Before the others, they were able to open up their castle to visitors and share their heritage. The family of Vogüé is one of the most outstanding in the small community of owners of castles. Over the centuries, the place has passed from hands in hands. Vaux-le-Vicomte, the testimony of the architecture of that century, is due to Nicolas Fouquet, former steward to the king.

This last was a glow in front of Louis XIV, making use of the greatest in its construction, which the architect Le Vau and decorator Charles le Brun. He paid dear for his imprisonment.

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It was taken over by the comte Patrice and Cristina de Vogüé 1967 – the couple who have “received” Vaux as a wedding gift, from the hand of the father of Patrice. The count and countess will be among the first to understand that the heritage is also a form of sharing. They will decide to open up to the visit, at a time when very few private owners do.

“The time of my great-aunt, my father and she was worried often of the future of the castle. I would always answer: it will be like the English, we will open the doors to the public. It is true, in the 1960s, there was no great world to think so, ‘ said the Figaro the comte de Vogüé, at the age of 89 years, in 2018.

In march 1968, an inauguration of the castle is even provided, with 400 guests. But the revolution and the evening is water. What does it matter! Fifty years later, Vaux-le-Vicomte is part of the most visited chateaux in France, with around 300,000 visitors. In addition to its landscapes and its French gardens, the public appreciates the presence of the family on the premises.

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Elegant and history buffs

From 2015, the Vogüé have passed the baton to their sons – Alexandre, Jean-Charles and Ascanio. Vaux-le-Vicomte has become a family affair, in which everyone has a role. Elegant, history buffs, and with a strong personality, the count and the countess, now elderly, are still very present.

“ownership is a life commitment. We have moments of doubt and moments. But, whatever the period, the pleasure has always been renewed,” still indicated in Figaro Patrice de Vogüé.