The water show will run every Candlelit evening at sunset!

The water show will take place during every candlelit evening of Vaux-le-Vicomte (every Saturday from May 14 to October 1, 2022). The water show takes place at sunset:

  • From May 14 to October 1: from 4PM to 5.30PM

(c) Julien Laurent

 

A bit of history…

The hydraulic system of the estate was put in place when the gardens were created between 1641 and 1661. Almost entirely destroyed in the 18th century, the basins and fountains began to be restored by Alfred Sommier in 1875. Today, the hydraulic system functions in the same way it was designed in the 17th century:  by gravitational pull. The water from underground springs is channeled into an extended network of aqueducts, then stocked in reservoirs situated at “high points.” When the valves are opened, water is forced out by the effect of gravity. Turning the fountains on necessitates 45 minutes of work by the fountain-tender, who must successively open each of the valves feeding the fountains.

Out of the 36 designed by Le Nôtre at the request of Nicolas Fouquet, 20 basins still exist today.

Did you know? The carp present in the moats, basins and canals are useful! Indeed, carp are herbivores and eat the surface algae, thus filtering the water so that it remains sufficiently transparent!

bassin de la gerbe jeux d'eau dans les jardins

 

Did you know? Israël Silvestre, famous 17th century drafter and engraver, is the author of numerous engravings presenting the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte and its gardens, during their construction:

Gravure d'Israël Silvestre - jeux d'eau grand canal
Gravure d'Israël Silvestre - jeux d'eau cascades
Gravure d'Israël Silvestre - jeux d'eau
Gravure d'Israël Silvestre
Gravure d'Israël Silvestre - jeux d'eau parterre de fleurs
Gravure d'Israël Silvestre - douves
Gravure d'Israël Silvestre
Gravure d'Israël Silvestre - jeux d'eau bassin de la couronne
Gravure d'Israël Silvestre - jeux d'eau aux grilles d'eau
Gravure d'Israël Silvestre - jeux d'eau et jardins
Gravure d'Israël Silvestre
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