Key facts
- Château de Fontainebleau is hosting a 'Write to Marie-Antoinette' initiative.
- The initiative has received 4,000 letters from visitors.
- The castle is celebrating Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI throughout 2026.
The Château de Fontainebleau is celebrating Marie Antoinette with an initiative encouraging visitors to write letters to the late Queen of France. The program has already received 4,000 letters, highlighting her enduring cultural impact.
This initiative highlights how historical figures can remain relevant and engage contemporary audiences, demonstrating the power of interactive cultural programming to connect people with the past.
The Château de Fontainebleau is celebrating Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France, with a unique initiative that invites visitors to write letters to her. Launched in January, the 'Write to Marie-Antoinette' program has already garnered 4,000 letters, demonstrating the enduring fascination with the historical figure. Historian Cécile Berly conceived the idea, aiming to foster a genuine connection with the queen through the medium of letters. The letters received are described as formal and respectful, often beginning with 'Your Majesty.' This initiative is part of a larger theme year at the castle dedicated to Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, marking 240 years since her last visit to the estate. Throughout 2026, Fontainebleau will host various events, including exhibits, tours, and concerts. A recreated 'boudoir' provides a space for visitors to compose their letters. The castle has received letters from international admirers, particularly from the US and Canada, reflecting her global icon status, amplified by numerous films and series about her life. The initiative concludes on July 4, after which the most poignant letters will be compiled and published in an anthology.