A bit of history
In 1641, Nicolas Fouquet, the superintendent of finances under King Louis XIV, enlisted the architect Louis Le Vau to design the Vaux-le-Vicomte castle. The layout of the exterior spaces was entrusted to André Le Nôtre, who created the foundational work of French gardens. Out of the 36 reflecting pools with fountains created by Le Nôtre at the request of Nicolas Fouquet, 20 still exist today. It is worth noting that the hydraulic system of the estate was established during the creation of the gardens between 1641 and 1661.
Even today, this system operates using the same gravity-based functioning as conceived in the 17th century! Destroyed in the 18th century, the fountains and reflecting pools were restored starting from 1875 by Alfred Saumier and reinterpreted by Hyppolite Destailleur, an architect, and Emile Peynot, a sculptor, with some variations. The pounds are now larger, and two sculpted groups representing tritons and naiads surrounded by marine animals blowing through a conch have been placed at their center.
PROJECT
The reflecting pools presented numerous pathologies. They had become leaky, the jets and hydraulic system were malfunctioning, the masonry pedestals showed disorders, and the lead sculpted groups were deteriorated.
Implementation
Cracks and fissures in the pool bottoms were addressed by injecting expansive resin followed by leveling with PROMPT natural cement. The coping stones were rejointed using a mortar mixture of PROMPT natural cement and hydraulic lime. Sculpted elements were restored at the workshops of the Coubertin Foundry and were reinstalled in June 2020.
Sustainable Solution
PROMPT natural cement perfectly meets the requirements sought during the restoration of ancient structures, thanks to its numerous properties and qualities. First, its light ochre color allows for a wide range of shades and a remarkable patina over time. Other advantages include its impermeability and compatibility with the existing substrate. PROMPT natural cement is a durable, aesthetically pleasing, and heritage-respecting solution, as demonstrated by this restoration.
Complete Restoration
Vaux-le-Vicomte castle's visitors can now witness the original splendor of the Triton fountains. These fountains, made of lead, are covered with over 7,000 sheets of gold. The restoration, which began in the spring of 2019, was completed in June 2020.
Vaux-le-Vicomte castle is currently the largest privately owned historical monument in France. Its French gardens, inspired by Italian Renaissance gardens, prominently feature water in all its forms. Its fountains and reflecting pools accompany visitors as they stroll through the garden's pathways, alongside numerous statues and optical illusions. A unique journey in Europe that captivates the wanderer from the very first glance.
Key Information
7,000 sheets of gold covering the two sculpted lead groups.
15 months of work for the complete restoration.
Key Participants
Owner
SCI Valterre
Architects
RL & Associés architectes et OGI Fontainerie
Entreprises
RL & Associés architects and OGI Fontainerie
Companies
Léon Noël (Troyes), Coubertin Foundry, Ateliers Gohard, Dubocq, Terideal
