‘The God of the Race’: Louis XIII and his Itinerant Court

Contrary to the prevailing narrative, Louis XIII's court was highly mobile, with extensive and frequent travels that posed physical dangers, disrupted governance, and had devastating impacts on the towns visited. These 'progresses' were crucial for political maneuvering, securing provinces, diplomatic engagements, and responding to security needs, while also allowing royal influence over ceremonial entries. The study reveals a complex logistical network supporting these travels, even when the court remained in Île-de-France, with Louis increasingly favoring Fontainebleau and Saint-Germain-en-Laye over Paris. Cardinal Richelieu's power base in Rueil further fragmented the court's structure, undermining royal prestige. The research challenges assumptions about the court's stability and highlights its polycentric nature.

Jaffré, M. W. S. (2025). ‘The God of the Race’: Louis XIII and his Itinerant Court. The Courtiers and the Court of Louis XIII, 1610–1643, 261–284. https://doi.org/10.1093/9780198957645.003.0009