Emperor Joseph II in Paris and Versailles in 1777

The article describes selected aspects of Emperor Joseph II’s stay in Paris and Versailles in 1777. The journey of this ruler to France under the assumed title of Count Falkenstein received a wide coverage in contemporary sources. His curiosity and openness, and above all modest lifestyle, earned him great affection of the French capital inhabitants. He also earned the lasting gratitude of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, because he contributed to the improvement of their mutual relation. In Paris he met a number of prominent figures of French politics, culture and science, perseveringly looking for patterns that could be used later in the Habsburg monarchy.