Day at – serie

An insider’s tour of the magnificent seventeenthcentury castle and gardens, conceived by Le Vau, Le Brun, and Le Nôtre, that inspired the great châteaux of Europe. Vaux-le-Vicomte’s rich history began in 1641, when infamous Finance Minister Nicolas Fouquet bought the estate and enlisted architect Louis Le Vau, decorator Charles le Brun, and garden designer André Le Nôtre to transform it into a lavish residence. His extravagance piqued Louis XIV’s jealousy, and he was thrown into prison for mishandling funds. The château inspired the design of Versailles, and was later home to the great chef Vatel, who famously died for his art. This volume traces the château’s history from the seventeenth-century through the Belle Époque, World War I, and its public opening in 1968. Exclusive photography and archival documents offer unprecedented access to the château, furnishings, and gardens, and illuminate the extraordinary secrets of court life and centuries of celebrations that include the enchanting candlelit tours held today.

This comprehensive, superbly illustrated, slipcased volume recounts the history of the palace and brings to life the splendors of French culture and history. A visit to the exceptionally well-preserved Fontainebleau—one of the few royal residences left intact during the French Revolution—offers unparalleled access to French history, art, and architecture. From François I to Napoleon, and from Marie Antoinette to Joséphine, Fontainebleau sweeps the reader back in time to experience the traditions and customs of great figures throughout the history of France. Comprised of more than 1,500 rooms on 130 acres of parkland and gardens, and situated thirty-seven miles south of Paris, Fontainebleau welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year. This book features superb images illustrating the artisanal decorative details of the château and the spectacular works of art still housed within; it includes exclusive access to archival documents and numerous rooms and galleries that are not open to the public. Imbued with over eight centuries of history, Fontainebleau offers unique historical insight into the lives of over thirty-four French sovereigns who inhabited and enhanced this great architectural monument. From hunting excursions to the grand parties and spectacles that took place at Fontainebleau, this book is a private invitation inside a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s most beautiful historical monuments.