Leonardo da Vinci

Chateau du Clos Lucé

Leonardo da Vinci's bedroom in Chateau du Clos Lucé. This is where Leonardo lived the final three years of his life. On the invitation of François I, Leonardo arrived in the year 1516. He brought three of his favorite paintings - one of which was the Mona Lisa. He was gifted this chateau by the King and given a fixed pension. Impressed by Leonardo's brilliance, the King paid for his works and enjoyed his company almost everyday. It was here, on May 2, 1519 that Leonardo died.

 

 

Catherine de Medici

Chateau Chenonceau

Reclaimed after her husband's death from his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, Catherine had the gallery (shown in photo) built on Diane de Poitiers' bridge. During the First World War, it was used as a hospital.

 

 

 

Vaux-le-Vicomte

A 17th century chateau with both a tragic and intriguing history. Built by Nicolas Fouquet, Superintendent of Finance (the number 3 position in the most powerful nation in Europe at the time), Vaux was considered superior to any that belonged to the King. The lesson here: never eclipse the Sun King (a name by which Louis XIV is known). And never consider yourself indispensable. Most of the original treasures in this chateau are gone, but its spectacular beauty still stands hundreds of years later. Step into the 17th century by checking out the 360º virtual tours on Vaux-le-Vicomte’s official website.  Be sure to enjoy their two wonderful video trailers: Video 1, Video 2.

 

 

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The North façade. This is the main entrance to Vaux.

 

 

 

     

Original architectural plans for Vaux. See any secret passages?

Nicolas Fouquet hired only the best for Vaux: the highly respected architect Louis Le Vau, the master painter Charles Le Brun, and the talented André Le Nôtre, the designer of the gardens.

In 1641 Fouquet purchased the Vaux estate. The construction on this enormous and very expensive project began in 1656 on a stretch of property that spanned the area of three villages. It took eighteen thousand men and a constant supply of funds made by Fouquet before Vaux-le-Vicomte was completed. He even had a river rerouted through his estate to add to the scenic landscaping.

On August 17, 1661 Fouquet threw a lavish party in honor of the King and showcased Vaux to the six thousand guests in attendance. A few weeks later, Louis had the Captain of the Musketeers, d'Artagnan, place Fouquet under arrest. The charges: embezzlement of Crown funds.

 

 

 

Part of the breathtaking gardens at Vaux.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incredible night view of the gardens. On certain nights, the chateau and gardens are illuminated with thousands of candles. It's truly a sight to behold! If you're in France, don't miss this!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This sphinx is located in Fouquet's gardens. He owned two mummies and was planning to build two miniature pyramids to house them in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Madame Fouquet's Chambers

She married Fouquet at age 15. He was 36. She remained devoted to her husband during his long incarceration until his death.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This painting hangs in Madame Fouquet's chambers (Charles Le Brun, 1619-1690). It depicts her clipping the wings of Cupid so that love would never leave her but be hers forever. Unfortunately, Fouquet was terribly unfaithful to his very young, most enamored wife.

 

 

 

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