François de Harlay de Champvallon

François de Harlay de Champvallon (1625–1695) served as the fifth Archbishop of Paris from 1671 until his death. He was a significant figure in the French religious and political landscape of the late 17th century, known for his administrative acumen and his involvement in key ecclesiastical matters.

Life and Historical Context

Born in Paris, Harlay de Champvallon was nephew to François de Harlay, archbishop of Rouen. He entered ecclesiastical service early, succeeding his uncle in the archiepiscopal see of Rouen before being transferred to Paris in 1671. During his tenure in Paris, the domain of Saint-Cloud was erected into a duchy in 1674, making the Archbishops of Paris hereditary Dukes of Saint-Cloud and peers of France. Harlay was the first to hold this title. He was also a commander of the Order of the Holy Spirit and a member of the Académie française.

Major Contributions

Harlay de Champvallon was a firm adherent of Cardinal Mazarin in his early political career. He is credited with securing the favor of Louis XIV through his support for the Gallican Church's claims, as formulated in the declaration of March 19, 1682. He also played a role in urging the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, an event that led to the emigration of many Huguenot citizens from areas under his influence, such as Dieppe.

Personal Life and Reputation

While Harlay de Champvallon possessed considerable learning, was an eloquent speaker, and had a great capacity for business, his private life was a source of much scandal. Despite his influence, his standing with Louis XIV gradually declined. Henri de Saint-Simon noted that his friends deserted him as royal favor waned, leaving him to spend much of his time at his Château de Conflans. He died suddenly on August 6, 1695, without having received the sacraments, a fact that prompted a severe comment from Mme de Sévigné regarding his life and death.