Thanks to Sherman Logan for the great link to Historical Mustresses in France. A fascinating look at the practice under the French Monarchy brought back by Socialist François Hollande.
Great pictures as well!
The official French Mistresses like Madame du Pompadour and du Barry were fashion and cultural trendsetters, with a high level of discretion and culture. One, Louise de Lavalliere gave her name to the necklace we all still know as the lavalier. Another, Madame de Maintenon, who was born in prison and was brought in as governess to his children after his wife died, was a pious lady with great conviction and quiet dignity, who eventually became the wife of Louis XIV, although the marriage was kept secret.