Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Step through the gates of the estate that inspired Versailles — Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, built in the 1650s for Louis XIV's ill-fated finance minister Nicolas Fouquet. Inside, richly painted ceilings by Charles Le Brun and period furnishings fill the ceremonial rooms, private apartments, and historic kitchens. Outside, André Le Nôtre's 33-hectare formal gardens unfold along a three-kilometre axis of geometric parterres, reflecting pools, and fountains — his masterwork before the king summoned him to Versailles. The estate is open seasonally from mid-March to late October, and online reservation is required. Golf carts are available to explore the full grounds, and a shuttle connects from Melun train station.