Marie Antoinette Still Receives Letters: Fontainebleau Initiative Draws Thousands

Since the launch of the initiative 'To your pens! Write to Marie Antoinette', the Château de Fontainebleau has received over 4,000 letters addressed to the former French queen. Sylvain Moulène, director of development and communications at the palace, said the success was unexpected, with letters arriving from all over the world.

The campaign is part of the Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI theme year, marking the 240th anniversary of the royal couple's last stay at the palace. Between 1770 and 1786, they visited 11 times. The palace near the forest offered the queen a less formal court life than Versailles, allowing her to enjoy nature.

Historian Cécile Berly conceived the idea of a dialogue across time. She emphasized that writing letters fosters genuine engagement and a sense of closeness with the historical figure. Berly has conducted writing workshops in schools, where students view Marie Antoinette as an influencer and fashion icon who would dominate social media today.

Marie Antoinette continues to evoke strong feelings. Since her execution in 1793, her image has been appropriated for various purposes: as a martyr during the Restoration, as a wicked queen under the Third Republic. In the 20th century, she became a cultural icon, with nearly 70 films portraying her mostly positively, notably Sofia Coppola's 2006 film, which globalized her image.

Many foreigners, especially from the US and Canada, idolize her as a confidante and role model. Berly notes that while Marie Antoinette was not a feminist pioneer, she fits into the history of women's emancipation. The project runs until July 4, featuring a picnic and a queen's ball. Selected letters will be compiled into an anthology, offering a modern perspective on the queen.