#meudon castle

[galleryofunknowns]

Antoine Coypel (b.1661 - d.1722), 'The Trumpeter of Louis XIV, Angola, with a fruit basket, accompanied by his mistress and a spaniel', oil on panel, circa 1682-1683, French, currently in the collection of the Louvre, Paris, France.

Formerly in the collection of the Louis XIV as part of the collection of the Chateau de Marly, c.1710, then Meudon Castle; during the revolution, the Palace of Versailles, then the Grand Trianon, afterwards the Louvre in 1818.

[scotianostra]

29th July 1548 saw the French fleet sail from Dumbarton, taking the infant Queen Mary to the safety of France.

When Mary left for Scotland, she travelled with the children of Scotland’s nobility, including the ‘Four Mary’s,’ the women who would stay with her throughout her later imprisonment and execution. With her are her guardians, the Lords Erskine and Livingston, her nurse Jean Sinclair, her governess Lady Fleming, the four Maries, Ladies Fleming, Seton, Livingston and Beaton, three of her half-brothers and other children of the Scottish nobility.

The departure of Mary from Scotland, little as she was, was a great event both for Scotland and for France. In those days kings and queens were even of greater relative importance than they are now, and all Scotland was interested in the young queen's going away from them, and all France in expecting her arrival. She sailed down the Clyde, and then passed along the seas and channels which lie between England and Ireland. 

These seas, though they look small upon the map, are really spacious and wide, and are often greatly agitated by winds and storms. This was the case at the time Mary made her voyage. The days and nights were tempestuous and wild, and the ships had difficulty in keeping in each other's company. There was danger of being blown upon the coasts, or upon the rocks or islands which lie in the way. 

Mary was too young to give much heed to these dangers, but the lords and commissioners, and the ladies who went to attend her, were heartily glad when the voyage was over. It ended safely at last, after several days of tossing upon the stormy seas before the arrival upon the northern coast of France

Mary was given a royal welcome in France by King Henry II. He ordered that she would have precedence over his own daughters as she was sovereign of an independent country and also because she was to wed his heir, the Dauphin. The king also became very fond of the child, saying, ‘The little Queen of Scots is the most perfect child I have ever seen.’ While in France, Mary’s maternal grandmother, Antoinette de Guise, wrote to her daughter in Scotland that Mary was ‘very pretty, graceful and self-assured.’

Mary was 5 when she first met the four-year-old Dauphin, her betrothed husband. According to most contemporaries, they were close and affectionate with one another even as children. They traveled from one royal palace to another – Fountaineblea to Meudon, or to Chambord or Saint-Germain. They were always attended to by a retinue of servants and, even then, Mary had developed a fondness for animals, especially dogs, which was to continue throughout her life.

Mary was also educated in the traditional manner of French princesses; she spoke French and learned Latin, Italian, Spanish and a little Greek. She learned to dance, sing, play the lute as well as converse on religious matters. Her religious tutor was the Prior of Inchmahome, a Scottish priest. 

When she was seven, her mother Marie of Guise, travelled  to France to visit her; when Marie  returned to Scotland, neither realized that they would never see each other again.

Pics are “The Departure of Mary Queen of Scots to France, when a Child.” by  Francesco Bartolozzi. An engraving of Dumbarton Castle and  an illustration Of Mary Queen Of Scots and the four Scottish Marys in a palatial garden in France

[corrupcionallianzsecuaces]

PIN CODE SECURITY TOTAL TITULOS INTEGROS COMPUTOS PRINCIPE ANTONIO 10583288-E AUCTION CLAUSOR FONDOS HOLDING HANNOVER PRINCE & BUILDING HANNOVER PRINCE & HANNOVER BANK WILHELM BANK OPERATIVO CSIC COMPUTOS CAUCION FIANZA E-37431-012 ZOC DESPUES NOTARIA VALOR MAS ANTIGUO MEJOR. AL SER EL BCO PROPIEDAD DE ANTONIO J ARIAS RODRIGUEZ DNI/CIF-10.583288-E C/FÉLIX ARAMBURU Nº8 2º A OVIEDO-33007 TENGO CREDITO BCO ESPAÑA 1%... & DEVENGOS CHEKS LEC/LECRIM ART 117 50/1980 DEVENGOS 845/011 846/011... DAÑOS AGRAVIO RA OM3525145 AR + OL4409662 AR RA NOTARIAS DEL ESTADO.. BIS RA COSTAS TITULOS A PARTE U-3511008 NS 9 OVIEDO CAUCIONFIANZA E-37431-012 LEC/LECRIM LEY 30/1992 ART 71 PENAL 1 EMPLAZADO SEPT 017 .....DOLO INS 9 PAGO AUTOMATICO 305 308 C.P. LEC/LECRIM LECRIM 177 777 DE NOTARIAREQUIERA CANTIDADES EXACTAS INTERVENTORES DEL ESTADO INSPECCION HACIOENDA DPTO IVA DPTO RGTROS SR HEVIA SR NOVAL SRA P ARIAS D LUIS TEJUCA NOTARIO SR FUMANAL PROCURA PLENOS PODERES OBLIGADO.... VAÑLOR NPOTARIAL FISVCAL 2 FISCALES DE HACIENDA SRAS MARIA JESUS MARI NIEVES.. VALOR NOTARIAL LABORAL SR CACERES AFILIACION URE.. VALOR NOTARIAL PERICIAL SR NOVAL MAS DE 40 PERITOS.-. VALOR NOTARIAL MEDICO CERTIFICACIONES SANIDAD PUBLICA (4) TITULO INTEGRO... TGSS NOTARIAS MEDICAS SANIDAD PUBLICA LECRIM 177 777.. VALOR NOTARIAL JURIDICO 2 MAGISTRADOS ORONTUERO NOTARIAS.. SIN REVOCACIN DE AUD. CASACIONNINGUNA CERTIFICACIONES POSTERIORES AL 30/8/16 NINGUNA.. NO HAY NO.. SON CERTIFICACIONES FISCALES 8/EN708 HACIENDA CEE EN 1 CONTABILIDAD ECONOMICA FINANCIERA ACT ECONOMICAS NO HAY NO EL LIQUIDO LO MISMO ART 117 50/1980 TODO ASEGURADPO DESDE LA CREACION DEL MUINDO.. 2 POBRES SON DE PUEBLO Y CANTAN DELINCUENTES EN GRADO SUPERLATIVO.. MIS FONDOS BONOS DEL ESTADO CANJEABLES COMO FALTE UNA PESETA ROBAS AL ESTADO ESPAÑOL ETC PRIVACION 3º GRADO SAGRADA 100 MIL AÑOS DE CARCEL VAN A SER POCOS....COMPUTOS.. AUTO Nº000132/011 ABREV. Nº0001084/011 ABREV. Nº0004666/014 AR RA 3/5/16 UNIDOS AR RA DE NOTARIA PENAL EMPLAZ<DO HUELLAS UNIDOS AR RA TGSS DEST.EA0029057 (5/11/19 TITULO INTEGRO CANTIDADES EXACTAS DE NOTARIA REQUIERA LEC/LECRIM LECRIM 177 777 DOLO LA MISMA CANTIDAD AUD NAC SEC PENAL ANTICORRUPCION... REMISION TSJAS 13/5/16 EMPLAZADO PENAL 1 SEP 017... ILMA SRA MARTA PALACIOS ART 117 50/1980 EL AUCTION CLAUSOR CONHUELLAS NOTIFIQUE DE TRASLADO... LEC/LECRIMLECRIM 757 LREY 57 TODOS LOS TITULOS MIOS INTEGROS SUIPERIOR ORDINARIOS FIN TITULO SUPERIOR DA TRASLADO SU ILMA SRA BEGOÑA FERNANDEZ INTEGRO...LECRIM 757 LEY LEY 57 LECRIM 774.... EMPLAZADO PENAL 1 SEP 017 1AÑO.. ART 117 50/1980 LEC/LECRIM LECRIM 109 LEY 29/1998 ETC ETC

PRINCIPE ANTONIO 10583288-E PROPIETARIO DE HOLDING HANNOVER PRINCE & BUILDING HANNOVER PRINCE 6 HANNOVER BANK BUILDING BANK OPERATIVO CSIC.. COMPUTOS PROPIETARIO DEL PSG NEWCASTLE MBAPPÉ MESSI C RONALDO DIBU MARTINEZ...NEUER POGBÁ CHIESA...GRIEZMAN... LEWANDOWSKI.... ANSU FATI GAVI FERRAN.. MARCELO MODRIC VINICIUS.... ETC ETC CANAL 4 TV Y CANAL ENERGY WILHELM CHANNEL VANITY FAIR VAGUADA CORTEINGLES MAYORIA HOTELES MONSTER HOTEL PLAZA NEW YORK RECONQUISTA OVIEDO... EDITORIAL MONSTER MARCA NYCS SPORT NEW YORK THE SUN PARIS MATCH MARCA AS BILD ETC ETC VOGUE HOLA ETC ETC MACDONALD'S AIRLINES KLM LUFTHANSA DELTA AIRLINES LAN LATHAN JAPAN AIRWAYS KEYA AIRWAYS .. MAURITIUS JHONSONS GHANA...THAI ETC AIRPORTS MARITIAM BARAJAS TIEGEL BRANDERBURG ATLANTA... MAURITANIA KENYA... GHANA ETC NIZA.. HIPODROMOS CURRAGH M. LAFITE AUTEUIL KEEENELAND.. CALDER ACQUEDUCT... ZARZUELA CHANTILLY LASARTE ETC ETC WADDESDON MANOR CHATSWORTH HEVER HOWARD CASTLE HOPETOUN CASTLE FLOORS... MADERSTON.. ETC WINDFIEL WOOLWORTH CHARTWELL PALAIS DES ANGES .. ALPINE DRIVE 9091 SIUNSET.. PALAIS ROYALE MIAMI GEMINI.. ETC ETC MANSART VAUX LE VICOMTE V EPHRUSSI... CHAMBORD CHEVERNY MEUDON ETC ETC PALACIO MORATALLA JARDIN ALJABARAS LINDERHOF MARIENBURG HOHENZOLLERN BURG ETC ETC

F

[empiredesimparte]

WIP ! The Château de Meudon will soon join the imperial possessions of Simparte.

It will also be my first castle offered for download. More information in the coming weeks!

[your-disobedient-servant]

Voltaire’s Paméla Letters Translated: Intro and Letter #1

The letters that Voltaire rewrote in the vein of Richardson’s Paméla after his falling out with Frederick the Great have intrigued me ever since I first heard of them in November or December. Only discovered to have been a rewrite and not originals in the late 20th century, it’s hard to say how much of it is authentic and how much exaggerated or made up, but for me, the fact that they have been altered only adds to the fascination.

Six months into learning French, I’m still not sure I’m quite ready to use this as translation exercises, but I’m impatient, I found the book for very cheap, and besides, I feel that to translate Voltaire you must channel some of the hubris, so bring it on. Poetry (to my surprise, it turns out I actually enjoy translating poetry in some masochistic way) and all. In the end, I am proud of the result.

This is not a very juicy letter, but I’m sure one will come along soon enough. I’m not sure how many will I be able to complete because there’s about fifty of them altogether, but I hope I manage at least a few.

Big thanks to everyone who helped me out with the draft. The rest under the cut for brevity, English followed by original French.

FIRST LETTER

In Clèves, July 1750

It is to you, please, niece of mine, to you, woman of a wit superb, philosopher of the selfsame kind, to you who, like me, of Permesse, knows the many paths diverse; it is to you I now address this disarray of prose and verse, recount my long odyssey's story; recount unlike I back then did when, in my splendid age's glory, I still kept to Apollo's writ; when I dared, perhaps courting disaster, for counsel strike for Paris forth, notwithstanding our minds' worth, the god of Taste, my foremost master!

This journey is only too true, and puts too much distance between you and me. Do not imagine that I want to rival Chapelle, who has made, I do not know how, such a reputation for himself for having been from Paris to Monpellier and to papal land, and for having reported to a gourmand.

It was not, perhaps, difficult when one wished to mock monsieur d'Assoucy. We need another style, we need another pen, to portray this Plato, this Solon, this Achilles who writes his verses at Sans-Souci. I could tell you of that charming retreat, portray this hero philosopher and warrior, so terrible to Austria, so trivial for me; however, that could bore you.

Besides, I am not yet at his court and you should not anticipate anything: I want order even in my letters. Therefore know that I left Compiègne on July 25th, taking my road to Flanders, and as a good historiographer and a good citizen, I went to see the fields of Fontenoy, of Rocoux and of Lawfeld on my way. There was no trace of it left: all of it was covered with the finest wheat in the world. The Flemish men and women were dancing, as if nothing had happened.

Go on, innocent eyes of this bad-mannered populace; reign, lovely Ceres, where Bellona once flourished; countryside fertilised with blood of our warriors, I like better your harvests than all of the laurels: provided by chance and by vanity nourished Oh! that grand projects were prevented by doom! Oh! fruitless victories! Oh! the blood spilled in vain! French, English, German so tranquil today did we have to slit throats for friendship to bloom!

I went to Clèves hoping to find there the stage stations that all the bailiwicks provide, at the order of the king of Prussia, to those who to go to philosophise to Sans-Souci with the Solomon of the North and on whom the king bestows the favour of travelling at his expense: but the order of the king of Prussia had stayed in Wesel in the hands of a man who received it as the Spanish receive the papal bulls, with the deepest respect, and without putting them to any use. So I spent a few days in the castle of this princess that madame de La Fayette made so famous.

But this heroine and the duc of Nemours, we ignore in these places the gallant adventure; for  it is not here, I vow, the land of novels, nor the one of love.

It is a shame, for the country seems made for the princesses of Clèves: it is the most beautiful place of nature and art has further added to its position. It is a view superior to that of Meudon; it is a land covered in vegetation like the Champs-Élysées and the forests of Boulogne; it is a hill covered in gently sloping avenues of trees: a large pool collects  the waters of this hill; in the middle of the pool stands a statue of Minerva. The water of this first pool is received by a second, which returns it to the third; and at the foot of the hill ends in a waterfall pouring into a vast, semi-circular grotto. The waterfall lets the waters spill into a canal, which goes on to water a vast meadow and joins a branch of the Rhine. Mademoiselle de Scudéri and La Calprenède would have filled a volume of their novels with this description; but I, historiographer, I will only tell you that a certain prince Maurice de Nassau, the governor, during his lifetime, of this lovely solitude devised nearly all of these wonders there. He lies buried in the middle of the forest, in a great devil of an iron tomb, surrounded by all the ugliest bas-reliefs of the time of the Roman empire's decadence, and some gothic monuments that are worse still. But all of it would be something very respectable for those deep minds who fall into ecstasy at the sight of poorly cut stone, as long as it is two thousand years old.

Another ancient monument, the remains of a great stone road, built by the Romans, which led to Frankfurt, to Vienna, and to Constantinople. The Holy Empire devolved into Germany has fallen a little bit from its magnificence. One gets stuck in the mud in the summer nowadays, in the august Germania. Of all the modern nations, France and the little country of Belgium are the only ones who have roads worthy of Antiquity. We could above all boast of surpassing the ancient Romans in cabaret; and there are still certain points on which we equal them: but in the end, when it comes to durable, useful, magnificent monuments, which people can come close to them? which monarch does in his kingdom what a procosul did in Nîmes and in Arles?

Perfect in the trivial, in trifles sublime great inventors of nothing, envy we excite. Let our minds to the supreme heights strive of the children of Romulus so proud: they did a hundred times more for the vanquished crowd than we solely for ourselves contrive.

In the end, notwithstanding the beauty of the location of Clèves, notwithstanding the Roman road, in spite of a tower believed to have been built by Julius Caesar, or at least by Germanicus; in spite of the inscriptions of the twenty-sixth legion that quartered here for the winter; in spite of the lovely tree-lined roads planted by prince Maurice, and his grand iron tomb; in spite of, lastly, the mineral waters recently discovered here, there are hardly any crowds in Clèves. The waters there are, however, just as good as those of Spa or of Forges; and one cannot swallow the little atoms of iron in a more beautiful place. But it does not suffice, as you know, to have merits to be fashionable: usefulness and pleasantness are here; but this delicious retreat is frequented only by a few Dutchmen, who are attracted by the proximity and the low prices of living and houses there, and who come to admire and to drink.

I found there, to my great satisfaction, a well-known Dutch poet, who gave us the honour of elegantly, and even verse for verse, translating our tragedies, good or bad, to Dutch. Perhaps one day we will be reduced to translating the tragedies of Amsterdam: every nation gets their turn.

The Roman ladies, who leered at their lovers at the theatre of Pompeii, did not suspect that one day, in the middle of Gaul, in a little town called Lutèce, we would produce better plays than Rome.

The order of the king regarding the stage stations has finally reached me; so my delight at the princess of Clèves' place is over, and I am leaving for Berlin.

***

LETTRE PREMIÈRE

À Clèves, juillet 1750

C'est à vous, s'il vous plaît, ma nièce, vous, femme d'esprit sans travers, philosophe de mon espèce, vous qui, comme moi, du Permesse connaisez les sentiers divers ; c'est à vous qu'en courant j'adresse ce fatras de prose et de vers, ce récit de mon long voyage ; non tel que j'en fis autrefois quand, dans la fleur de mon bel âge, d'Apollon je suivais les lois ; quand j'osai, trop hardi peut-être, aller consulter à Paris, en dépit de nos beaux esprits, le dieu du Goût mon premier maître !

Ce voyage-ci n'est que trop vrai, et ne m'éloigne que trop du vous. N'allez pas vous imaginer que je veulle égaler Chapelle, qui s'est fait, je ne sais comment, tant de réputation, pour avoir été de Paris à Montpellier et en terre papale, et en avoir rendu compte à un gourmand.

Ce n'était pas peut-être un emploi difficile de railler monsieur d'Assoucy. Il faut une autre plume, il faut une autre style, pour peindre ce Platon, ce Solon, cet Achille qui fait des vers à Sans-Souci. Je pourrais vous parler de ce charmant asile, vous peindre ce héros philosophe et guerrier, si terrible à l'Autriche, et pour moi si facile ; mais je pourrais vous ennuyer.

D'ailleurs je ne suis pas encore à sa cour, et il ne faut rien anticiper : je veux de l'ordre jusque dans mes lettres. Sachez donc que je partis de Compiègne le 25 de juillet, prenant ma route par la Flandre, et qu'en bon historiographe et en bon citoyen, j'allai voir en passant les champs de Fontenoy, de Rocoux et de Lawfeld. Il n'y paraissait pas : tout cela était couvert des plus beaux blés du monde. Les Flamands et les Flamandes dansaient, comme si de rien n'eût été.

Durez, yeux innocents de ces peuples grossiers ; régnez, belle Cérès, où triompha Bellone ; campagnes qu'engraissa le sang de nos guerriers, j'aime mieux vos moissons que celles des lauriers : la vanité les cueille et le hasard les donne. Ô que de grands projets par le sort démentis ! Ô victoires sans fruits ! Ô meurtres inutiles ! Français, Anglais, Germains, aujourd'hui si tranquilles fallait-il s'égorger pour être bons amis !

J'ai été à Clèves comptant y trouver des relais que tous les bailliages fournissent, moyennant un ordre du roi de Prusse, à ceux qui vont philosopher à Sans-Souci auprès du Salomon du Nord et à qui le roi accorde la faveur de voyager à ses dépens : mais l'ordre du roi de Prusse était resté à Vesel entre les mains d'un homme qui l'a reçu comme les Espagnols reçoivent les bulles des papes, avec le plus profond respect, et sans en faire aucun usage. Je me suis donc quelques jours dans le château de cette princesse que madame de La Fayette a rendu si fameux.

Mais de cette heroïne, et du duc de Nemours, on ignore en ces lieux la galante aventure : ce n'est pas ici, je vous jure, le pays des romans, ni celui des amours.

C'est dommage, car le pays semble fait pour des princesses de Clèves : c'est le plus beau lieu de nature et l'art a encore ajouté à sa situation. C'est une vue supérieure à celle de Meudon ; c'est un terrain planté comme les Champs-Élysées et le bois de Boulogne ; c'est une colline couverte d'allées d'arbres en pente douce : un grand bassin reçoit les eaux de cette colline ; au milieu du bassin s'élève une statue de Minerve. L'eau de ce premier bassin est reçue dans un second, qui la renvoie à un troisième ; et le bas de la colline est terminé par une cascade ménagée dans une vaste grotte en demi-cercle. La cascade laisse tomber les eaux dans un canal qui va arroser une vaste prairie et se joindre à un bras du Rhin. Mademoiselle de Scudéri et La Calprenède auraient rempli de cette description un tome de leurs romans ; mais moi, historiographe, je vous dirai seulement qu'un certain prince Maurice de Nassau, gouverneur, de son vivant, de cette belle solitude, y fit presque toutes ces merveilles. Il s'est fait enterrer au milieu des bois, dans un grand diable de tombeau de fer, environné de tous les plus vilains bas-reliefs du temps de la décadence de l'empire romain, et de quelques monuments gothiques plus grossiers encore. Mais le tout serait quelque chose de fort respectable pour ces esprits profonds qui tombent en extase à la vue d'une pierre mal taillée, pour peu qu'elle ait deux mille ans d'antiquité.

Un autre monument antique, c'est le reste d'un grand chemin pavé, construit par les Romains, qui allait à Francfort, à Vienne et à Constantinople. Le Saint-Empire dévolu à l'Allemagne est un peu déchu de sa magnificence. On s'embourbe aujourd'hui en été, dans l'auguste Germanie. De toutes les nations modernes, la France et la petit pays des Belges sont les seules qui aient des chemins dignes de l'Antiquité. Nous pouvons surtout nous vanter de passer les anciens Romains en cabarets ; et il y a encore certains points sur lesquels nous les valons bien : mais enfin, pour les monuments durables, utiles, magnifiques, quel peuple approche d'eux ? quel monarque fait dans son royaume ce qu'un proconsul faisait dans Nîmes et dans Arles ?

Parfait dans le petit, sublimes en bijoux, grands inventeurs de riens, nous faisons des jaloux. Elevons nos esprits à la hauteur suprême des fiers enfants de Romulus : ils faisaient plus cent fois pour des peuples vaincus que nous ne faisons pour nous-mêmes.

Enfin, malgré la beauté de la situation de Clèves, malgré le chemin des Romains, en dépit d'une tour qu'on croit bâtie par Jules César, ou au moins par Germanicus ; en dépit des inscriptions d'une vingt-sixième légion qui était ici en quartier d'hiver ; en dépit des belles allées plantées par le prince Maurice, et de son grand tombeau de fer ; en dépit enfin des eaux minérales découvertes ici depuis peu, il n'y a guère d'affluence à Clèves. Les eaux y sont cependant aussi bonnes que celles de Spa et de Forges ; et on ne peut avaler de petits atomes de fer dans un plus beau lieu. Mais il ne suffit pas, comme vous savez, d'avoir du mérite pour avoir la vogue : l'utile et l'agréable sont ici ; mais ce séjour délicieux n'est fréquenté que par quelques Hollandais que le voisinage et le bas prix des vivres et de maisons y attirent, et qui viennent admirer et boire.

J'y ai retrouvé, avec une très grande satisfaction, un célèbre poète hollandais, qui nous a fait l'honneur de traduire élégamment en batave, et même vers pour vers, nos tragédies bonnes ou mauvaises. Peut-être un jour viendra que nous serons réduits à traduire les tragédies d'Amsterdam : chaque peuple a son tour.

Les dames romaines, qui allaient lorgner leurs amants au théâtre de Pompée, ne se doutaient pas qu'un jour au milieu des Gaules, dans un petit bourg nommé Lutèce, on ferait de meilleurs pièces de théâtre qu'à Rome.

L'ordre du roi pour les relais vient enfin de me parvenir ; voilà mon enchantement chez la princesse de Clèves fini, et je pars pour Berlin.

[delphes]

What was Louis XIV like as a father? Was he a good dad?

I wanted to answer shortly but… that question is so complex (as always when you talk about Louis XIV and familly), I just couldn’t.Like I was saying at the begining of that post about Philippe and Marie-Louise, I find it very hard to judge how good a parent could be back then, because being a parent was very different from how we see it now. That being said my first move would be to say, NO Louis WASN’T a good dad, but that’s because the man was king (which is not an excuse) and the fact that, well… his dad died when he was 5, and wasn’t very present like at all the few years he lived with him? So considering the last point he did as good as he thought, I guess.

So I wanted to know more myself, because tbh the only things I read were… quite negative when it comes to his natural children BUT more positive when it came to his illegitimate children, which is the usual stuff, supposedely because they were children of women he loved. Louis would pass longtime with them, would sing and play guitar for them, was worried when they were sick, really suffered when they died, he also fought the whole court to impose them as equals of the Blood Princes and tried real hard to give them political importance (The Duc du Maine said to be the Regent at his death ? Like WHUT ?). But was it a good thing for them ? Or as anyone in his familly, Louis used them only for his personnal glory ? Sun dad must’ve been good at some point. And in the end… I kinda have mixed feelings. 

I’m gonna stay on his legitimate children because it’s were I thought he was the less dad at all.Let’s start from the beginning, saying LABOUR, because being a good sun dad starts with being supportive with his wife/favorite no ?

Surprisingly enough, knowing how Louis didn’t love his wife, he was VERY concerned about her when pregnant and in labour, and not just only because she was supposed to give him heirs. At their first child’s birth, the Grand Dauphin, the queen was such in pain, that he didn’t left her side, held her hand, told her reassuring words and prayed for divine protection. He also insisted the court stand away. When the child was born and declared a male, Louis jumped to the window, and shouted “the queen gave birth to a boy !” After that, the queen was so weak, he feared she would die. Madame de Motteville, old confident and friend, wrote “As long as she was in great pain, the king looked so afflicted et roughly pierced by suffering, no one could doubt that the love he had for her put the queen in front of anyone else”.  

He respected Marie-Thérèse for her rank, who was the only one to be equal his in Europe and gave him authority over others (as France and Spain were the two most powerful countries at the time). He was a worried husband, and he supported her in labour, but also when their children died, especially at the death of the “Petite Madame” (also called Marie-Thérèse) who was one of the rare with the Dauphin to live more than a few months. When she died at 5 yo, in 1672 in her mother’s arm, the king’s affliction was terrible. He didn’t eat (which is something for such a great eater), didn’t sleep. The queen’s strong faith helps her to overcome those deaths, Louis has more difficulties. He will interrogate his doctors a few times, trying to understand why his children dies one after the other, ignoring the consequences of consanguinity. This will lead him to attach himself more to his other illegitimate children.In 1666, labour is very painful as usual. Louis is so impatient, he assists the doctor Félix and is asked to hold his wife knees as his wife suffers so much she contort herself and the king has to fight the pregnant woman to keep her still. He persevere wishing to take care by himself of this ungrateful task.The king involved himself personnaly in his wife labour and suffering, physical and psychological, which is a good point.

Now, his relation with Louis de France, first and only surviving child of 6 brothers and sisters, was the incarnation of transmission and state permanence. As such, I think the Grand Dauphin was seen by Louis XIV as a replica of himself and had to bear great expectations on his shoulders. Let’s see.

Apparentely Sun dad was VERY proud of his heir, and asked every minister, every gazette to talk about it for MONTHS saying he wanted to announced to everyone in Europe the birth of “another himself”(”un autre moi-même”). He also declared that the Parliament and court should adress the Dauphin with the new title of  “Monseigneur” (literally “mylord”), which was exceptionnal and never seen because they had only one “Seigneur” (lord), the king. But that was a thoughtful reaction for a sovereing to put his rightful heir on a very high institutionnal level, still coming from a Louis so suspicious of any counter power, giving such importance to a possible rival in coming is at the same time perfectly suited for his political views and a bold move. 

What really surprised me is the king’s personnal implication in the Dauphin’s education from the very start. Louis wanted to hold for his son the role Mazarin had for him as the informal intendant of his education (which is normally entrusted to someone else), considering that when he’ll die, the Dauphin would need to “prove” being a good king and not only by being his son but by his education and will. Colbert writes in a letter “the king his highly interested in the dauphin’s education, and regards it as one of his great state operation for future’s sake”. Moreover, whereas Henri IV, his grandfather kept his children away from him, and Louis XIII his father wasn’t much around, Louis XIV ordered his son to be next to him and his familly to facilitate private meeting and lessons. When at war, Louis wanted a very abundant correspondence with the Dauphin’s governess, Madame de la Mothe-Houdancourt, and his governor the Duke de Montausier. The king would always be advised when the Dauphin would change places and give his opinion and even refusal when he judged the place not healthy enough for him. Around 1670′s Louis had to abandon the idea of looking after the Dauphin by himself and asked Bossuet to take the place after the death of his not so good private tutor. Louis XIV tried to write a history of his life for the Dauphin’s education, which became his Memoirs. The thought was that when the Dauphin would be 20 yo, his education would be finished AND his father would be 40, which was approximately the age when Louis XIII died, the king thought that could also happened to him. This text was supposed to help the Dauphin to understand his father’s work and thoughts. Louis XIV almost toss it in the fire when his son and grandson died, out of distress and pain as the text became useless. Louis XIV apparentely was afraid of this paternal silence he had to face himself. In 1661, Madame de Motteville saw Louis XIV write advices and precepts giving by the just dead Mazarin, to always remember them.The attachment Louis had for his son is seen in the letter he wrote to his grandson, Philippe V of Spain, to announce his father’s death.

I’ve lost my son, and you lose in him a father who loved you as tenderly as I loved him. He deserved all my goodwill, by his attachment to me, his perpetual attention to please me, and I saw him as a friend to whom I could open my heart and give all my trust (…) believe I have for you the same tenderness, and the only pleasure I can taste now is to find from you in return the same feelings my son gave to me all his life.

That being said, Louis XIV crushed his son’s by his “greatness”even if he allowed him very soon to be at the councel in 1680′s plus of course they had different opinions sometime and the king could be… an asshole. When the king visited his son’s newly built castle of Meudon, he declared scornfully that it looked like a “bourgeois manor”. This would bring on the Grand Dauphin an image of a weak man, even stupid, who didn’t had the nerv to oppose himself to his father, which wasn’t true.

To conclude, even if I could continue for hours on how complex Louis’ relationships were, I think Louis was sincerely worried and interested in his children (and familly) but the guy was king, had to follow political and strategical views, plus had to built a dynasty and preserves France’s glory and power. If at the start of my researches I would have said that he was an awful dad (being a prick with the Dauphin, marying his niece (whom was the closest from being a daughter to him) to a king physically and mentally disabled -which was perfectly known-…) I must say now that I’ve discover a more tender man than I thought and certainly not a perfect nor even a good dad, but at least… someone who tried to be.

[flying-venus-blog]

Add Euro to your travel diary

 Though it’s a small world after all, but gifting something that fulfills anyone’s dreams is something very big. Flying Venus travels understand your every wish and the troubles that you might face when you want to ease your parent’s desire. Believe me it will leave an impression in your eyes. Feel free to book and relax! Rest there is a connecting rope to Europe behind the curtains that will turn up your wish into action.

As Europe encompasses a vast area, stretching from Asia in the East to the Atlantic in the West, and from Arctic in the North to Africa in the South. It is virtually impossible to cover the entire Europe in a Euro Trip of a week or two. But that doesn’t mean you can’t taste heaven! Because even the heaven is worthy in eleven. Yes, you saw right, now you can see the paradise in just 10 nights and 11 days with the best of the amenities, sight-seeing’s, lip smacking meals with no worries of Visa, passport, flights and the budget. Wanna know why? Read further!

Duration: 10 Nights & 11 Days

Destination : Brussels, Paris, Zurich, Venice, Pisa - Florence, Rome

Day 1 – Brussels

As the centre of European culture and institutions, Brussels has much more to offer than most people imagine. Apart from its famous chocolates and beers, there are almost 90 museums, beautiful parks, architecture, bars and much more. I know the you will definitely love the aura of this city.

Arrive at Airport and transfer to reach your Hotel (The balance day is at leisure so that you can relax after your long flight or you can choose you to visit the local markets to get an idea of the place)

Day 2 - Brussels – Paris

Paris, the cosmopolitan capital of France, is one of the largest agglomerations in Europe. Paris has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities, brimming with historic associations and remaining vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design. A large part of the city, including the River Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This amusing city will take you to the castle of the magnificence.

Attractions: Gothic Hotel de Ville Town Hall, Grand Place, Royal Palace, Manneken Pis, and Cathedral of Saints Michel & Gudule.

Post Breakfast; proceed to Grand Place to witness the statue of Mannekin Piss. Visit City Square, St. Michel's Cathedral and enjoy a photo stop at Atomium. Continue onto Paris, the city of lights well known for its fashion, perfumes, champagne and wines.

 Day 3 – Paris

To all who come to this happy place, welcome! Disneyland Paris consist of two parks, Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park and a shopping district called Disney Village. Euro Disneyland is dedicated to the young and the young at heart, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration for the entire world. We believe it will give you a chance to be in dreamland again.

Attractions: Disneyland

This day is at leisure. You can spend your day relaxing at your Hotel or choose an optional excursion to Euro Disneyland (one day one park).

 Day 4 – Paris

Add another taste into your travel dairies as the city has the second highest number of Michelin-restaurants in the world and contains numerous iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge, Lido, making it one of the most popular international tourist destinations in the world, with around 14 million tourists annually.

Attractions: Eiffel Tower ,de la concorde, Alexander Bridge, Concords Square

This morning start you day with visit to popular sites like place de la concorde, Champs Elysees, Alexander Bridge, Concords Square concluding the tour at Eiffel Tower. Later enjoy a cruise on River Seine.

 Day 5 - Paris – Zurich

The city of Zurich lies in the heart of Europe and at the center of Switzerland, on the northern shores of Lake Zurich. Its multicultural flair and the variety of leisure activities on offer attract guests from all over the world. Zurich boasts the highest density of clubs in Switzerland – here, you can never turn up too late. I truly felt that you will for sure love the air here.

Check out and board your coach to drive to the largest city in Switzerland - Zurich, a global center for banking and finance.

 Day 6 – Zurich

 Zurich offers a unique mixture of attractions with over 50 museums and more than 100 art galleries, international fashion labels and Zurich designs, and the most flamboyant and lively nightlife in Switzerland.

Attractions: Titlis Rotairs, Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge

After breakfast, proceed for an extraordinary ride on world's first rotating cable car which is famous by the name of “Titlis Rotairs”. Later, in the afternoon, proceed to the city of Lucerne to view the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge - one of the oldest wooden bridge in the world.  

Day 7 – Zurich

You can better feel how happy you will be with the best Recreational activities which ranges from a visit to the riverside and lakeside bathing areas in the very heart of the city, to a spectacular hike on the Uetliberg mountain.

Attractions: Mt. Jungfrau, Interlaken- orientation tour.

This day is at leisure. You can spend your day relaxing at your Hotel or choose an optional excursion to Mt. Jungfrau - Top of Europe. Group members not opting for Mt. Jungfrau will have an opportunity to proceed to the city of Interlaken for an orientation tour.

Day 8  - Zurich – Venice

Venice is one of the most interesting and lovely places in the world.. Venice and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage site. I believe you’ll especially love the places which are awarded at the world record, so this is the one amidst all.

Attractions: Vaparetto ride, Venice Island, Venetion, Bell Tower

 Post breakfast, drive to the magical lagoon city of Venice. Enjoy Vaparetto ride which will descend you to the Venice Island i.e. St. Mark’s Square. Enjoy a guided tour of Island and learn the history of the Basilica and its Byzantine heritage, the Doge's Palace and its contiguous prisons, Venetion, Murano Glass factory, St. Mark Cathedral, Bell Tower with Bridge of Sighs, etc. 

Day 9 - Venice - Pisa – Florence

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the bell tower of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its immense beauty and the catchy art of the frame. You will love to see the height and the attraction of the Florence, its art will make your trip worthy.

Attractions: Field of Miracles, Tower of Pisa and beautiful Florence

After breakfast, check out and proceed to Pisa to visit the Field of Miracles. Witness the flawless Baptistery & Leaning Tower of Pisa (photo stop), which had been able to made its way in the seven wonders of world. Later continue your journey to Florence, a home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Florence.

Day 10 - Florence – Rome

Rome, the 'Eternal City', is the capital and largest city of Italy and of the Lazio region. It's the famed city of the Roman Empire, the Seven Hills, La Dolce Vita, the Vatican City and Three Coins in the Fountain. Can imagine a view in your eyes? I know its Jaw Dropping!

Attractions: St. Peter's Basilica, Arch de Constantine, The Arch of Augustus, The Circus Maximus.

After Breakfast, board your coach and proceed to the Eternal City of Rome. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided city tour with the stopover at St. Peter's Basilica tracked by a photo stop at the grand remnants of the Forum & other monuments of ancient Roman rulers and the Colosseum. You will also perceive Arch de Constantine, The Forum Romanum, The Arch of Augustus, The temples of Saturn & Concord, The Circus Maximus & other renowned Roman Monuments.

Day 11 – Rome

Bid a farewell to your group. Take a shuttle transfer to the Airport.

 Inclusions

Accommodation for 01 night in Brussels

Accommodation for 03 nights in Paris

Accommodation for 03 nights in Zurich

Accommodation for 01 night in Venice

Accommodation for 01 night in Florence / Pisa

Accommodation for 01 night in Rome

Coach transfer throughout the tour except on first and last day for Airport Arrivals and Departures

Guided Tour of Paris, Venice, Florence and Rome

Paris: Eiffel Tower level 3 (subject to availability), Seine River Cruise

Zurich: Mt.Titlis

Venice: Vaparetto ride

10 Breakfast and 10 Dinners

Exclusions

Air Tickets

Visa and  Insurance

Extra charges/expenses of personal nature like laundry, mineral water/drinks,     telephone or any other charges/expenses not mentioned in Inclusions.

So what are you waiting for? Decide upon the destinations and book Europe tour packages right away. We assist in Visa,Passports,Cheap air ticketing,the flexible accommodations and much more. Flying Venus Travels believes in turning vision into mission. For more log into Flying Venus travels.

 OPTIONAL TOURS      

Paris: Disneyland (one day one park)                                     € 68 PP Lido Show (23:00)                                                                   € 100 PP Zurich: Mt. Jungfrau - Top of Europe                                       € 149 PP Venice: Gondola Ride 30mins, min 6 Pax                                € 100 PP Pisa: Entry Tickets of Leaning Tower of Pisa                           € 18 PP

TOUR PRICE

Adult Cost on Twin / Double / Triple                                         84500 PP Airfare+ Visa Charges                                                              55000 PP

Total                                                                                         1,39,500

Disclaimer- Airfares may vary at the time of Bookings.

HOTELS 

Brussels: Van der Valk Hotel Brussels Airport / Parker Hotel Brussels Airport or Similar Paris: Hôtel Forest Hill Paris Meudon Vélizy / ibis Styles Paris C.D.G Airport or Similar Zurich: Novotel Zurich Airport Messe / Thessoni Classic or Similar Venice: Russott Hotel or Similar Pisa-Florence: Euro Hotel / Hotel Delta Florence or Similar Rome: Mercure Roma West or Similar

TERMS & CONDITION 

Tour Cost Excludes:

Cost for Ticket + Visa + Insurance, Cost of Basic Travel Quota (BTQ) equivalent to USD 10,000, No Porterage included, Any increase in   the rate of exchange leading to an increase in surface transportation and land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure. The tour price is subject to increase without notice if this rate changes substantially prior to the departure of your tour. Any expenses of personal nature such as laundry, wines, mineral water, food and drink not in the regular menu provided by us pay TV, mini-bar, telephone calls, etc. Meals other than what is mentioned in your Itinerary. Cost of excursions, city sightseeing, entrance fees and local guides other than that mentioned in “Tour Cost Includes”, Overseas Mediclaim, Tips to Driver: EURO 2 per pax per day (Compulsory)

Terms & Conditions:

Vouchers are not transferable and valid only for the services mentioned therein. Any services not specifically requested, confirmed and noted on vouchers will not be rendered. All extras to be paid directly to the hotels / the service   providers.

Passenger Comments / Complaints :

It is imperative that any complaints be made known to the respective handling agents or its representatives without any delay so that appropriate action can be taken.

Cancellation / Refunds:

Cancellation charges will be levied for bookings cancelled after confirmations are done. Requests for refund should be made in writing  within 14 days after the scheduled completion of the services. Refund requests for curtailed stays cannot be processed unless provided  with documentary evidence from hotel / the service provider. All refund requests are subject to obtaining a refund approval from the hotel / the service provider and no refund can be given without this approval. Flying Venus reserves the right to process and whether or not to approve the refund request and if necessary charge an administrative fee. For packages, no refunds can be processed for partially utilized services and no-Shows. In the event of no show Flying Venus Travels reserves the right to release the complete booking and levy 100% cancellation charges.

Notice given for Cancellation            Cancellation Charge

More than 45 Days                                25% of total holiday cost

44-29 Days                                            35% of total holiday cost

28-14 Days                                            50% of total holiday cost

13-8 Days                                              75% of total holiday cost

7 Days or less                                   ��    100% of total holiday cost

Responsibility:

It is understood that, we act as Travel operators only for all services covered hereby. Further we shall not be responsible for any loss, injury or damage resulting from acts of God, dangers, fire, breakdown of machinery, equipment or vehicles, acts of government authority, wars, civil disturbances, riots, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines or any delays or changes including any extra expenses which the passenger may incur as a result of any of the foregoing  causes.

During your holiday your driver, tour leader, guide, hotel or other service providers may offer services or excursions which are not included  in the price of your holiday or listed in our itinerary. Since they do not form part of your tour with us, we do not accept any responsibility for their cancellation or curtailment or for any loss, damage, injury or death that you may suffer. If you wish to make a complaint or bring a claim in relation to such excursions or activities, then you should contact the person who offered them to you   directly.

Your Holiday Price:

Once we have sent you a booking confirmation or invoice, we will only change the price of your holiday if there is a change or increase in any one or more of the following:

a)     Transportation costs (including the cost of  fuel);

b)     Dues, taxes or fees chargeable ,such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports;   or

c)     The exchange rate applicable to the particular holiday package. (Our prices are fixed using the exchange rates available in the month  of November

d)     In the event of a significant increase in any of the components that are included in your tour cost i.e.: hotels, entrances, flights, transportation & food.

Tour Operation:

If we do not have minimum 25 Pax required to operate the group tour, we might operate the tour on other date or on individual basis covering the same itinerary, where we would not be able to provide you the services of a full time tour manager, but there will be a local guide who will assist you to all the main sightseeing  places.

 In the event of a breakdown of a coach on a touring holiday, our liability will be limited; if, for any reason we cannot provide a replacement coach and that you miss out on a significant attraction we will reimburse the amount which we have paid to the supplier, though we will endeavour to replace the coach at the earliest. However sometimes delays will occur due to many reasons beyond our control. In this event we are also entitled to use a replacement coach that we deem fit to conclude the rest of the journey. The replacement coach may or may  not have the same amenities as the original  coach.

 Visa:

If your visa is rejected/refused or delayed by the consulate and we know the outcome 15 days prior to departure, then we will charge 25%  of the tour cost. If the visa is rejected within 15 to 8 days of tour departure then the cancellation will be 35% of the tour cost. If the visa is rejected within 7 days or less of tour departure then the cancellation will be 70% of the tour   cost.

[empiredesimparte]

Le Château de Meudon, domaine privé du prince impérial

Inspired by the real castle of Meudon, although scaled down for the sims. The only thing missing is the chapel, for the rest, I did a lot of research to restore the 18th century decorations.

I could not create a second floor, due to the limitations of the sims. The "Bel Etage" (the flats of the imperial prince) is therefore the first floor, where the prince sleeps (and where Louis XIV and the regent used to sleep!).

It is a secondary property of the kings and emperors of France(sim). Maybe your sims will own it from now on! It's a major place for my own blog, as it's the home of my main character Louis Simparte, the son of the emperor and future Napoleon V (hopefully).

Please find below the list of CCs, Terms of Use and the download link.

About CC

I do not include the CCs in the file out of respect for the creators. Here is the list of CCs used here:

SSTS - Elegance Set, Neoclassical Parlor, Palace Dining Set, Sectional Library Set

CWB - French Country Dining Set

Severinka - Billard Set

Most of Felixandre's CC

Most of @thejim07's CC

Most of @itskingfalcon's CC

Most of @themarblemortal's CC

Most of @cliffou29's CC

The King's GrandBedchamber set by @goldensanctuarysims

AggressiveKitty - French Country Collection, Shangai Glam Set, Parisian Collection

Harrie's Brownstone Collection

Most of @artyssims's CC

Most of @the-regal-sim CC

Stairs Add-On by Mutske on TSR (all parts)

I'm aware that it's a bit vague. If you are looking for a particular CC, please ask. You need these packs from the Sims 4 game: Sims 4 Get to Work, Discover University, Strangerville, Get Famous, Get Together, Jungle Adventure and Vintage Glamour.

I highly recommend Get Famous to install it on the hill :)

DOWNLOAD HERE (64x64 lot) Terms Of Use

You’re not allowed to :

I. Re-upload my work. II. Put my work behind any paywalls, it’s a free content. III. Usurp my work.

[empiredesimparte]

P.O.V Louis | Château de Meudon, 17 Fructidor An 229

Beginning ▬ Previous ▬ Next

Laura is prepared for the evening at the castle, with a small part of Imperial Prince Louis' court enrolled at Polytechnique. Charlotte offers her help and advice. Laura is surprised by all the luxury, but also by Louis' life, which seems to her to be very regulated.

Transcript & French translation below

TRANSCRIPT

(LAURA, frankly) It's a strange life, with a staff for every situations. All these clothes and jewels lent for imperial étiquette, itself very complete... All this this gilding, all these rules, for a simple evening with friends. I'm afraid of doing something stupid (CHARLOTTE) Welcome to the court of the imperial prince, Laura. Just do what I did for this evening, you'll see, the atmosphere is actually quite relaxed (LAURA) Does the prince often organise such parties? (CHARLOTTE) Once a week, when His Highness is not busy. Louis is the imperial prince, the title given to the Emperor's children. Joachim is also a prince, a title above dukes, given to the heirs of the former kings of the Empire. (LAURA) Sorry, I'll be careful. Fortunately for me, it's a small committee

FRENCH TRANSLATION

Laura est préparée pour la soirée au château, en compagnie d'une petite partie de la cour du prince impérial Louis inscrite à Polytechnique. Charlotte lui propose son aide et la conseille. Laura est surprise par tout le luxe, mais aussi la vie de Louis qui lui semble très encadrée.

(LAURA, franchement) C'est une vie étrange, avec un personnel pour chaque situation. Tous ces vêtements et ces bijoux prêtés pour l'étiquette impériale, elle-même très complète... Toutes ces dorures, toutes ces règles, pour une simple soirée entre amis. J'ai peur de faire quelque chose de stupide (CHARLOTTE) Bienvenue à la cour du prince impérial, Laura. Fais comme moi pour cette soirée, tu verras, l'ambiance est en réalité assez détendue (LAURA) Le prince organise-t-il souvent de telles fêtes ? (CHARLOTTE) Une fois par semaine, quand Son Altesse n'est pas occupée. Louis est le prince impérial, le titre donné aux enfants de l'Empereur. Joachim est aussi un prince, un titre supérieur à celui de duc, donné aux héritiers des anciens rois de l'Empire. (LAURA) Désolé, je ferai attention. Heureusement pour moi, c'est un petit comité...

[empiredesimparte]

P.O.V Louis | Château de Meudon, 17 Fructidor An 229

Beginning ▬ Previous ▬ Next

Laura is initially impressed by the rich table, and awkwardly thanks Louis for inviting her. Nevertheless, despite the appearances and protocol she has been taught by the staff, Laura finds it difficult to contain her questions about nobility, the usefulness of the empire... Louis is hurt, having never heard this kind of talk in his own castle. Gently, he ends up asking Laura not to start these subjects, and the dinner resumes slowly.

French translation below

Laura est d'abord impressionnée par cette riche table, et remercie maladroitement Louis de l'avoir invitée. Néanmoins, malgré les apparences et le protocole que lui ont fait apprendre le personnel, Laura a du mal à contenir ses questions sur la noblesse, l'utilité de l'empire... Louis est blessé, n'ayant jamais entendu ce genre de discours au sein même de son château. Gentiment, il finit par demander à Laura de ne pas lancer ces sujets, et le dîner reprend doucement.

[empiredesimparte]

hi i love your job i wanted to ask you where are you with the chateau de meudon? wish you a good day :)

Hi Anon :) The castle should appear in my next posts for my own story so you can see some progress through the scenery. I'm about 3/4 of the way done furnishing it!

It should be out in August! Have a nice day too 😉