François-Marie Arouet, better known by his pen name Voltaire, was no stranger to controversy. This witty, satirical writer and philosopher often found himself at odds with the authorities due to his outspoken views. However, among his many escapades, one story stands out for its sheer audacity and clever maneuvering: the tale of how Voltaire managed to secure lodging with his mistress, Émilie du Châtelet, by funding the renovations of her husband’s château.
The Meeting of Minds and Hearts
Voltaire and Émilie du Châtelet were an intellectual power couple before the term was even coined. Their initial meeting in 1733 at a Parisian high-society event was nothing short of serendipitous. Both were already familiar with each other’s works. Eventually, their mutual admiration quickly blossomed into a romantic and intellectual partnership. Émilie, a brilliant mathematician and physicist, found in Voltaire a partner who appreciated her intellect and supported her scientific inquiries. She, in turn, encouraged his literary pursuits.
Émilie was married to the Marquis Florent-Claude du Chastellet-Lomont at the time. Like many aristocrats of the time, her husband viewed marriage more as a social contract than a romantic engagement. The Marquis supported Émilie’s intellectual endeavors and relationship with Voltaire. This unconventional arrangement allowed Émilie and Voltaire to live openly as lovers, much to the scandal and fascination of Parisian society.
Voltaire’s Want for Safety and a Mansion in Need of Renovations
Voltaire’s penchant for controversy often put him at odds with the French authorities. In 1734, the publication of his “Lettres Philosophiques” (Philosophical Letters) praised English freedoms and criticized French institutions, leading to a warrant for his arrest. Seeking refuge, Voltaire turned to Émilie, who offered him sanctuary at her husband’s château in Cirey-sur-Blaise, Haute-Marne.
The château, however, was in disrepair and hardly befitting Voltaire’s taste for luxury. Never one to back down from a challenge, Voltaire saw an opportunity. He generously loaned Émilie’s husband the necessary funds for the much-needed renovations to the château, including adding a new wing and an entire floor. This move was not just an act of kindness but a strategic investment to secure a comfortable and safe haven where he could continue his work.
Thus began a remarkable period in Cirey, during which Voltaire and Émilie lived openly as lovers. Their daily routines were highly structured, with Voltaire rising at 5 a.m. to write for five hours, often with Émilie by his side. They worked diligently, and their lives were intertwined both romantically and intellectually. Visitors to the château were subject to Voltaire’s strict schedule, ensuring his work was not disturbed.
Where on Earth was the Marquis?
One might wonder about the Marquis’ role in this unusual ménage à trois. Far from being a cuckolded husband, the Marquis was largely absent, likely relieved to be free from the domestic front. His acceptance and support of the arrangement were rooted in practicality and perhaps admiration for Émilie’s intellect and Voltaire’s genius. This dynamic allowed the château to become a sanctuary for intellectual and scientific pursuits, free from societal constraints.
However, despite Voltaire’s substantial investments, the château’s renovations were never fully completed. Still, the improvements during their stay symbolized their partnership and combined efforts to create a space for enlightenment and creativity. The château, now recognized as a national historical monument and Maison des Illustres, is a tribute to Émilie du Châtelet’s legacy, though Voltaire’s influence is undeniably etched into its history.
The Legacy of Cirey
Today, the château at Cirey-sur-Blaise is open to the public. It offers guided tours that showcase its history. Visitors can explore the spaces where Voltaire and Émilie collaborated on their groundbreaking work. They also gain insights into their daily lives and intellectual pursuits. For more on the intriguing lives of Voltaire and Émilie du Châtelet, check out these guided tours of their historic château.
