How Louis XIV Became My Loyal Travel Companion and a Pillar of My Love for France
I have been cultivating my love for France, the French language, and French culture for the better part of a decade. Throughout my Francophile journey, one historical figure has become a recurring theme: King Louis XIV. Though I certainly don’t endorse everything about Louis XIV, there’s no doubt that as the world’s longest reigning monarch, he left an indelible legacy as an influential figure not just in France, but on the international scene. To find out how the Sun King has made a lasting impression on my life, keep reading!
Undergrad in Fredericksburg, Virginia
As an undergraduate student at the University of Mary Washington, I spent four years living in Fredericksburg, Virginia. My double major in International Affairs and French allowed me to perfect my French-language abilities, develop cultural competence, and examine France’s unique history. It was my European Diplomatic History class that gave me the opportunity to delve into the fascinating life of Louis XIV. Through lectures about his reign, readings about his foreign policy choices, and discussions about Richard Wilkinson’s historical biography of the king entitled Louis XIV, I discovered his enduring impact on France and made meaningful connections between my two majors. This newfound knowledge made me eager to learn more about French history both inside and outside of the classroom.
Study Abroad in Québec, Canada
During my junior year at Mary Washington, I participated in a week-long study abroad experience in francophone Canada as part of the experiential learning requirement to earn my undergraduate degree. Whilst spending time in la belle province, I added to my knowledge of both French and Canadian history and mastered new aspects of the French language. Our group visited both Montréal and Québec city by eating delicious food, attending plays, taking guided tours, and more. Towards the end of the trip, I happened upon a beautiful bronze bust, standing alone on a tall plinth in the middle of the snow-covered Place Royale. Upon further investigation, I realized it was none other than King Louis XIV. I was in awe of the craftsmanship of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and ecstatic to experience this special piece of Franco-Canadian history firsthand.
Museum Exhibits in Washington, D.C.
Soon after we returned from our trip to Canada, Maria and I embarked on a day trip to Washington, D.C. – just a short train ride from Fredericksburg. As art enthusiasts, we planned to visit the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden as well as the National Gallery of Art. After spending the morning appreciating contemporary and modern art at the Hirshhorn, we moved on to investigating the National Gallery’s collection. As we entered the West Building and began to explore the Sculpture Hall, I saw a very familiar-looking statue in the distance. For the second time, I accidentally found myself face to face with Bernini’s Louis XIV! This serendipitous occasion led me to reflect on my recent trip to Canada, my love for France, and my desire to move there after graduation.
Life in Reims, France
Just a year later, my desire became a reality when I learned that I’d be moving to France to teach English with the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) for the 2019-2020 school year. Though I lived in Troyes and taught in Bar-sur-Aube, I spent time in Reims for the opening and mid-year orientation sessions. Post TAPIF, I moved to Reims to start my master’s degree studies at the Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne. What does Reims have to do with Louis XIV, you might ask? Well, Reims is known as la ville des sacres, or the city of coronations. A total of 31 French kings ascended to the throne in the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, including Louis XIV. Whether I’m walking to work, strolling around town, or peering out into the city from my balcony, I love catching a glimpse of the cathedral. The imposing structure reminds me of France’s captivating history and of how ecstatic I am to call France my home.
Palace Tour in Versailles, France
Recently, desiring to explore a new corner of France and pay Louis XIV’s opulent residence a visit, Maria and I took a day trip to the Château de Versailles. Having the chance to visit this jewel of French heritage that Louis XIV had a major role in constructing was a dream come true. The night before the trip, I wondered aloud if a third iteration of Bernini’s Louis XIV could possibly be located in the palace. After a bit of research, I learned that we would be able to see the original portrait bust, from which the others we’d encountered had been molded, in the Salon de Diane of the King’s Grand Apartment. I’ll admit that whilst touring the numerous rooms leading to the statue’s location, I had to make a concerted effort to focus on what was in front of me instead of hurrying to see the bust! When I finally found myself opposite Louis XIV once again, a smile spread across my face. I thought of the many times and places I’d run into my old friend, and realized just how much I’ve accomplished since taking that European Diplomatic History class.
Louis XIV has accompanied me in my studies, work, and travels for years, and I wonder where I’ll meet him next. Do you have a favorite French historical figure? Let me know in a comment!
Come with us to visit the Palace of Versailles in this vlog!
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