Nicolas Fouquet (1615-1680) who ordered the construction of Vaux-le-Vicomte was descended from a line of parliamentarians, that rich and enterprising body of men, upon whom the crown came increasingly to depend and whose services were rewarded with appointments to high office. Fouquet's own father, François Fouquet, had been a trusted advisor to Cardinal Richelieu on maritime and commercial affairs.

There are two elements of major significance that contribute to Vaux le Vicomte's lasting fame.

Vaux was the tragic setting for the downfall of Fouquet, a faithful minister who paid the price of life imprisonment, because of an embezzlement he did not commit, because of the jealousy of others and also because he went a little too far in bestowing lavish hospitality.

For a period of ten years under Fouquet's protection, Vaux was also a haven for leading French artists. Writers, poets, painters and sculptors gave the best of their talents to the glory of Vaux.