Feuillants Convent

Site of significant political activity during the revolutionary period.

The Feuillants Convent (a former monastic building in Paris) served as a meeting place for the Feuillants, a political group that emerged in 1791. This group was composed of moderates who supported a constitutional monarchy and advocated for political reform while distancing themselves from more radical factions like the Jacobins. The convent became prominent as the location where the Feuillants held discussions and strategized their political actions. They opposed the constant upheaval caused by the revolutionary fervor and aimed to stabilize France's political landscape through gradual reforms.

The Feuillants Convent (or Convent des Feuillants) played a crucial role during the French Revolution, serving as a significant location for political activity. Originally a Cistercian monastery (the Feuillants were a branch of this order), the convent became notable in revolutionary history after its suppression (decree passed in 1789) and subsequent repurposing for government use.

In 1791, the convent situated on the Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris became the meeting place for the Feuillants Club, a moderate political faction that emerged from splits within the Jacobin Club. The Feuillants were led by notable figures such as Antoine Barnave, Adrien Duport, and Alexandre de Lameth. They advocated for a constitutional monarchy, opposing the more radical measures proposed by the growing Jacobin influence. The Club, named after its meeting place, aimed to protect the interests of the constitutional monarchy established by the Constitution of 1791.

The Feuillants Convent thus became a hub for the Feuillants Club's activities. Their ideology emphasized moderate reform, seeking to balance revolutionary changes while preserving some traditional structures. This stance made them targets of more radical groups, contributing to the political tensions of the period. The Feuillants' significance declined rapidly. By 1792, the radicalization of the revolution (marked by events like the insurrection of 10 August 1792 which resulted in the fall of the monarchy) overshadowed their influence.

The Feuillants Convent itself faced various uses and transformations following the dissolution of the Feuillants Club. It housed governmental bodies and offices, reflecting the changing tides of power during the revolution. The physical space of the convent mirrored the broader trajectory of the revolution, from a site of religious observance to one of political maneuvering, further highlighting the extensive societal shifts of the time.

The story of the Feuillants Convent exemplifies how locations were repurposed during the revolution to serve new functions, reflecting the evolving priorities and conflicts of the era. It stands as a testament to the significant rearrangements in both physical and political landscapes during the French Revolution.

Did you know?

The Feuillants Convent served as a key meeting place for the Feuillant Club, a political group formed in 1791 that advocated for a constitutional monarchy, aiming to prevent more radical changes brought on by the Revolution.
Located in Paris, the convent was originally a monastery; its members were comprised of former Jacobins who split from the radical faction due to disagreements over the extent of revolutionary reforms.
Interestingly, the name 'Feuillant' derives from a type of white grape (Feuillage) that was used to symbolize their desire for moderate reform rather than radical upheaval.
The Feuillants played a significant role in the early stages of the Revolution, being instrumental in drafting the Constitution of 1791, which established the separation of powers in France.
Despite their initial influence, the Feuillant Club faded quickly after the 10 August 1792 insurrection; many members faced persecution, and its leaders had to go underground or flee the country.