France and Women's History

Olympe de Gouges @ Women of Medieval France @

Marie Antoinette

From your Guide: a summary of the life of the Queen of France 1774-1793, including many Net links, biographies and other resources for in-depth understanding.

Charlotte Corday

Charlotte Corday biography - a biography of Charlotte Corday, figure in the French Revolution

Madame de Staël

Madame de Stael is known for her salon, for her support of the French Revolution, and for her criticisms of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Charlotte Corday

Picture gallery of images of French Revolution figure Charlotte Corday

The First Ladies' High-Heeled Shoe

Catherine de Medici's invention of a shoe to make her look taller at the French Court was a fashion -- and political -- success.

History of Feminism in France: WWII - 1970s

A basic timeline of key events in early post-war French feminist history, beginning with getting the vote in 1944 and ending with 1970s publication of key books on feminism. Part of a course syllabus project.

La loi sur le divorce (9 octobre 1792)

French document on 18th century French divorce custom and law.

Memoirs of the Private Life of Marie Antoinette, 1818

Excerpt of a first-hand account of Marie Antoinette and her court by Madame Campan.

Portraits by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres

Comtesses and princesses and other women of France's elite are among the portraits included in this collection by a 19th century French (male) artist. Click on the portraits to learn more about the individuals.

Salon Life

Paris salons of the eighteenth century, from original sources in translation.

Versailles Etiquette, 1704

Duchess of Orleans, married to the King's brother, writes of court etiquette.