France: Owners of Vaux-le-Vicomte palace robbed of two million euros

The owners of Vaux-le-Vicomte palace, 17th-century French castle, were robbed on Thursday after the robbers reportedly tied them up. They ransacked the luxurious home and fled with a total haul worth two million euros ($2.2 million) as per reports. The French château is located in Maincy, 50 kilometers southeast of Paris and has been owned by the same family since 1875. The police did not specify which family was present at the time of the robbery. Read: Leh Palace Murals Being Restored By Archaeological Survey Of India History of the château The château was built in 1661 by Louis XIV's Finance Minister Nicolas Fouquet, but he was arrested on the charges of misappropriation of public funds. He was imprisoned for life and his wife was exiled. The monarch then reportedly seized the castle and moved its most precious artworks and other objects to Versailles. Later, the palace was sold to Alfred Sommier in 1875 through a grand auction which later went to Patrice, great-grandson of Sommier and Cristina de Vogüé as their wedding gift. They opened the estate for the public in 1968 and now run it with their three sons. Read: Man Sips Beer At Bar, Unruffled By Armed Robber Pointing Gun Venue for film production Lately, the château has become a venue for film shootings. The buildings and grounds have been used in at least 13 productions. It has also become a prized spot for celebrity wedding parties. The wedding of Vanisha Mittal, daughter of British-Indian steel industrialist billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, was reportedly held in the palace in 2004. At least 35 craftsmen were sent to the palace from Mumbai to erect mandap in the sprawling gardens of the estate, as per reports. A huge reception hall was also reportedly done up in pink. Read: Man Refused To Cede To Robber's Demands; Actions Caught On Video Party destination for celebs The destination has also been popular with celebrities. The lavish 2007 bash for French basketball star Tony Parker and "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria was also held in the palace. As the chateau has been acknowledged as a model for Versailles, it has been a part of many movie and television productions. Some of these include Roger Moore Bond hit "Moonraker" and Sophie Coppola's "Marie Antoinette". Read: Elderly Couple Fights Off Armed Robbers In Tamil Nadu, Chases Them Away In Terrifying Encounter

Advertisement

France: Owners of Vaux-le-Vicomte palace robbed of two million euros

The owners of Vaux-le-Vicomte palace, the 17th-century French castle considered to be a model of Versailles, has been robbed. Read on for all the details.

Advertisement