Chateaubriand is one of the giants of French literature. Regarded as the founder of Romanticism in the early 19th century he is best known for his life story “Memories from beyond the Grave” which he had originally planned to have published fifty years after his death.
Reading his biographies, it is clear that he was more interested in having an important part to play in the political arena. Born into minor nobility before the French Revolution, he moved his philosophical position several times. He served under Napoleon and then the restored Bourbon monarchs. Although he held a number of positions, his track record from that viewpoint is less impressive.
Arguably his most significant legacy from that side of his career was the “Chateaubriand” – a roast beef dish apparently created by his chef when he was French ambassador to London.
His marriage was largely a side issue and he was better known as the lover of a series of women, notably including Juliette Recamier.
After falling out with Napoleon, he was banished from Paris and bought a property not quite outside the “three league” limit at “La Vallée aux Loups”.
The house and its beautiful garden still exist and are open to the public. His bedroom still has the original wooden floor and has been furnished in the style of his final bedroom in Paris. (See also Juliette Recamier).
*A unit of measurement in France at the time. 1 league = 4 kilometers
