The Courtiers' Lodgings (II)

Anne de Noailles, Comtesse de Noailles

The infamous "Madame Etiquette" had a long career at court which began long before Marie Antoinette arrived in France. By 1766 she was lodged in the Aile du Nord, near the chapel. At this point in time she had the prestigious post of dame d'honneur to Marie Leszczynska which entitled her to a rather large apartment: (a) cabinet, (b), bedchamber, (c) dining room, (d) salon and (e) interior cabinet.

The Comtesse de Noailles

François-Hyppolite Sanguin, Marquis de Livry

The post of the king's Premier Maître d'Hôtel was occupied by the Marquis de Livry for quite some years. To befit his status, the Marquis was given a very sumptuous apartment on the first floor of the Aile du Midi. In comparison, this wing was usually occupied by the princes and the very top of the royal households. Consisting of six larger rooms, two smaller cabinets and three very small cabinets (located between the staircases), the Marquis certainly did not lack for space - or fireplaces of which he had eight! However, no "chaise" or toilet appears to have been installed.

Marie-Josèphe de Boufflers, Duchesse d'Alincourt

The Duchesse d'Alincourt replaced Madame de Prie as dame du palais to Marie Leszczynska. As such she was technically entitled to a lodging at court but not a very prestigious one. I chose her particular apartment to show how simple such a lodging could be. As the floorpan shows, she had just two rooms and a small passage from the staircase. Nevertheless, an apartment was still a massive privilege so she was undoubtedly envied.

Apartment of the Duchesse d'Alincourt

Charles-Juste de Beauvau-Craon & Marie-Charlotte-Sylvie de Rohan-Chabot, Prince & Princesse de Beauvau

On occasion, married couples would be given a combined apartment which was the case for the Prince and Princesse de Beauvau. By 1770, they were lodged in the attic of the Aile du Nord, right next to the Opera. Considering that it was meant for two people, it was larger than usually and certainly had its perks: (a): wardrobes, (b) toilets, (c) cabinet, (d) first antechamber, (e) second antechamber, (f) bedchamber, (g) grand salon, (h) bedchamber, (i) cabinet and (j) another wardrobe. 

Prince de Beauvau