The billet-doux: charming declarations of love from past centuries

What was a billet-doux?
A billet-doux (French for “love letter” or literally “sweet note”) was a short piece of writing containing a declaration of love and often also a request for a reply. They were small, folded pieces of paper that could be written by both men and women. In contrast to more detailed love letters, the billet-doux was limited to the essentials. Thanks to its compact format, it could be slipped inconspicuously to the addressee.

The heyday of the billet-doux
The billet-doux reached its peak in the 18th century. In courtly society, small, decorated silk pouches in which love notes were kept were considered good manners. This form of contact also became increasingly popular among the bourgeoisie. The billets-doux themselves were often presented in elaborately designed silk envelopes decorated with ribbons, embroidery or even gemstones.

More than just a declaration of love
In addition to conveying the first declaration of love, billets-doux were also used to initiate a relationship. They often contained appointments or were enclosed with gifts of love. The writing, receiving and reading of these charming messages was a popular motif in Rococo art and a frequent theme in plays and novels of the time.

The end of an era
Over the course of the 19th century, the billet-doux gradually lost its significance. Reasons for this included the change in social conventions and the emergence of new means of communication. Nevertheless, the term has remained in our cultural memory to this day - whether as the title of a piece of music, a film or even the name of a rose variety.
Even though the billet-doux no longer exists in its original form, it reminds us of a time when declarations of love were conveyed with charm, creativity and discretion. An art that has almost been forgotten in the age of text messages and social media.