the most beautiful views to the grotto and the cascade. The latter is a large terrace-like construction with seven bays from which the water flows down and forms various shapes. It is thought that the creator of the architectural design of the grotto was Le Notre. The design of the park is actually an expression of the architect’s new perceptions of the art of gardening. Le Notre handles with exclusiveness the principles of perspective and optical illusion, shapes perfectly the parterres and water areas, and uses his innovative skills to decorate with sculptures. 

The Vaux-le-Vicomte Park is also the first French park to contain such abundance of sculptures, which at that time were very rare. Among those sculptural elements are 13 fountains, made of stone and marble, and 24 statues and figures of animals. 

For those of you interested in the history behind the gardens, let us offer you a few facts about the Vaux-le-Vicomte. The story goes that Louis XIV had heard about the awesome chateau and park and wanted to go on a visit. The King was cordially welcomed by Fouquet who did his best to make Louis XIV enjoy his stay. However, instead of being flattered by his minister’s warm hospitality, the King grew very suspicious about how Fouquet paid for his luxurious residence. Fouquet was eventually arrested on charges of embezzlement and sent to prison. The King confiscated the larger part of the property and later, brought some of it to his residence in Versailles. The famous gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte are well-preserved today thanks to the Sommier family who bought the estate at the end of the 19th century and worked on restoring it.

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In order for the construction to take place, three villages had to be moved away and a river had to be diverted (it covers an area of around 100 acres). 18,000 workers in total were employed and the work was finished for 5 years (1656-1661). 

The Vaux-le-Vicomte Park is also the first French park to contain such abundance of sculptures, which at that time were very rare.
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Image copyright © Steve Fazzio

Image copyright © Mark Farley

Image copyright © Alexander Elbert

Image copyright © Alexander Elbert