An insider�s tour of the magnificent seventeenth-century castle and gardens, conceived by Le Vau, Le Brun, and Le N�tre, that inspired the great ch�teaux 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 Andr� Le N�tre to transform it into a lavish residence. His extravagance piqued Louis XIV�s jealousy, and he was thrown into prison for mishandling funds. The ch�teau inspired the design of Versailles and was later home to the great chef Vatel, who famously died for his art. This volume traces the ch�teau�s history from the seventeenth century through the Belle �poque, World War I, and its public opening in 1968. Exclusive photography and archival documents offer unprecedented access to the ch�teau, furnishings, and gardens, and illuminate the extraordinary secrets of court life and centuries of celebrations that include the enchanting candlelit tours held today.