A Chateau Fit for a King

Nicolas Fouquet hired famous architecture Louis la Vau, landscape architect André le Notre, and decorator/painter Charles Le Brun to build Vaux le Vicomte.  This trifecta of creative geniuses constructed a chateau fit for a king.

Once built, Fouquet and his wife, threw lavish parties showing off the newly renovated estate.  One such party, which included a new play by Molière and ended with fireworks, was attended by King Louis XIV.  He was impressed that one man could create such a grand residence.

Chocolat

Haute Coutre - en chocolat of course.

Autumn is my favorite season in France, because it marks the start of the salons (expositions).  This is the time of year when there are frequent events where artisans come together to show off their creativity and foodies indulge.  These salons range from large, international expositions to ones organized by small local groups.  All have food finds waiting to be discovered.

Thomas and I try to take full advantage of these events to discover the flavors of our new home.  Friday, Thomas and I went to the Salon du Chocolat.  In two week we'll head to the Salon du Vignerons Indépendents (independent wine makers).  And we are holding our breaths for Salon Saveurs where artisans who make all the good accoutrements that together make up a wonderful evening (prosciutto, cheese, wine, and chocolates).