IV.1.1. A PARADE ROUTE CHANGES COURSE

MENU: 4.1.1. A parade route changes course

ROYAL ENTRIES MOVE FROM THE SAINT-DENIS GATE THAT LED TO THE KINGS' TOMBS, TO BASTILLE AND THE ROYAL PRISON 

(FROM 1610, WITH THE ENTRY OF LOUIS XIII) 

Starting at the gate recalled the ancestors and implied that kingship would not change.

Starting at the prison announced that it would be more muscular. 

           Paris in 1530 / zoom

In medieval times participants (heralds, authorities, guild members, troops) met at the Saint-Denis Basilica, where the kings were buried. Then they marched down the trade and pilgrimage route to enter town by the Saint-Denis gate: 

Entry of Charles V in Paris by Jean Fouquet (entry 1364, illumination toward 1450) / zoom

In the early 17th century, entries began at the Bastille fortress, on another side of town:

         The Royal Entry of Louis XIV, August 27, 1660 by Maurice Leloir, 1931

The entries' difference 

and kings' innovations on the new route

• From "joyous" to "royal" entry

• The path that linked kings with their ancestors

• The importance of the Saint-Denis Basilica

• The church where "Gothic" architecture began

• Detour: Right-wing extremists use medieval imagery

• France's first straight street and point of focus  

• Drop the ancestors, hail power!

• Revolt at la Bastille

• Detour: Love wins out — unfortunately

  

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Next,
From "joyous" to "royal" entry