Marie Antoinette’s Last Day
On the 16th October, 1793 Marie Antoinette was brought from the Conciergerie Prison to the Place de la Concorde where she was executed for crimes against the new Republic.
Nothing in her upbringing would have prepared her for this fate, but in the last months of her life, she showed great fortitude in facing the multitudinous furies of a paranoid government.
Her death rid France of what was considered a plague on the finances and on the morals of the country. Her death also helped unleashed the Terror on the people of France.
She had become a symbol for all that was corrupt and venal about the Ancien Regime. Like other women who symbolised everything the Revolution hated, she had to die.
The Revolution would not suffer her to live.
This walk follows the route of the cart that took her from her prison to Place de la Concorde where she was executed. On the way we will talk about how a pretty young Austrian princess came to symbolise all that was corrupt and venal in France and how the forces of misogyny, pornographic propaganda, and an infamous necklace finally undid her.
“Monsieur, je vous demande pardon, je ne l'ai pas fait exprès”
Marie Antoinette when she stepped on the foot of the executioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What kind of shoes should I wear?
This walk is across paved Parisian roads so it is suitable for normal walking shoes.
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What happens if it rains?
This walk will take place rain or shine. It is all outdoors so bring an umbrella if it looks like it will rain.
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Where does the walk end?
The walk lasts about two hours, and ends in on Place de la Concorde.
