The château of Maintenon dating from the 16th and 17th centuries was presented by Louis XIV.
She held her position from 1670 to 1679 and then gave place to the still more famous Madame de Maintenon, who ruled, however, not as mistress but as wife.
Madame de Maintenon was the widow of the dramatist Scarron, and first came into relationship with the king as governess to his illegitimate children.
Through her influence the king was reconciled to his wife, and, when Maria Theresa died in 1683, Madame de Maintenon shortly afterwards (in 1684) became the king's wife, though this was never officially declared.
His private life is revealed in the letters of Madame de Maintenon and in those of Madame, Duchesse d'Orleans.
