Hey there, history enthusiasts and lovers of scandalous tales! Brace yourselves, folks, because we’re about to unravel the secrets of the royal bedroom! Buckle up and prepare for a wild ride as we dive into the captivating world of one of history’s most notorious Casanovas – Louis XV of France.

The perks of being the king

Now, we all know that being a monarch comes with its fair share of perks – power, wealth, and, of course, a sense of entitlement. But Louis XV took “living life to the fullest” to a whole new level. This French king’s escapades in the realm of romance were legendary, making him the talk of both courtiers and commoners alike. So, let’s grab our powdered wigs and step back into the extravagant world of 18th-century France!

Picture this: Louis XV, a dashing ruler with impeccable style and charm that could make even the staunchest of critics weak in the knees. Known as the “well-beloved,” he certainly had a way with the ladies. And by “way,” we mean an insatiable appetite for romantic endeavours that would make even modern-day heartthrobs blush.

In our friendly neighbourhood, Louis had a knack for seeking out new conquests, constantly keeping his courtiers on their toes. It was like he had an unwritten “love to-do” list that he diligently worked through. From ladies of noble birth to actresses and even the occasional milkmaid, no one was safe from his advances. Hey, when you’re the king, who’s going to say no?

Quantity, not quality

Louis XV could put your average player to shame. What’s truly remarkable is the sheer number of his affairs. Rumour has it that he had so many lovers that he had to maintain an elaborate system just to keep track of them all. Talk about multitasking.

But wait, there’s more! Louis XV not only indulged in his numerous affairs but also had a taste for the finer things in life. Luxury was his middle name. He spared no expense when it came to wining, dining, and wooing his paramours. Extravagant gifts, lavish palaces, and private parties were just the tip of the iceberg. It was a whirlwind of opulence and pleasure, all at the expense of the French treasury.

Poor Mrs Louis

Now, let’s pause for a moment and address the elephant in the room – the elephant being his marital status. Yes, dear readers, Louis XV was indeed married. But when has that ever stopped a determined monarch from exploring his options? Not in this case! His loyal wife, Queen Marie, must have had the patience of a saint to put up with his romantic escapades. We can only imagine the conversations they had over breakfast: “Oh, darling, you were gallivanting with another mistress last night? How charming!”

But did she mind?

The boudoir-lympics

A bizarre love triangle between social acceptance, admiration, and scandalous whispers

Picture this, mes amis! In the extravagant world of 18th-century French courtiers, promiscuity among men was like a sport—a highly competitive one, might I add. It was as if there was a “Romantic Olympics” taking place, with men striving to win gold medals in the pursuit of multiple affairs. And let me tell you, those who excelled in this noble art were celebrated like heroes. They were the rock stars of their time, the ones who could effortlessly juggle mistresses like a circus performer juggling flaming batons. The more conquests a man had, the higher he soared in the eyes of his fellow courtiers. It was like a bizarre love triangle between social acceptance, admiration, and scandalous whispers. So, you see, the French court was a swirling cauldron of romance and intrigue, where promiscuity was not only tolerated but almost expected. It was a time when men strived to be Casanovas, swashbuckling their way through the boudoirs of the elite. Oh, what a sight it must have been to witness these love-struck courtiers vying for the title of “Ladies’ Man Extraordinaire”!

Kings just wanna have fun

A king can have fun too. His zest for life and passion for romance were remarkable. He had a way with the ladies that would make modern dating gurus envious. I’m fascinated by his audacity and charisma.

Louis XV breaks the mould and challenged societal norms. His escapades remind us that even the most powerful individuals are not immune to temptation. 

Let’s toast to Louis XV, the playful king who brought excitement to the rigid world of the French court.