The Testament of Louis XIV

When Louis XIV dies, he has only recently buried four dauphins in less than a year.

The end of the Sun King’s reign is a somber one. The measles and smallpox claim the lives of multiple members of the royal family, including his heirs. Louis XIV himself, aged 76, is a sick, afflicted and worried man. In this grim context, he writes his testament on August 2nd, 1714. He wants to prepare the transfer of power to his great-grandson, the young Louis of France.

But the future Louis XV is only 5 years old, and his great-grandfather is anxious to protect the crown. According to his wishes, two men must form a regency council: his illegitimate son, the Duke of Maine, and his nephew, the Duke of Orleans. But a will is only of value to those who respect it… As soon as the Sun King dies on September 1st, 1715, the two rivals will plot to take power.

In this investigation, discover one of the most precious documents of France’s history. The legendary armoire de fer of the French National Archives will exceptionally open its doors to you.