Port-Royal Abbey

Port-Royal Abbey has seen many notable figures pass through its doors over the centuries. Among them was Marie de Rohan, a well-known intriguer during the time of the Fronde, a series of civil wars in France. She was famous for her political influence and dramatic involvement in the events of her era.

Stories of Royal Visitors and Dramatic Events

Jeanne Baptiste d'Albert de Luynes, who would later become the mistress of the Duke of Savoy, also stayed at Port-Royal Abbey. Her life was marked by court intrigue and romantic liaisons, making her a memorable guest in the Abbey’s history.

Another significant visitor was Marie Angélique de Fontanges, mistress of Louis XIV. Her story is particularly tragic: she died at the Abbey while giving birth to the king’s child, and the child did not survive either. This event added a somber chapter to the Abbey’s story, linking it forever to the dramas of the French royal court.

The Abbey in the Present Day

Today, part of Port-Royal Abbey lives on in a modern setting. Its main cloister has been incorporated into the Hôpital Cochin, a hospital in Paris. The historic architecture remains a visible reminder of the Abbey’s long and eventful past, standing side by side with the city’s ongoing life.