Celebrating the last Queen of France this year, the Château de Fontainebleau has already received 4,000 letters as part of their "Write to Marie-Antoinette" initiative, showing she is a timeless icon "embedded in our collective imagination," even almost 240 years after.
"Grab your finest pen, choose some proper paper, and let the words flow..."
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What would you tell Marie-Antoinette if you knew she would read what you sent to her?
The Château de Fontainebleau, Marie-Antoinette's favourite country retreat, received 4,000 letters since the launch of the initiative "To your pens! Write to Marie-Antoinette".
"History is never more fascinating than when it comes to life," says Cécile Berly, a historian specialised in the 18th century who came up with this idea.
"I immediately thought that we needed to use the medium of the letter to encourage genuine engagement. It helps create a connection and sense of closeness with the queen."
Since January, when the initiative began, the castle has received letters written in a very formal and respectful manner, each time, with the same beginning: "Your Majesty."
Plunge into the 18th century
"It’s been a wonderful success that has taken us by surprise," said Sylvain Moulène, director of communications at the royal palace.
This initiative is part of the Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI theme year at the castle. 2026 marks 240 years after her last visit to the estate, some 60 kilometressoutheast of Paris. Between 1770 and 1786, the couple travelled 17 times to Fontainebleau to enjoy nature and a "less formal" court life than at Versailles.
Exhibits, tours and concerts have been planned at the château throughout the year to celebrate France's most famous Queen. Outside the castle shop, a "boudoir" (a small, elegant salon usually reserved exclusively for women) has been recreated for everyone to write to the French monarch.
"Why not dare to write a letter to the most famous queen in our history, addressed to one of her favourite residences? Sending a letter to the Château de Fontainebleau is a unique and meaningful gesture!" says Cécile Berly.
What would you share with her? What thoughts enter your mind when thinking of Marie-Antoinette?
"I invite the public to share with her their feelings and what she inspires in them," says the historian.
Everlasting icon
Executed by guillotine on October 16, 1793, a few months after her husband Louis XVI, she came down as France's last Queen to have ruled the country.
After her death, her image was instrumentalised, promoting her during the Monarchy Restoration, only to then be vilified under the Third Republic.
She became a cultural icon during the 20th century when nearly 70 movies were made about her. Outside of France, she is usually portrayed in a rather favourable light, which explains why so many letters sent to the former queen in recent months have come from the US and Canada.
Series and movies are still being made about her. "Le déluge", a French-Italian production describing her last years, was released in theatres two years ago, and a series "Marie-Antoinette" depicts her arrival at Versailles.
Visitors and admirers from all over the world have until July 4 to share their dearest thoughts with the past queen.
At the end of this initiative, the most beautiful and touching letters received will be compiled and published in an anthology featuring the finest letters.
Post your letter to the Château de Fontainebleau at the following address:
"Marie-Antoinette, Château de Fontainebleau – 77300 Fontainebleau."
