Les cotillons célèbres. Deuxième Série

The work paints a vivid portrait of Louis XIV through the lives of three remarkable women who each embody a distinct stage of his reign. From the modest, poetic devotion of Madame de La Vallière, to the flamboyant, powerful influence of Madame de Montespan, and finally the austere, conversion‑driven presence of Madame de Maintenon, the narrative tracks the king’s ascent, zenith, and gradual decay. Their contrasting personalities become a mirror for the shifting policies, ambitions, and excesses that defined the Sun King’s court.

Interwoven with theatrical imagery, the author treats the whole era as a grand stage production—splendid sets, dazzling costumes, and calculated choreography that mask underlying turmoil. As the drama unfolds, the story examines the king’s relentless need to pose, decide, and dominate, revealing how personal whims and hubris shaped France’s destiny. Listeners will be drawn into a richly detailed tableau that blends intimate portraiture with sweeping historical insight, offering a nuanced glimpse into the spectacle and the shadows of Louis XIV’s legendary rule.