French monarch's favored companion, known for her beauty, wit, and influence on royal politics. She was a powerful figure in the Palace of Versailles during the 17th century.
Louise de La Vallière, Duchess of La Vallière and Vaujours, is most renowned for being the mistress of King Louis XIV of France from 1661 to 1667, during which she exercised significant influence over the royal court's intellectual and artistic circles. Her association with the monarch also led to the legitimization of two of her five children with the King, further solidifying her historical significance.
Franoise-Louise de La Baume Le Blanc, Mademoiselle de La Vallière, was born on August 6, 1644, at the Hôtel de la Crouzille (also known as Hôtel de La Vallière) in Tours. Her father, Laurent de La Baume Le Blanc, Seigneur de La Vallière (1611-1651), was a knight and captain lieutenant of the mestre de camp of the light cavalry. Her mother, Marie-Françoise Le Provost de La Coutelaye (died 1686), belonged to the noblesse de robe, a family of high-ranking officials.
In 1661, La Vallière joined the royal court as a maid of honor to Henrietta of England, and soon caught the attention of King Louis XIV. Her intellectual curiosity, artistic inclinations, and philosophical leanings made her an attractive companion for the monarch. As the King's mistress, La Vallière played a pivotal role in shaping the court's cultural landscape, patronizing artists, writers, and thinkers of the era.
After her replacement by Madame de Montespan in 1667, La Vallière underwent a spiritual transformation, writing a popular devotional book and eventually entering the Carmelite convent in Paris in 1674. Her later years were marked by a deep commitment to her faith and charitable endeavors, earning her a reputation as a devoted and compassionate individual.
Louise de La Vallière's influence on the intellectual and artistic spheres of 17th-century France cannot be overstated. Her patronage of prominent figures, including authors and artists, and her philanthropic efforts have left an indelible mark on French cultural history. Furthermore, her children with the King, including Marie-Anne, Mademoiselle de Blois, and Louis, Count of Vermandois, went on to play significant roles in French society.
La Vallière's devotional book, written during her spiritual transformation, reflects her deep commitment to Catholicism and her quest for spiritual enlightenment. Her later life was characterized by a dedication to charitable causes, demonstrating her commitment to using her influence for the greater good.
Born in 1710
The monarch who ruled France from 1715 to 1774, known as the "Sun King's" great-grandson, and remembered for his extravagance, absolutism, and the decline of the French monarchy.
Born in 1674
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Born in 1639
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Born in 1622
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Born in 1630
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