Les Secrets Immondes du Château de Versailles

Les secrets immondes du château de Versailles

Sous le règne de Louis XIV, Versailles devint le symbole éclatant de la puissance et du prestige de la monarchie française. Ce palais somptueux, avec ses immenses jardins et ses salles luxueusement décorées, incarnait la grandeur de la cour et du roi. Louis XIV, surnommé le Roi-Soleil, y centralisa son pouvoir, attirant à lui des milliers de nobles qui espéraient bénéficier de ses faveurs. Le château de Versailles n’était pas seulement une résidence royale, mais aussi le centre névralgique du royaume, où se jouaient les intrigues politiques et où la vie sociale de la noblesse française atteignait son apogée. Cependant, derrière cette façade de magnificence se cachait une réalité bien moins reluisante : l’hygiène et la propreté. À une époque où les pratiques sanitaires étaient encore rudimentaires, la vie à la cour se déroulait dans des conditions qui, souvent, étaient en décalage avec l’image fastueuse du palais. L’absence de systèmes d’assainissement modernes, les bains rares, et la promiscuité faisaient de l’hygiène un défi constant pour les résidents de Versailles, malgré le raffinement apparent.

La vie quotidienne à Versailles

La vie quotidienne à Versailles, sous le règne de Louis XIV, était un mélange unique de grandeur, de protocole rigide et de défis logistiques, notamment en matière d’hygiène. Le château lui-même, construit pour refléter la puissance absolue du Roi-Soleil, était à l’image de ce que devait être la France selon lui : somptueux, opulent et centralisé autour de sa personne. Situé à une vingtaine de kilomètres de Paris, Versailles n’était pas simplement une résidence royale, mais le siège du pouvoir et le cœur de la cour. Les nobles, désireux d’obtenir les faveurs du roi, devaient y résider régulièrement, en vivant sous le regard de ce monarque absolu.

#versailles #HistoireRoyale #LouisQuatorze #opulence #hygiene #moderoyale #decadence

CHAPITRES:

00:00 documentaire éducatif
01:13 La vie quotidienne à Versailles
07:35 Les pratiques d’hygiène à la cour
14:09 Installations sanitaires et propreté du palais
20:46 L’hygiène personnelle de Louis XIV
27:02 Les conséquences de l’hygiène à Versailles

SOURCES :

William R. Newton
Vivre à Versailles : Derrière la façade, la vie quotidienne au château

Mathieu Da Vinha
Vivre à la cour de Versailles en 100 questions

MUSIQUE :

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Under the reign of Louis XIV, Versailles became the shining symbol of the power and prestige of the French monarchy. This sumptuous palace, with its immense gardens and luxuriously decorated rooms , embodied the grandeur of the court and the king. Louis XIV, nicknamed the Sun King, centralized his power there, attracting thousands of nobles who hoped to benefit from his favors. The Palace of Versailles was not only a royal residence, but also the nerve center of the kingdom, where political intrigues were played out and the social life of the French nobility reached its peak. However, behind this facade of magnificence hid a much less rosy reality: hygiene and cleanliness. At a time when sanitary practices were still rudimentary, life at court took place in conditions which were often at odds with the sumptuous image of the palace. The lack of modern sanitation systems, rare bathing, and promiscuity made hygiene a constant challenge for the residents of Versailles, despite the apparent refinement. Daily Life at Versailles
Daily life at Versailles, during the reign of Louis XIV, was a unique blend of grandeur, rigid protocol, and logistical challenges, particularly regarding hygiene. The castle itself, built to reflect the absolute power of the Sun King, was the image of what France should be according to him: sumptuous, opulent and centralized around his person. Located about twenty kilometers from Paris, Versailles was not simply a royal residence, but the seat of power and the heart of the court. The nobles, wishing to obtain the king’s favors, had to reside there regularly, living under the gaze of this absolute monarch. The Palace of Versailles was a true city within a city. It housed not only Louis XIV and his family, but also a multitude of courtiers, nobles, servants, artisans and civil servants. At its peak, it is estimated that more than 10,000 people could reside or work in Versailles at any given time. This included nobles, from all over the kingdom, who occupied sometimes modest apartments depending on their rank at court. They spent their days trying to gain the king’s attention, in fierce competition for titles, offices and honors. They were accompanied by their servants, who tended to their comfort and ensured that every detail of their daily lives was taken care of. There were also a multitude of artisans, such as cooks, gardeners, dressmakers and hairdressers, who worked day and night to maintain the level of luxury that Louis XIV demanded. Living at the court of Versailles meant being constantly surrounded by other people, with little privacy. The apartments were often small and poorly ventilated, especially for those who did not belong to the high nobility. The second-rank nobles had to make do with narrow, poorly lit rooms, located far from the main parts of the castle. Even the most important members of the court often shared spaces with their servants. This promiscuity had a direct impact on daily life, particularly in terms of hygiene. In such a closed and overcrowded space, it was not uncommon for hygiene-related inconveniences to quickly appear. Hygiene in Versailles was a real challenge. Despite all the splendor of the castle, the sanitary conditions there were far from ideal. There was no modern sewage system , and cesspools were often located too close to living areas, generating foul odors. Toilets were rare and rudimentary; many used chamber pots, which servants had to empty regularly. However, with the high number of residents, this task became difficult to manage. It was not uncommon for residents to dispose of their sewage through windows, a practice that was not only common in Versailles, but widespread at that time. The lack of private bathrooms was also a problem. Unlike today, bathing was rare and viewed with suspicion. Many believed that water opened the pores of the skin to diseases. Instead of washing regularly, nobles used perfumes , powders, and damp cloths to mask body odor. Wigs, which were extremely popular at court, added another cleanliness challenge, as they had to be powdered regularly and were often infested with lice. Servants spent hours maintaining their masters’ clothing and accessories to maintain an impeccable appearance, although this did not necessarily reflect true cleanliness. This approach to hygiene reflected the values ​​of the time, where appearance and social status took precedence over the reality of living conditions. At Versailles, everything was a question of appearance. The splendor and magnificence of the castle must have hidden the darker realities of daily life. The importance of etiquette, which dictated almost every movement at court, added to this obsession with image. Courtiers spent much of their day preparing to appear before the king, ensuring that every detail of their outfit was perfect. Yet behind these polished appearances, the practical challenges of living in such a crowded space were constant. The high number of people living in Versailles accentuated these problems. With thousands of nobles and servants crowded into the same space, hygienic conditions were rapidly deteriorating. Odors spread easily, and diseases could spread quickly in such a confined environment. Although the palace was regularly cleaned, the cleaning methods of the time were far from effective by modern standards. The lack of ventilation in certain parts of the castle, combined with overcrowding, made the air often stifling and laden with odors. The gardens of Versailles, although exquisite and perfectly maintained, could not escape the realities of daily life either . These vast green spaces, designed according to the rigorous principles of French landscape architecture, also served as places for the courtyard to walk. However, lacking sufficient public toilets, it was not uncommon for nobles to use the gardens for urgent needs, which posed another hygiene challenge. Waste management was another constant problem. Servants often had to make their way through cluttered hallways to empty chamber pots or clear away meal waste. Despite the efficiency and dedication of the many servants at Versailles, the high volume of people and waste made the task nearly impossible to accomplish optimally. The lingering smells in certain parts of the castle were proof of this. Despite these sometimes unpleasant realities, Versailles remained the center of political and social life in France. Nobles continued to flock there, attracted by the power and opportunities offered by proximity to the king. Living at court, despite the disadvantages linked to hygiene, represented a way to climb the ranks of society. The prestige of being seen at Versailles far outweighed the inconveniences of everyday life. Louis XIV had designed Versailles to be a reflection of his reign and his absolute authority. The palace symbolized the centralization of royal power, and its inhabitants had to accept the living conditions imposed by this grandiose setting. Hygiene Practices at Court Hygiene practices at the court of Versailles were governed by a mixture of daily rituals, social conventions, and preconceived ideas about health and well-being. Although the image of the court is often associated with extreme luxury and unparalleled refinement, the reality of hygiene practices of the time was more mixed. While appearance and self-grooming were crucial to maintaining a good social position, this did not necessarily translate into cleanliness in the sense we understand it today. Members of the court were more concerned with their outward presentation than with matters of strict personal hygiene. In this context, cleanliness rituals were symbolic as well as utilitarian. Hand washing was one of the few acts of hygiene actually observed at court. Indeed, in a society where people often ate with their fingers, it was important to wash their hands before participating in a meal or taking part in certain public activities. Courtiers washed their hands with water poured by servants into specific basins, although the water used was not always very clean. This gesture, more social than truly sanitary, marked respect for the conventions and rituals of the court. However, we should not imagine that this washing was done with soap as we know it today. Often water alone was enough, sometimes enhanced with fragrant herbs to give a feeling of freshness. The use of perfume played a major role in cleanliness practices at court. Perfume, a true social signature, served to conceal body odors rather than eliminate them. The 18th century saw a real craze for fragrances, and this was reflected in the abundant use of perfumes at Versailles. The nobles, both men and women, covered themselves with refined scents, made from flowers, spices or musk. Wigs, omnipresent at court, were also perfumed, often to mask the smell of powder and the sweat accumulated under these heavy accessories. Perfume was so integrated into daily life that some nobles carried small boxes called “pomanders”, filled with odorous substances, which they held close to their noses to escape the unpleasant scents that could emanate from their immediate environment. Paradoxically, baths were extremely rare at court, despite the wealth and resources available. The reluctance to take baths had both cultural and medical reasons. At the time, many believed that hot water opened the body’s pores, exposing the body to all kinds of illnesses. As a result, bathing was seen as dangerous to one’s health, and many people avoided doing it for as long as possible. Louis ​ ​This abstention from bathing was also linked to religious beliefs, which associated nudity with moral impurity. When baths were taken, they were often considered a medical treatment rather than a hygiene routine. Doctors sometimes recommended baths to treat specific illnesses or soothe muscle pain, but never as a way to cleanse the body on a daily basis. In this context, the water was often enriched with medicinal plants and herbs to increase its healing effects. However, nobles still avoided these regular practices, preferring to rely on more symbolic means to maintain an appearance of cleanliness. Faced with the scarcity of baths, cosmetics and powders were used to mask skin imperfections and, above all, to conceal body odor. Courtiers applied thick layers of white powder to their faces to even out skin tone, as well as rouge to give a touch of color to the cheeks. These powders weren’t just aesthetic; they also made it possible to hide the effects of rarely cleansed skin . The powder absorbed moisture and sweat, providing a smooth, flawless appearance that matched the beauty standards of the time. This heavy use of cosmetics created long-term problems, however, because the ingredients used in powders, such as lead, were often toxic and could damage the skin. Hair and wigs were also the subject of special attention in hygiene rituals at Versailles. Due to the scarcity of baths, hair was almost never washed. Instead, wigs took over, becoming essential fashion and status accessories. They were powdered to maintain their appearance and freshness, and wigmakers worked extensively to maintain and style them. Wigs, however, were sometimes infested with lice, and it was not uncommon for scented solutions or alcohol to be applied to disinfect them and prevent infestations. These palliative methods were far from effective, and the court was often the scene of embarrassing itches that everyone tried to hide behind an air of dignity. Clothing played a central role in hygiene practices at the court of Versailles. Nobles had to constantly maintain an impeccable appearance, which meant their clothes were changed several times a day. Layers of clothing helped hide not only the body, but also odors. Indeed, clothes were often changed more than the body was washed. Heavy fabrics, such as velvet or silk, were particularly prized for their ability to hide traces of perspiration and absorb perfumes. Cleaning clothes was an arduous task, carried out by an army of servants and laundresses. The latter had to juggle rudimentary techniques and harsh chemicals to maintain the appearances of the courtiers. Laundry, although regular for underwear and shirts, remained an expensive luxury and difficult to achieve for the most delicate garments, such as dresses and embroidered jackets. To compensate for the absence of baths and maintain a minimum of cleanliness, the nobles used damp cloths to clean their bodies. This gesture, limited to certain parts of the body such as the face, hands and sometimes the neck, was used to refresh the skin between public ceremonies and meetings with the king. This type of washing, however, did not really get rid of the impurities accumulated over the days, but it offered an illusion of cleanliness sufficient to respect the social standards of the time. Sanitary facilities and cleanliness of the palace
The sanitary facilities and cleanliness of the Palace of Versailles during the time of Louis XIV reveal the difficulties that the court had to face in such grandiose surroundings. Although Versailles is considered a pinnacle of architecture and luxury, the sanitary infrastructure was far from reflecting the same level of refinement. Built to accommodate thousands of people, the castle was not equipped with a modern sanitation system capable of handling such a population. The toilets, called “latrines” or “wardrobes” at the time, were rudimentary, and the cesspools were often saturated. The management of human waste and wastewater was a daily challenge in this setting where modern cleanliness standards were still unknown. At Versailles, sanitary facilities were mainly limited to chamber pots or commode chairs, which were placed in wardrobes or in discreet corners of apartments. These commode chairs were pieces of furniture equipped with a removable bucket under the seat, which served as a receptacle. However, privacy in the use of these facilities was rare at court. Nobles often shared their apartments with their servants or other family members, and discretion was not a priority. Thus, it was not uncommon for these needs to be satisfied in the middle of conversation or in the presence of other people, all with general indifference. Once used, the pots were emptied by the valets or maids, often in places close to the castle, sometimes even directly through the windows, thus contributing to the bad odors which invaded the surrounding area. The cesspits, for their part, were underground reservoirs intended to receive human waste collected by the numerous servants responsible for the cleanliness of the palace. However, these pits filled quickly due to the high number of residents and visitors. Their management was inefficient, and they frequently overflowed, causing foul fumes in certain parts of the castle. The methods for Emptying these pits was primitive, consisting of the use of shovels and wheelbarrows to remove the materials. The waste was then transported away from the castle, but sometimes left in the gardens or the immediate surroundings, which contributed to the general unsanitary condition of the place. These rudimentary infrastructures posed significant sanitation problems. Despite the immense prestige of Versailles, the pestilential odors were omnipresent. The mixture of human effluvia, food debris and animal waste – because the royal stables and the numerous horses also contributed to the situation – created an atmosphere that was often difficult to bear. Certain parts of the castle, notably the interior courtyards or isolated corridors, were particularly affected by these unpleasant fumes. The situation worsened during major events when the court was particularly lively, such as during festivals or diplomatic visits. The influx of nobles and visitors meant increased use of the already undersized health infrastructure. Bad odors were not just an olfactory annoyance; they also posed serious health risks. At that time, medical theories about disease transmission were still very rudimentary, and many believed that illnesses were caused by “miasmas,” that is, bad odors. Consequently, the increasing unsanitary conditions in Versailles favored the proliferation of diseases, particularly during periods of great affluence. Epidemics were frequent, and residents of the castle regularly suffered from various ailments, including intestinal infections or respiratory illnesses linked to stale air and poor hygienic conditions. Promiscuity and lack of sanitation also made the spread of infections more rapid, affecting nobles and servants alike. Faced with these problems, the court of Louis XIV tried to put in place some measures to improve the cleanliness of the palace. The staff dedicated to the maintenance of Versailles was very large: entire teams of servants, valets and gardeners worked daily to remove waste, empty chamber pots and maintain a semblance of cleanliness. The king himself was concerned about hygiene issues, and repeatedly ordered increased efforts to keep the palace clean. For example, tapestries, rugs and furniture were regularly beaten and cleaned to remove dust and odors. In addition, floor washing, although rudimentary, was common in the most prestigious rooms. However, these efforts remained insufficient given the scale of the court’s needs. The gardens of Versailles, which surrounded the castle, also played a role in waste management. Indeed, many of them were dumped in isolated areas of the gardens or in ditches, thus contributing to the unsanitary environment. The smells mingled with the scents of carefully cultivated flowers and plants, creating a contrast between the visual beauty of the place and the more unpleasant olfactory reality. Some courtiers and visitors regularly complained about sanitary conditions, but the grandeur of the castle and the importance of the political and social life that took place there often outweighed these considerations. Despite widespread unsanitary conditions, the court adopted cleanliness practices that, at the time, were considered sufficient. Nobles used perfume extensively to mask bad odors, and clothes were changed several times a day to maintain an impeccable appearance. The toilets were summarily cleaned by the servants, who had the thankless task of dealing with human debris and garbage. Scented essences and herbs were often used in apartments and reception rooms to improve the atmosphere and make the smell of the castle more bearable. However, these attempts to mask bad odors only alleviated temporarily the problem without actually addressing the underlying causes. The layout of the Palace of Versailles, with its huge rooms and endless corridors, also created waste management challenges. Some parts of the castle were easier to maintain than others, and the more remote or less frequented areas often became sites for uncontrolled waste dumping. Servants and servants, in particular, were often relegated to areas where hygienic conditions were even more precarious. Bad odors and infections therefore more severely affected the parts of the castle where the servants resided, creating a hierarchy of cleanliness based on social rank. The Personal Hygiene of Louis XIV
The personal hygiene of Louis The perception of hygiene in the time of the Sun King differed considerably from that we have today. The notions of cleanliness and health were marked by the medical beliefs of the time, influenced by theories of humors and the fear of diseases transmitted by water. In this context, Louis XIV maintained a relationship with cleanliness that combined court traditions, royal symbolism, and care for his appearance, elements essential to his image of grandeur and power. Louis XIV, from a very young age, was educated according to the precepts of the time in matters of hygiene. Contrary to what one might think, he was not unaware of the importance of bodily cleanliness. However, hygiene practices as we know them today were rare, and Louis XIV was no exception to this rule. The king, like most of his contemporaries, did not take frequent baths. Physicians of his time advised against regular bathing, as they believed that water opened the body’s pores and thus exposed the individual to disease. According to this belief, washing too often weakened the body and allowed miasma to penetrate the skin, which could have compromised the king’s health. Thus, Louis XIV took baths very occasionally, often on medical advice, to relieve pain or treat certain ailments, but certainly not for reasons of routine cleanliness. However, Louis XIV was not indifferent to hygiene. Although he did not bathe frequently, he compensated for this infrequency with other bodily treatments. The king carried out regular partial washings. For example, he used to wash his hands and face with perfumed water or floral essences. These cleanliness rituals, although modest, were important daily actions to maintain a well-groomed appearance. Washing hands before meals or during public ceremonies was an integral part of court customs and demonstrated the importance given to the cleanliness of visible parts of the body. In addition , Louis These fabrics were changed frequently, especially during official ceremonies, where the king’s appearance had to be impeccable. One of the most emblematic aspects of Louis XIV’s hygiene was his extensive use of perfumes. The king loved refined scents and had an impressive collection of perfumed waters, powders and ointments. Perfumes played an essential role in the court of Versailles, where bad odors were omnipresent due to the lack of adequate sanitary infrastructure. Nobles and courtiers wore heavy perfume to mask these unpleasant odors, and Louis XIV was no exception. The king used perfumes not only to conceal bodily scents, but also to enhance his aura of majesty and sophistication. Perfumes based on flowers, plants or spices were applied to his clothes, her wigs and even on her skin. The smell that emanated from the king thus helped to shape an image of extreme refinement and total control over his appearance. Louis XIV also paid great attention to his physical appearance, which was an integral part of the image he projected as an absolute monarch. His rising ritual, called the “Grand Lever”, was a public event where he was prepared for the day in front of a selection of privileged courtiers. This moment marked the importance the king placed on his daily appearance. Every morning, Louis XIV was carefully dressed, hairstyled and perfumed, in a display of royal grandeur. Her wig, an essential element of the fashion of the time, was fitted to perfection, and her clothes were chosen with extreme care. Wigs, particularly fashionable during his reign, also required constant maintenance. They were powdered and perfumed to stay clean and fresh, contributing to the image of nobility and elegance that Louis XIV wanted to convey. Although Louis XIV avoided frequent baths, he took care of the health of his teeth, a rather rare practice at that time. The king regularly had his teeth treated by court dental surgeons, although the treatments available were rudimentary. However, as he aged, Louis XIV lost several of his teeth, which affected his appearance and comfort, although he continued to maintain a well-groomed and noble face despite these inconveniences. This concern for his teeth reflected his constant desire to look his best, despite the limitations of dental care at the time. The body of Louis XIV, as king, was not only a political body, but also a public body. Every aspect of his personal hygiene and appearance was carefully orchestrated to maintain the image of power and perfection that the Sun King wanted to embody. Louis XIV was perfectly aware of the importance of his body as a symbol of the nation. He was the living embodiment of the greatness of France, and his appearance should reflect this majesty. Thus, although his hygiene practices differed widely from modern standards, they met the expectations of his time and the demands of his position. Every care he took with his appearance helped to reinforce his aura as an absolute king, a man above the rest, almost divine in his perfection. Despite these efforts to maintain an image of cleanliness and nobility, Louis XIV, like any man of his time, had to deal with the realities of 17th century hygiene. Since medicine at the time was not very advanced, the king regularly suffered from various ailments, and his body was far from free from health problems. As he grew older, he experienced many physical problems, including gangrene which affected his leg and required painful treatments. However, these physical weaknesses were carefully hidden from the public, and the image of the king as a model of health and power remained intact in the eyes of his subjects. The king, although human and vulnerable, must in all circumstances maintain an appearance of perfection and authority. The Consequences of Hygiene at Versailles
Hygienic conditions at Versailles during the reign of Louis XIV had a considerable impact on the health of the court’s residents and contributed to the spread of diseases that were common at the time. Frequent epidemics and illnesses at court are often attributed to this lack of hygiene, as well as promiscuity among palace residents. At Versailles, where thousands of people lived—nobles, servants, and artisans—sanitary conditions left much to be desired, and efforts to maintain a certain level of cleanliness clashed with the realities of an overcrowded space ill-equipped to handle the needs. health of such a large population. One of the main consequences of the lack of hygiene in Versailles was the rapid spread of contagious diseases. Sanitary facilities were limited, with often poorly maintained cesspits and few toilets. or even non-existent in certain parts of the castle. This lack of effective drainage systems meant that sewage and human waste accumulated in areas close to living spaces. These conditions created an environment conducive to the spread of diseases, such as dysentery, smallpox, and other intestinal infections. Smallpox, in particular, was a feared disease at court. It struck indiscriminately, affecting both nobles and servants, and wreaked havoc among the palace inhabitants. Despite the luxurious appearance of Versailles, daily reality was often marked by health problems linked to poor sanitary conditions. The air inside the castle was also a contributing factor to the poor health of the residents. Versailles, designed to house a huge courtyard, lacked adequate ventilation, especially in the rooms where nobles spent a lot of time. The accumulation of odors from food, smoke and unwashed bodies in confined spaces created an unsanitary environment. Courtiers were often forced to stay indoors, particularly during long ceremonies or harsh winters, which increased the risk of contamination. The fumes from poorly maintained chimneys added to this stale atmosphere, aggravated respiratory problems and favored the spread of diseases such as tuberculosis, which was endemic at the time. Doctors, although aware of the dangers posed by certain diseases, had limited understanding of the causes of these infections. They believed that bad air, or “miasma,” was the cause of many illnesses. This perception led them to recommend practices that, in their opinion, purified the air, such as the intensive use of perfumes or the circulation of air through open windows at certain times of the day. However, these measures were often ineffective in controlling infections transmitted by water or human feces. Medical practices of the time did not take into account the importance of personal hygiene and sanitation of public spaces, which perpetuated the spread of disease in Versailles. Despite these conditions, Versailles still symbolized the power and prestige of the French monarchy. The nobles, attracted by the political influence and privileges of the court, accepted these disadvantages in the hope of becoming closer to the king. Promiscuity and lack of comfort were tolerated because presence at Versailles was a symbol of status and loyalty to Louis XIV. However, this constant proximity between courtiers and unsanitary infrastructure reinforced the spread of diseases, and many residents suffered from chronic illnesses linked to these difficult living conditions. Some died prematurely from preventable illnesses, but these deaths were often not directly attributed to poor sanitation. Efforts to improve hygiene at Versailles were often insufficient given the size of the court. Attempts were made to maintain a certain level of cleanliness, notably through regular cleaning of apartments and reception rooms, but these initiatives were limited by the lack of modern technology. Servants were responsible for sweeping and scenting the rooms, but this did not address basic sanitation problems. Additionally, the size of the palace and the constant presence of thousands of people made these efforts difficult to sustain in the long term. There was also a hierarchy in the maintenance of different spaces: the king’s apartments were always impeccably maintained, while those of lower-ranking servants or courtiers were often neglected. The legacy of Versailles’ hygiene practices had an impact on French society well beyond the reign of Louis XIV. Subsequent generations inherited these erroneous ideas about cleanliness and health, and it took several decades, even centuries, before modern standards of hygiene were adopted. In the 18th century, Medical advances began to challenge some traditional beliefs about bathing and personal hygiene, but reforms were slow to take place. It was not until the 19th century, with the appearance of the first modern health infrastructures and the discovery of germs as the cause of infections, that significant changes were made. The practices of Versailles, once considered normal, have become examples of the ignorance of past centuries regarding hygiene. The lessons learned from this era, although often dramatized in popular stories, have allowed modern society to better understand the importance of sanitary conditions in the preservation of public health. Thank you for watching this video on hygiene at Versailles under Louis XIV. If you enjoyed it and want to support the channel, you can contribute via Tipeee or by using the “Thank you” button just below. Each donation helps me continue to offer you quality content on History. Don’t hesitate to explore my other videos, such as the one on daily life in a medieval castle, which I highly recommend. Before leaving us, here is one last surprising anecdote: although Louis XIV rarely took baths, he washed his hands several times a day with perfumed water. The Sun King thus used up to three liters of perfume per week to maintain a pleasant odor, despite the often unsanitary conditions of his palace. Thank you again for your support and see you soon for a new video!