August 26th 1757, Champs-sur-Marne
Dear reader,
It’s so nice to be able to write to you at last and share the exciting news about my life here at Champs-sur-Marne. However it must be unsettling for you to read these lines from your own modern perspective. You know I absolutely adore living here. It might not be Versailles where I stayed in 1745 but this countryside château is just what I need to get some fresh air and time to think about my promotion project of the Sèvre Royal Manufacture. I am eternally grateful to the Duc de La Vallière for letting me rent his castle. He’s actually due to arrive quite soon from a trip to Fontainebleau.
A unique type of castle
There is something very special about that place. First of all, the large gardens designed by the talented Claude Desgot and which are very similar to those at Vaux-le-Vicomte castle. They offer an unlimited perspective on the plain of La Marne, such a feeling of freedom you have! Even when you just stand there in the main living room, facing the 3 imposing windows that provide so much light.
I haven’t been there 5 months that I have already modernized the bathroom! The Duc de la Vallière is just like me when it comes to hygiene: he doesn’t believe a bath will do you any harm when it’s taken now and then. I’ve resorted to one of my favorite architects, Ange-Jacques Gabriel, to come and change the walls with stucco and paneling, as it holds humidity better. I heard it was changed into a children’s dining room once the Cahen d’Anvers family moved in the castle in 1895.
You should see my room, I love it. It’s now called the Red Salon and you’ll find it on the ground floor, just beside the Chinese room. You’ll know it’s mine as my portrait still hangs there, painted by Pompeo Battoni. I can’t believe it’s been transformed into an office by Louis Cahen d’Anvers as it has always been a ladyship’s room throughout the centuries.
A splendid evening in Champs-sur-Marne
I am hosting a literary evening tonight. I’ve invited my dear friends Voltaire and Diderot, they’ve been here quite a lot since I moved in to Champs. Since King Louis XVth decided to stop our relationship 7 years ago, I must admit I find the company of these bright men very entertaining. We’ll most certainly play cards in the Chinese salon, one of the most exotic rooms of the castle, with its Chinese murals made by Christophe Huet. You will still be able to see them by the way, very few places in France still have such examples of oriental mural paintings. To go with this decor I think I’ll wear my new Oriental-style gold and green flowers print dress.
After dinner we’ll move on to what is nowadays called the “Smoking room” just after the main living room. We usually get concert performances or play billiard there. Much more appealing than the smoking room it was turned into during 19th century, for men to gather and discuss about what they think they know better than women…
I must leave you at once as I can hear the sound of horse hooves outside and I think it might be the Duc de la Vallière …
I trust I will be seeing you soon in Champs-sur-Marne, even though I am long gone.
I remain, dear reader, your humble and devoted servant,
Jeanne-Antoinette, La Marquise de Pompadour
STAY