This year, several French landmarks are paying tribute to France’s last queen, Marie-Antoinette. Despite her public execution taking place more than 230 years ago, the monarch continues to fascinate both at home and abroad. Our reporters dive into the reasons behind the lasting interest and explore why she could be considered France’s first influencer.
In June, the Versailles Palace launched its inaugural Marie-Antoinette au Trianon ball. Partygoers stepped back into the 18th century to retrace the queen’s life, with the help of musicians, dancers and actors. As well as the Petit and Grand Trianons (or royal villas in English), some got rare access to the secluded grotto the late queen had built. “It’s never open to the general public so it’s an extraordinary privilege,” explained one ticket holder. The event sold out in just a few hours, with many of its visitors travelling from abroad. “It’s probably exhibitions about Louis XIV or Marie-Antoinette that are the most successful in Versailles. Marie-Antoinette is one of the most depicted queens ever,” explains Versailles Spectacles director Laurent Brunner.
