Vue d’Esprit is a 3d graphics package from a french/american company called e-on software.
Initially, it was a direct competitor to landscape modelers such as World Builder or Bryce. With time, it has evolved into a nearly professional tool which remaining still affordable.
To get an idea of the power of Vue, try the Vue Gallery at Renderosity and the picture of the day at e-on.
One of the best places on the web to discuss about Vue D’Esprit is the Vue Forum at Renderosity. There, you can find tutorials, free resources to download and most importantly, a friendly group of people sharing the same enthusiasm for this tool.