Let them eat cake, Marie Antoinette said. Fact or fiction?

Last updated on February 15th, 2024 at 07:21 pm

“Let them eat cake”, Marie Antoinette said. Discover the story behind the quote.

The phrase “Let them eat cake” is famously attributed to the last Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. But why, and did she really say it? 

Let’s dig into the archives of history and explore the facts, then decide who actually uttered those words.

France at the time of Marie Antoinette

During this period in France, the late 18th century, it was a time marked by severe economic hardship and widespread famine in France, particularly in Paris.

So, for someone to make such a statement wasn’t just insensitive but deeply insulting. 

It suggested a callous indifference to the suffering of the peasants who, burdened by heavy taxation and poor harvests, often couldn’t afford bread, let alone cake. 

The phrase, rightly or wrongly, became a powerful symbol of the aristocracy’s ignorance and insensitivity towards the struggles of the lower classes, fueling the simmering discontent that would eventually lead to the French Revolution.

In other words, it gave them a way to fuel the fire of hatred towards the monarchy and another reason to get rid of them.

What did Marie Antoinette mean by “Let them eat cake?”

It’s an important question because the phrase itself hasn’t been translated properly. The original French phrase is “Qu’ils mangent de la brioche.”

The term “brioche” is significant here. Brioche is a type of rich, sweet bread, often associated with luxury and indulgence due to its ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk, which were expensive at the time. 

The phrase suggests that if the peasants could not afford bread, they should simply eat a more expensive type of bread, highlighting a profound misunderstanding or disregard for the severity of the food scarcity and the economic hardship faced by the lower classes.

But isn’t that all rather convenient? Granted her life would have been far removed from the common man in the street, but from everything I’ve read about her, she was a sensitive girl, despite the extravagant lifestyle.

Would it not be more likely that this, if it was said at all, was a rumour spread by revolutionary propaganda to discredit the monarchy?

Did Marie Antoinette say, “Let them eat cake?”

No, I don’t think Marie Antoinette said “Let them eat cake“. It was almost certainly a myth. 

Firstly, the phrase itself predates Marie Antoinette’s time as Queen of France (1774-1793). The story had been associated with several other royals before her. 

For instance, it was first told in a slightly different form about Marie-Thérèse, the Spanish princess who married King Louis XIV in 1660, suggesting that the French people eat “la croûte de pâté” (or the crust of the pâté). 

Over the next century, the phrase was attributed to various other 18th-century royals, including two aunts of Louis XVI. 

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in his “Confessions”, written in 1766, mentioned a similar phrase being said by “a great princess,” likely referring to Marie-Thérèse, not Marie Antoinette, who was only ten years old at the time and not yet in France​.

Historians like Lady Antonia Fraser, who authored a biography of Marie Antoinette, argue that such a statement would have been highly uncharacteristic of her.

Despite her lavish lifestyle, Marie Antoinette was known to be sensitive towards the poor and donated generously to charitable causes. 

Her image as an extravagant and insensitive queen has been debated by historians, with many suggesting that her reputation was more a product of revolutionary propaganda than historical fact​.

So, the famous phrase “Let them eat cake” is likely a historical misattribution, with no solid evidence linking it to Marie Antoinette.

It appears, as I said earlier, to be part of a larger narrative constructed around her as a symbol of the decadence and disconnect of the French monarchy, which contributed to the revolutionary fervour of the time.

Who Was Marie Antoinette?

Marie Antoinette, born on November 2, 1755, in Vienna, Austria, was the youngest daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Francis I and Empress Maria Theresa. Her marriage was part of a strategic alliance between Austria and France, aimed at consolidating political relations in the wake of the Seven Years’ War. 

At the young age of 14, Marie Antoinette was betrothed to the French Dauphin, Louis, the grandson of King Louis XV of France.

Marie Antoinette’s journey to France began soon after this betrothal, and in May 1770, at 14, she married the Dauphin Louis in a lavish ceremony. 

This marriage symbolised the formal union of France and Austria. However, it placed Marie Antoinette in a challenging position from the start, as she represented Austria, a country traditionally seen as an enemy by the French populace.

The Early Years in the French Court

Marie Antoinette’s arrival at the French court at the Royal Chateau of Versailles as a young Austrian princess was marked by complex relationships with several key figures, reflecting the intricate social and political dynamics of the time.

It was like navigating a minefield full of bombs that might explode at any time. And at fourteen years old, Marie Antoinette wasn’t exactly equipped to deal with them.

Mesdames Tantes

These were the aunts of Louis XVI, daughters of Louis XV, who lived at the royal court and never married. They were known collectively as “Mesdames” and weren’t exactly friendly towards Marie Antoinette. 

At the court in Versailles, Madame Adélaïde had hoped to exert influence over her nephew, Louis XVI, upon his accession to the throne but soon realised that wasn’t going to happen, and she resented poor Marie Antoinette for it.

The Mesdames were known for their long-standing opposition to their father’s mistresses, particularly Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry, and their devout religious beliefs. Both Sophie and Victoire grew up away from court at a convent, which undoubtedly played a part in their religious outlook.

They increasingly retreated from power and eventually left for Italy after the start of the French Revolution​​.

Madame du Barry

She was the last mistress of Louis XV, with considerable political influence and sway over her lover’s actions. Initially, Marie Antoinette, influenced by her husband’s aunts, refused to acknowledge du Barry, and the battle lines were drawn. 

Some say this was a decision that might have been politically unwise, given du Barry’s influence. However, under pressure, Marie Antoinette eventually agreed to speak to her to keep her father-in-law happy. 

Apparently, Madame du Barry refused to allow him to enter her bed chamber until the Dauphine would acknowledge her.

After Louis XV died in 1774, Louis XVI exiled Madame du Barry, a move that pleased Marie Antoinette and her aunts​​.

Princesse de Lamballe and Madame de Polignac

These two women were among Marie Antoinette’s closest friends at court. The Princesse de Lamballe was incredibly close to her, so much so it was suggested their friendship was something more. 

In reality, it was no different to any other fifteen-year-old girls who spend all their time together gossiping, laughing, enjoying parties and indulging in their favourite pastimes.

She was appointed Superintendent of the Queen’s Household and was known for her loyalty to Marie Antoinette, even during the turbulent periods of the Revolution. 

She eventually lost her life because of her loyalty, and it’s said, that her severed head was paraded in front of Marie Antoinette’s prison window.

Madame de Polignac, on the other hand, gained Marie Antoinette’s favour and became one of her closest confidantes, benefiting significantly in terms of wealth and titles.

This friendship was also criticised and seen as emblematic of the Queen’s extravagance, not to mention the perceived favouritism​​ of both women.

What was her role as Queen of France?

Marie Antoinette became Queen of France on May 10, 1774, following the death of King Louis XV and the ascension of her husband, Louis XVI, to the throne. As Queen, her role was primarily ceremonial and symbolic.

She had no formal political power, and her influence was limited to her ability to counsel and advise the King, a role she exercised with varying degrees of success and influence throughout Louis XVI’s reign.

To escape the confines and pressures of court life, Marie Antoinette frequently retreated to the Petit Trianon, a small chateau on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. It was originally built by Louis XV for his mistress Madame de Pompadour, but she died four years before it was completed.

Given to Marie Antoinette by Louis XVI once his father had died, the Petit Trianon was a private sanctuary where she could indulge in a simpler, more rustic lifestyle away from the rigid formalities of the Versailles court.

She also spent time at the Hameau de la Reine, a mock rustic village she had built on the grounds of the Petit Trianon, where she and her close friends could enjoy the illusion of a country lifestyle. 

These escapes, however, fueled criticism and contributed to her image as an out-of-touch monarch, especially during a time of economic hardship for many of her subjects.

Was she faithful, or did she embark on a passionate affair?

Rumours were rife about Marie Antoinette’s love life. After all, it had taken seven years for her marriage to be consummated, so what’s a girl to do?

Well, apparently, she is supposed to embark upon an affair with Count Axel von Fersen, a Swedish nobleman.

The nature of their relationship has been a topic of historical debate, with recent studies and uncovered correspondences shedding more light on the matter.

Historian Evelyn Farr’s book, “I Love You Madly: Marie-Antoinette and Count Fersen: The Secret Letters,” delves into the love letters exchanged over decades between Marie Antoinette and Count Fersen. These letters, written with invisible ink and code names, reveal a deep emotional connection between the two. 

For instance, Marie Antoinette expressed her love for Fersen quite passionately, writing phrases like, “I live and exist only to love you — adoring you is my only consolation.”​​ Hmm…not exactly innocent words.

There is also debate around the timing of Marie Antoinette’s pregnancies. It seems her pregnancies increased when Fersen returned from the American Revolution, leading to more speculation.

And to add insult to injury, the surviving son from these pregnancies bore a resemblance not to King Louis XVI, but to Fersen.

Although all the evidence looks suspicious, there is no physical evidence to prove anything, so you be the judge.

The downfall of Marie Antoinette

Marie Antoinette’s demise began with her arrest during the French Revolution. Following the storming of the Tuileries Palace on August 10, 1792, the royal family were imprisoned. 

Initially, they were held at the Temple, a medieval fortress in Paris. During this time, the monarchy was officially abolished by the new revolutionary government, and in 1793, following the execution of her husband, King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette was transferred to the Conciergerie, a notorious prison in Paris. 

This marked a significant turn in her fate, foreshadowing the grim end that awaited her.

Marie Antoinette’s trial commenced on October 14, 1793, before the Revolutionary Tribunal. The charges against her were extensive and included depletion of the national treasury, conspiracy against the security of the State, and high treason due to her intelligence with foreign powers.

Perhaps the most unbelievable was the accusation of incest with her son Louis-Charles, who was forced to testify against her and tell the court she molested him.

As you can imagine, the trial was heavily biased against her, and she was given little opportunity to defend herself. Evidence was often exaggerated or fabricated to ensure her conviction. 

After a two-day trial, on October 16, she was found guilty of all charges and sentenced to death by guillotine. The next day, she was executed, marking the tragic end of the last Queen of France before the Revolution. 

5 Other Marie Antoinette Quotes

I’d hate to think that one quote defined who Marie Antoinette really was. I recently came across five other quotes, that I believe showcase more of her personality and what she went through.

It is true I am rather taken up with dress; but as to feathers, every one wears them, and it would seem extraordinary if I did not.

marie antoinette

We made our entrance into Paris. As for honours, we received all that we could possibly imagine; but they, though very well in their way, were not what touched me most. What was really affecting was the tenderness and earnestness of the poor people, who, in spite of the taxes with which they are overwhelmed, were transported with joy at seeing us.

marie antoinette

The king is full of kindnesses toward me, and I love him tenderly. But it is pitiable to see his weakness for Madame du Barri, who is the silliest and most impertinent creature that it is possible to conceive.

marie antoinette

I was a queen, and you took away my crown; a wife, and you killed my husband; a mother, and you deprived me of my children. My blood alone remains: take it, but do not make me suffer long.

marie antoinette

Courage! I have shown it for years; think you I shall lose it at the moment when my sufferings are to end?I was a queen, and you took away my crown; a wife, and you killed my husband; a mother, and you deprived me of my children. My blood alone remains: take it, but do not make me suffer long.

marie antoinette

Final thoughts about the Marie Antoinette Quote, Let Them Eat Cake

I don’t for one second believe that Marie Antoinette said, let them eat cake. I think this was another attempt to make the French people hate her.

When she first arrived in Paris, she was beyond popular, to a point where she was an 18th-century icon.

People wanted to imitate her dress sense and style as she did away with the over-rouged cheeks and huge ornate dresses. 

She was too popular so had to be discredited and that saying was one way of helping things along.

If you’re as fascinated as I am you’ll enjoy reading about ten movies that have been made about Marie Antoinette.