General view
by LE NÔTRE, André, Photo
In 1656, Louis Le Vau began his architectural masterpiece, the Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte, owned by France’s wealthy finance minister Nicolas Fouquet (1615-1680). Probably the most important French château of the Baroque period, it possesses all the archetypal classical characteristics of order, balance and symmetry, while its monumental form conveys a sense of enduring power. Its fa�ade is dominated by a large pediment and oval dome, accompanied by alternating patterns of windows and pilasters. The building, whose interiors were decorated by Charles Lebrun and others, stands in formal gardens designed by Andr� Le N�tre.
The picture shows the palace and parterres. The original garden layout is by Andr� Le N�tre.