MADAME DE MAINTENON, HER IRRESISTIBLE RISE

Exceptional destinies

An episode from the series SECRETS OF HISTORY - PORTRAITS

Synopsis

Subject to libel, Françoise d'Aubigné, Marquise of Maintenon, is often considered a manipulative bigot, accused of having placed the end of the Sun King's reign under excessive devotion.

Born poor and Protestant, she was entrusted by Madame de Montespan with the education of the children she had with her lover, who was none other than Louis XIV. He fell in love with the beautiful Maintenon and secretly married her.

Passionate about education, she established the first school for girls, making her an unknown figure for women's cause.