Louis Le Vau, Architect From a family of architects and entrepreneurs, he was the main architect in the urbanisation of Ile Saint-Louis in Paris and also constructed various private mansions in the French capital. He built many castles that are no longer in existence (Châteaux de Saint-Sépulcre, Raincy, and Sucy-en-Brie), yet it was Vaux-le-Vicomte his masterpiece that would stand the test of time. In Versailles, he laid down the transformations which were to shape the breathtaking palace.
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Gustave Eiffel was one of greatest engineer of his time. In 1883 the government decided to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution, to organize a World Exhibition in Paris in 1889. The France must present the image of a strong nation and projects multiplied to represent the force. Gustave Eiffel, introduced the draft tower. Initially, the idea does not appeal, but In 1887, construction of the Tour starts. It was completed March 31, 1889. It is the triumph of Gustave Eiffel.
Charles Le Brun, Painter/decorator Studied in Rome alongside Poussin and on his return to Paris, launched a career decorating large ensembles such as that in the Hôtel Lambert. Nicolas Fouquet called upon Le Brun to supervise the decoration of Vaux-le-Vicomte, for which the artist designed furniture and statues, oversaw the creation of tapestries and created décors.
André Le Nôtre, Gardener The gardens at Vaux le Vicomte were the first masterpiece by the most famous landscape gardener of France, leading to a rush of commissions: Sceaux, Chantilly, Marly, St-Cloud, and Meudon among others. As Louis XIV’s gardener of choice, his most famous achievement was the gardens at Versailles. His signature techniques such as the geometric plan, vast vistas and use of levels, fountains and statues spread around Europe, imposing the ‘French garden’ aesthetic codes.
