How Do You Spell VAUX-LE-VICOMTE?

Pronunciation: [vˈɔːksləvˈɪkɒmt] (IPA)

The spelling of "vaux-le-vicomte" can be tricky for non-native speakers of French. The word is pronounced as [vo lə vikɔ̃t], with emphasis on the second syllable. The "x" in "vaux" is not pronounced, and the final "e" in "vicomte" is silent. The hyphens indicate that the word is composed of three parts: "vaux", meaning "valley", "le", meaning "the", and "vicomte", meaning "viscount". "Vaux-le-vicomte" is also the name of a famous French château, located just outside of Paris.

VAUX-LE-VICOMTE Meaning and Definition

  1. Vaux-le-Vicomte is a French château located in Maincy, approximately 55 kilometers southeast of Paris. Built in the mid-17th century, it is renowned for its exquisite architecture, landscape design, and historical significance.

    The château was designed by architect Louis Le Vau, with interior decorations by painter Charles Le Brun and garden design by landscape architect André Le Nôtre, who would later collaborate on the Palace of Versailles. Vaux-le-Vicomte showcases the lavish style of the French Baroque period, characterized by elaborate ornamentation, symmetry, and grandeur.

    The name "Vaux-le-Vicomte" refers to its location in the commune of Maincy, in the historical province of Brie, and its association with the office of "vicomte," which is a French feudal title similar to viscount. The château served as a residence for Nicolas Fouquet, the superintendent of finances under King Louis XIV, who was later imprisoned for extravagant spending.

    Vaux-le-Vicomte is renowned for its harmonious blend of architectural and artistic elements, iconic features such as the grand dome, stunning gardens, and water features. It stands as an important architectural example and a symbol of French cultural heritage. The château and its extensive grounds attract visitors from around the world, who come to admire its beauty, explore its gardens, and appreciate its historical significance. Vaux-le-Vicomte remains an enduring testament to the artistic achievements of the French Baroque era.

Etymology of VAUX-LE-VICOMTE

The word "Vaux-le-Vicomte" has a French origin and it is a compound word consisting of multiple elements.

"Vaux" comes from the Old French word "val" meaning "valley" or "vale". This word traces back to the Latin word "vallis", which also means "valley".

"Le" is the definite article meaning "the" in French.

"Vicomte" is a French word meaning "viscount", which is a noble title in European countries, ranking just below an earl or a count.

Therefore, when put together, "Vaux-le-Vicomte" translates to "Vaux the Viscount" or "Vaux of the Viscount". It is also the name of a famous château located in the Île-de-France region of France.