Madame de Maintenon –The True Love of King Louis XIV

The marriage of Louis XIV of France with Marie Therese of Spain in 1660 was an arranged union meant to serve a political purpose. However, Louis XIV married in secret some years later when he fell in love with the Marquise de Maintenon. This is an extraordinary story of a woman who captured the king’s heart and became his wife against the royal conventions of the court of Louis XIV of France.

The images used are in the Public Domain.
Music – YT Audio Library.

[moodylittleowl]

I really like her - she climbed social ladder without stepping on anyone's head. She was simply a good person, always strived for self-improvement and in the end it was her personality that led to her marriage

[bplatt]

It’s always so nice to listen to a French native narrate French history. As one who knows the language, I often bristle when many English speakers do presentations involving French names, places, and events; they frequently mispronounce the words. The woman on this video does such a nice job. Not only is the French all exquisitely spoken; but also, her tone is lovely and graceful. Thank you for posting this brief but thorough overview of Mme. de Maintenon, a lady who lived her life well and honorably.

[ambreeniram]

What a nice lady, wanted the king to be with his wife instead of her. They met at a mature age when one knows what makes them happy. Great love story.

[marie-heleneleclerc]

She never dreamed of reaching such a high position; however, her greatest talent is to never miss a step in ascending the social ladder.

[juliecopelandbarrows]

Love that she set-up a girl's school

[olzhena]

She was the true Queen, not by the title but by her personality. I am glad for Luis. He was able to find his true love and happiness in his adulthood. Thanks for bringing to us this beautiful story. 🙌

[Yvonne]

Finally! The history of the French monarchs in English. I needed this. Now I can enjoy one of my favorite subjects while performing other household tasks. I have never had the patience to sit still and read subtitles.

Two of my favorite historical figures are Catherine de Medici, and Madame de Pompadour. Women who had much more influence on history than they are given credit for, not unlike the Marquise de Maintenon and her predecessor. I am fascinated when women take on such significant rolls against all odds in a time of male dominance.

[saibliss]

King finally found love, nice video. Love the accent👌💕💖

[MsJournalist]

I recently discovered your channel and have binge watched multiple videos and love them all! Your voice is such a joy to listen to ❤

[adrianjohnson]

What a sweet story --playboy king in midlife grows bored with having any woman he wants, and marries the virtuous, kindly, and intelligent governess educating his children.

[dmeblue]

My estimation of Louis the 14th just went up because of this video.

[leanie]

I always thought it was funny that her official title sounded like "Mrs Right Now".

[kimberlyperrotis]

I forgot to say, your English pronunciation is perfect and your French accent is very charming.

[whenitsraining]

Great video. I would like to recommend topics like 'Juana the Mad', 'Catherine de' Medici', 'Jane Grey', Some Ottoman kings (like the famous 'Suleiman the Magnificent' or how his daughter became the most influential princess there), 'Fall of the Roman Empire', but I thought it might be pressuring you and that these topics may be too common. I really like how you are doing topics most people do not make videos or know about. Good job. Keep going!

[BTScriviner]

Years ago, I read an interesting biography of Madame de Maintenon. I think this was it: "The Secret Wife of Louis XIV: Françoise d'Aubigné, Madame de Maintenon" by Veronica Buckley.

[springfauna]

I was listening to this from across the room and it sounded like her name was, "Madame de Maintenant!!" Ohhh, it really made me laugh because we have a joke here in the States about the difference between Mr. Right, and Mr. Right Now!! ha, ha, ha, ha....with all due respect, she sounded like she might have been Mrs. Right Now to Louis XIV. ;o)

[madelinesadvocate]

One if my ancestors was a dr mercy! He apparently married one of Louis illegitimate daughters, he rescued her from a convent in Spain and took her to England and married her!

[davidebryant]

Francoise d'Aubigne was my great great great great great cousin from my mother's side. In my grandmother's family home had the cotes of arms of the house of d'Aubignie everywhere. one side of the d'Aubigne had fled to England and eventually left to Nova Scotia Canada.

[kimberlyperrotis]

It’s so great to have these presentations in English from a native French speaker. Most native English speakers don’t have a clue about French pronunciation and are so painful to listen to. I’ve forgotten a lot of my University French from 40 years ago, but not the pronunciation!

[shellyreena]

So interesting, didn't know this about Louis XIV thought he was a total despot. Thank you so much for this, how/where can I learn more about this side of the French monarchy during the time period?