A Day In The Life Of Louis XIV At Versailles

Summary

Louis XIV's daily routine at Versailles was a spectacle of power and protocol. Starting with his awakening by the first valet at 8 am, the day included ceremonies like the 'petite levée' and 'grande levée', where nobles silently observed the king's dressing and breakfast. At 10 am, he attended mass, followed by council meetings discussing state affairs. Lunch was a solitary affair, while afternoons were reserved for leisure. Evenings were spent with courtiers, and the day concluded with a public bedtime ritual, encapsulating the lavish life of the 'Sun King'.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Life at Versailles was dictated by strict etiquette and protocol, with Louis XIV at the center of everything.
• 🕗 Louis XIV's day began at 8 a.m. when his valet would awaken him with the words 'Sire, voila' (Your highness, it is time).
• 💇 Louis was washed, combed, and shaved by his personal attendants during the 'petite levee' ceremony, after which 100 courtiers would enter for the 'grand levee' where he was dressed.
• 📖 Louis followed a strict routine, beginning his day with morning prayers and mass at 10 a.m. in the chapel.
• 👑 The king held council meetings with his advisors on specific topics like internal affairs, finances, and religion, with decisions ultimately made by him.
• 🍽️ Louis ate lunch (the 'petit couvert') alone but in the presence of nobles who remained standing. His meals were elaborate, with multiple courses.
• 🏇 In the afternoon, Louis enjoyed leisure activities such as hunting, strolling in the gardens, or visiting one of his favorite court ladies.
• 🎶 By evening, the king entertained his courtiers with music, gambling, and other activities, leaving his son in charge of the events as he tended to state matters later in his reign.
• 🍷 Dinner was a public event where the royal family ate together, and Louis XIV maintained a social ritual called 'bonsoir odam,' greeting the ladies of the court.
• 🛏️ Louis’s day ended with an elaborate bedtime ceremony, where a selected courtier would light his bed, and he would retire by 1 a.m.

Q & A

What role did etiquette and protocol play at Versailles during the reign of Louis XIV?

Etiquette and protocol were central to life at Versailles, dictating the daily routines of the court. The nobles followed strict ceremonies, and the king's day was meticulously organized around these traditions.

How did the day of Louis XIV begin?

Louis XIV's day began at 8 AM when his first valet woke him with the words 'Sire, voila,' meaning 'Your Highness, it is time.' His wig was then handed to him, and the morning ritual of the 'petite levee' began, which included washing, combing, shaving, and prayers.

What was the 'petite levee' and who participated in it?

The 'petite levee' was a morning ritual where Louis XIV was attended by his personal physicians and valets. The king was washed, combed, shaved, and said his morning prayers during this ceremony, which was held in the presence of his close servants.

What happened during the 'grand levee' at 8:30 AM?

During the 'grand levee,' about 100 male courtiers entered Louis XIV's chamber to witness him being dressed and having breakfast, which typically consisted of soup. The entire ceremony was conducted in respectful silence, with only the king engaging in light conversation.

Why was court ceremony important for Louis XIV's monarchy?

Court ceremonies, such as the daily rituals and etiquette, were more than just displays of wealth and power; they reinforced Louis XIV's control over the nobles by keeping them under strict protocol, stripping them of political power while binding them to the court.

What was the purpose of the council meetings at 11 AM, and how were they structured?

At 11 AM, council meetings were held where Louis XIV and his ministers discussed state affairs. Each day focused on specific matters—external affairs on Sundays and Thursdays, internal matters on Mondays, financial affairs on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and religious affairs on Fridays.

What activities did Louis XIV engage in during the afternoons?

In the afternoons, Louis XIV would often go hunting, stroll through the palace gardens, take carriage rides, or visit one of his favorite ladies at court. This time was reserved for his personal enjoyment and relaxation.

How did Louis XIV spend his evenings after 6 PM?

After 6 PM, Louis XIV entered his state apartments where the court gathered for entertainment. Courtiers enjoyed music, billiards, and gambling, while the king often left his son in charge and attended to state affairs with Madame de Maintenon.

What was the significance of the 'bonsoir odam' ritual?

The 'bonsoir odam' was an evening ritual where Louis XIV took time to speak with the ladies of the court. This was part of the king's effort to maintain personal relationships with the courtiers, adding to his control over them.

How did Louis XIV's day end, and what rituals surrounded his bedtime?

Louis XIV's day ended with a public bedtime ceremony where a courtier was given the honor of holding the candle that lit the king's bed. After retiring to his chambers, the king spent time with close friends before finally going to sleep, usually around 1 AM.