Marie De Valois

Intro Marie-Adélaïde de Valois was born on 18 March 1478 at the Château de Blois, the second daughter of Charles, Duke of Orléans, and Marie of Bourbon. She received a rigorous education typical of high-ranking French noblewomen, including instruction in Latin, etiquette, and the management of estates. Contemporary chroniclers describe her as intelligent and poised, with an Early life Marie-Adélaïde was born on 18 March 1478 at the Château de Blois, the second daughter of Charles, Duke of Orléans, and Marie of Bourbon. She received a rigorous education typical of high-ranking French noblewomen, including instruction in Latin, etiquette, and the management of estates. Contemporary chroniclers describe her as intelligent and poised, with an interest in literature and theology. in literature and theology. In 1496, Marie-Adélaïde entered into a politically significant marriage with a nobleman from Italy, strengthening ties between the Valois royal line and influential Italian families. While her husband’s name is not widely recorded, the union facilitated Franco-Italian alliances and allowed her to exercise considerable influence in diplomatic matters. She was involved in mediating disputes and served as an advisor in both domestic and international affairs, particularly concerning the Italian territories of the French crown. Following her husband’s death, Marie-Adélaïde retired to the Hôtel de Valois in Paris, where she devoted herself to religious and charitable works. She became a patron of several convents and commissioned illuminated manuscripts, some of which survive in French national collections. Despite withdrawing from direct political activity, she remained a respected figure at court and advised younger members of the Valois family.