Come with Us to the Grand Siècle rendez-vous at Vaux le Vicomte

Come with Us to the Grand Siècle rendez-vous at Vaux le Vicomte, our 1st costume event of the trip. This was an all day event. We stayed in Versailles and drove to the Chateau, stopping at a French McDonalds on the way. During the day the chateau and gardens were open to visitors in costume and also those not in costume. Upon arrival we explored the gardens, saw a bird show, found a picnic hosted by a French costuming group, and got to make friends. We participated in the grand costume parade about the grounds, and then had a lovely 3 course dinner at the restaurant on site that had a very nice view of the chateau. We then walked about more of the gardens, saw a 17th century dance performance, and a fire dancer. Then it was time for the “after prestige party” when only ticked costumed guests are allowed in the chateau. It was amazing. We got to tour the chateau, play games, sit in the library, and dance in the hall. Then it was time for the fireworks. We had the Terrance of the chateau to ourselves. We were given sparklers and then the show began. It was in French, but one of our kind new friends translated for us. It told the story of the original owner of the chateau: the chateau was commissioned by Nicolas Fouquet, Superintendent of Finances to Louis XIV. In 1653, he set out to build an extraordinary estate—a symbol of his power and refined taste for the arts. But in 1661, after throwing a party for the King: he was arrested by King Louis XIV, because he was jealo