“Where in Paris are we now?” someone asks. We are here at Square Bassompierre. This square offers a peaceful location to regroup. You can plan your next stop of the day right here.
The Paris squares are somewhat like a park in miniature. They offer respite from a busy day. Restore your spirit while enjoying the French architecture around Square Bassompierre. Take in the beautiful plants and the peaceful quiet of Square Bassompierre.
Sometimes you do not want to search for a quiet place. Instead, look up and search for a church spire nearby. There will most likely be a small park with children’s play equipment. These parks are usually peaceful places to take a break. Parents take their children there after work.
Now, Square Bassompierre is not in Paris. This square is in Châtenay-Malabry France.
This square in Châtenay-Malabry, France is named after Françoise de Bassompierre. Françoise de Bassompierre was a French courtier. He was born in 1579 and died in 1646.
Bassompierre was the son of Christophe de Bassompierre. He was introduced to the court of King Henry IV of France in 1598. He became a great favorite of the king. He shared in the dissipations of court life. In 1600, he took part in the brief campaign in Savoy. In 1603 he fought in Hungary against the Turks.
In 1614, he assisted Marie de Medici in her struggle against the nobles. In 1617 he remained loyal to the young king Louis XIII. He assisted the royalists. His services during the Huguenot rising of 1621–22 won him the dignity of marshal of France.
In 1615 Bassompierre purchased the position of colonel-general of the Swiss and Grisons. He was sent to raise troops in Switzerland. After a short campaign in Italy, his military career ended.
Bassompierre’s career as a diplomat was a failure. In 1621, he went to Madrid to arrange the dispute concerning the seizure of the Valtelline forts by Spain. He signed the fruitless Treaty of Madrid. In 1625, he was sent into Switzerland on an equally futile mission. In 1626 to London to secure the retention of the Catholic ecclesiastics.
Henry IV had deterred Bassompierre from marrying Charlotte de Montmorency. Between 1614 and 1630 he secretly married Louise Marguerite. Through her, he became implicated in the plot to overthrow Richelieu.
By Richelieu’s orders, Bassompierre was arrested in 1631. He was put into the Bastille. On his release, his offices were restored to him. He spent his time at the castle of Tillières in Normandy. He died in 1646.
His Mémoires are an important source for the history of his time. He also left an incomplete account of his embassies to Spain, Switzerland, and England.
Square Bassompierre in Châtenay-Malabry is a reminder of this historical figure. Take a moment to reflect on his life. Consider the events that shaped France. This square offers a peaceful escape and a connection to the past.