Madame de Montespan, born Françoise-Athénais de Rochechouart, was a prominent French noblewoman in the 17th century. She is best known for her long-term relationship with King Louis XIV of France, which began in the 1660s. Montespan became the king's official mistress and held significant influence at the French court, often participating in political and social affairs. Montespan was renowned for her beauty and intelligence, as well as her lavish lifestyle. She bore several children with Louis XIV, although their legitimacy was often questioned. Eventually, her relationship with the king waned, and she retired from court life in the early 1700s.