Not everyone grows up in a French Baroque chateau so impressive that the Palace of Versailles was based upon its design principles, but Alexandre de Vogüé, our speaker, did so at Vaux‑le‑Vicomte, the largest private estate in France listed as a Historic Monument. The story of Vaux‑ le‑Vicomte begins, however, more than 350 years ago, when Nicolas Fouquet purchased a modest property and demolished three villages to expand it. Vaux-le-Vicomte’s rich history began in 1641 and was classified as a historical monument in 1875.

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 extraordinary book is an exclusive look inside the château that inspired the design of Versailles and today continues to enchant visitors and film directors alike.

Join us on Thursday, February 17 between 2:00 and 3:30 when we welcome Alexandre de Vogüé to The Exchange.  Stop  in to meet this talented author and leave with a signed copy of this beautiful book.