EXCLUSIVE: '50 Shades of Grey is much too soft, I only do REAL bondage': World's oldest lesbian dominatrix, 83, who keeps her submissive companion in a French chateau attacks US blockbuster

  • Catherine Robbe-Grillet is most famous dominatrix in France and 'world's oldest'
  • 'Submissive' lover Beverley Charpentier, 51, lives with her in Paris and in Normandy chateau
  • Mother-of-two Charpentier signed 'oath of allegiance' to Robbe-Grillet in 2005
  • Now she does 'everything' for Robbe-Grillet's pleasure and is completely obedient  
  • Robbe-Grillet says 50 Shades movie opening on Friday is too soft and does not represent real world of sadomasochism

For many in Britain, it took 'Fifty Shades of Grey' to finally open up the secretive – and potentially extremely painful – world of sadomasochistic sex.

But as a film version of the bestselling book trilogy prepares to premiere on Friday, the most famous Dominatrix in France has told Mail Online: 'It's a poorly written fairy-tale and much too soft – real bondage is massively more fulfilling'.

In an exclusive interview at her Paris home, 84-year-old author Catherine Robbe-Grillet insisted that there was 'nothing unusual at all' about her chosen lifestyle.

It involves 'devoting herself to pleasure' with live-in submissive companion, Beverly Charpentier, 51, a mother of two.

The couple have been together for seven years, since the death of the Maîtresse's husband, Alain Robbe-Grillet, the intellectual novelist and film-maker who, when called upon, was also an enthusiastic sadist.

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Real bondage: Beverly Charpentier, pictured, is the 51-year-old South African woman who is 83-year-old Catherine Robbe-Grillet's submissive companion. She says: 'Catherine is my secret garden'

Real bondage: Beverly Charpentier, pictured, is the 51-year-old South African woman who is 83-year-old Catherine Robbe-Grillet's submissive companion. She says: 'Catherine is my secret garden'

50 Shades? It's 'soft': Catherine Robbe-Grillet and her 'submissive' Beverly Charpentier regularly indulge in erotic 'ceremonies' in their magnificent 17th Century château in Normandy 

50 Shades? It's 'soft': Catherine Robbe-Grillet and her 'submissive' Beverly Charpentier regularly indulge in erotic 'ceremonies' in their magnificent 17th Century château in Normandy 

They regularly indulge in erotic 'ceremonies' in the French capital, at their magnificent 17th Century château in Normandy, or in other glamorous locations around the world. 

Surrounding the couple are weapons, including the 'marital whip' which Madame Robbe-Grillet bought for her late husband as a 'symbol of my submission' back in 1954. She has used it almost every day since.

Her staged bondage sessions can be extremely brutal, with Madame Robbe-Grillet often referred to as a female version of the Marquis de Sade, as in the 18th Century French aristocrat who was famous for his libertine lifestyle.

Madame Robbe-Grillet comes across as a charming octogenarian – the kind anybody would love as a granny – but is known to have pierced and cut people, crowned them with thorns, and chained them to walls.

This is hard to believe, considering she is just 4ft 11in, weighs just over six stone, and has worn children's clothes all her life.

But Madame Robbe-Grillet, who was educated in an all-girls Catholic school, admits that practices in her sex life 'run the risk of someone killing someone, or certainly doing serious damage' so it is 'all about limits'. Her boundary is 'irreversible blood loss.'

Catherine Robbe-Grillet, pictured at home in Neuilly-Sur-Seine, France, in 1985, is the most famous dominatrix in France and has told MailOnline that the movie 50 Shades is a pale imitation of real-life BDSM

Catherine Robbe-Grillet, pictured at home in Neuilly-Sur-Seine, France, in 1985, is the most famous dominatrix in France and has told MailOnline that the movie 50 Shades is a pale imitation of real-life BDSM

Lifetime of pleasure: Catherine Robbe-Grillet, pictured above in publicity material for the release of her journal under the pen name 'Jeune Marie', from 1957-1962 

Lifetime of pleasure: Catherine Robbe-Grillet, pictured above in publicity material for the release of her journal under the pen name 'Jeune Marie', from 1957-1962 

Alain Robbe-Grillet, writer and film-maker, was married to Catherine Robbe-Grillet, right, until his death in 2008. Her memoir of the first five years of their marriage revealed: 'He passionately loves beating, biting, hurting,' she observed. They visited sex clubs, and picked up strangers on the Metro.

'Fifty Shades of Grey is a romantic fairytale by comparison,' said Madame Robbe-Grillet. 'It's romantic literature – effectively the story of a powerful man, a Prince Charming, and his adventurous relationships.

'There are spicy bits, and the scenes certainly inspired an interest in bondage, discipline and dominance, but I don't believe it did much to increase the number of people taking part.'

Madame Robbe-Grillet agreed that the book had 'inspired women in particular', but only towards a 'soft version' of BDSM, as a variety of sexual practices including bondage and tying up partners are referred to.

'I went to a sex shop after the book came out in 2011, and there was certainly an increase in sales of bondage aids,' said Madame Robbe-Grillet.

'What was very noticeable, however, was that people were buying handcuffs which were furry or velvet.

'Essentially, people in countries like Britain are buying into a romanticised version of what BDSM is all about.

'The English love their set piece soirees – extravagant outfits, dancing and role playing. They enjoy their canes, for example – it's all about drama and conforming to a stereotype, but strict erotic practices can be very limited.'

Madame Robbe-Grillet said she gained 'huge pleasure' attending events with her late husband, but her sex life had got even better as she matured. 'It's not everyone, but it's right for me,' she said.

'Beverly swore an oath to me before Alain died aged eighty five,' said Madame Robbe-Grillet. 'Alain was delighted she would be there for me, and our relationship is perfect'.

Catherine Robbe-Grillet, above enacting a sado-masochistic scene with her real-life submissive Beverley Charpentier, says: 'Essentially, people in countries like Britain are buying into a romanticised version of what BDSM is all about'

Catherine Robbe-Grillet, above enacting a sado-masochistic scene with her real-life submissive Beverley Charpentier, says: 'Essentially, people in countries like Britain are buying into a romanticised version of what BDSM is all about'

Beverly Charpentier, pictured above, says blood is only drawn 'with initiates', while Robbe-Grillet has previously marked the initials JDB onto Beverly's skin

Beverly Charpentier, pictured above, says blood is only drawn 'with initiates', while Robbe-Grillet has previously marked the initials JDB onto Beverly's skin

They live in separate rooms, and then meet up at 2pm for tea, before spending the rest of the day together.

Both are trained actresses, and on a tour to China in October performed lead roles in the Marguerite Duras play Savannah Bay.

'It's the kind of thing we both love,' said Madame Robbe-Grillet. 'We are always involved in new projects, and have massively busy lives.

'Age should be no barrier to anything in life, least of all sex – I am as happy and fulfilled in my eighties as I was at any time in my life.'

The couple met more than 20 years ago in Mexico. Beverly was married to a French diplomat, and remained married until her husband's death in 2013. He visited the chateau regularly with their two children.

Charpentier told author Toni Bentley, who published an interview in Vanity Fair which was reproduced in The Sunday Times: 'From the moment I met her, I was obsessed with her. I wanted to be with her.' She said women had never featured in her fantasies before.

Then, one night: 'I watched as she put her hand around the back of a submissive's neck, and I realised in that moment I wanted that to be my neck'.

Madame Robbe-Grillet has noticed a market change in social attitudes in recent years, and misses the 'free love' days of the 1960s and 1970s, when people 'would have all kinds of sex in any circumstances.

'This spirits continued well into the 1990s, when Alain and I attended lots of events in New York, for example, but the whole scene was slowly cleaned up by the authorities.

'Anything went then, but there is a definite move towards conservatism now,' she said. 'This is particularly the case with feminism, as women embrace marriage and stable relationships.'

Madame Robbe-Grillet pointed out how a 37-year-old female French Socialist minister, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, had put forward a plan to abolish prostitution in cities like Paris, despite vice playing a huge part in France's cultural identity for centuries.

Erotic: 83-year-old Robbe-Grillet says 'Age should be no barrier to anything in life, least of all sex – I am as happy and fulfilled in my eighties as I was at any time in my life'

Erotic: 83-year-old Robbe-Grillet says 'Age should be no barrier to anything in life, least of all sex – I am as happy and fulfilled in my eighties as I was at any time in my life'

Catherine Robbe-Grillet has never accepted money for her ceremonies: 'If someone pays, then they are in charge. I need to remain free. It is important that everyone involved knows that I do it solely for my pleasure', she told Vanity Fair

Catherine Robbe-Grillet has never accepted money for her ceremonies: 'If someone pays, then they are in charge. I need to remain free. It is important that everyone involved knows that I do it solely for my pleasure', she told Vanity Fair

'This says everything about the kind of society people are calling for,' said Madame Robbe-Grillet. 'A leading woman Socialist trying to regularise relationships between consenting adults, according to her own definition of what is right, is where things are going.'

The high-profile trial of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, once considered a shoo-in to become Socialist President of France, but now an alleged pimp was particularly fascinating, said Madame Robbe-Grillet.

She has staged an event in which participants take on the role of DSK, whose career as chief of the International Monetary Fund ended in 2011 when a New York chamber maid accused him of attempted rape.

The charge was later thrown out by a criminal court, but DSK admitted a consensual sex act, and settled with a seven figure payment to his accuser through America's civil courts.

'We discussed reversing the roles, to see how a powerful woman might treat a young male member of the hotel staff who brought champagne to her room,' said Madame Robbe-Grillet.

Four different scenes were played out in 'Le soir de DSK' (DSK's Evening), including one in which a woman guest seduced a bellboy.

DSK is now facing 10 years in prison for hiring prostitutes all over the world to attend orgies, with his vice ring allegedly based at the Carlton Hotel, in Lille, northern France – where he is now on trial.

While Beverly Charpentier is the 'submissive', Robbe-Grillet explains that it is 'her pleasure' to do whatever the dominant wants, in this case Charpentier

While Beverly Charpentier is the 'submissive', Robbe-Grillet explains that it is 'her pleasure' to do whatever the dominant wants, in this case Charpentier

Madame Charpentier's own husband, a former French diplomat, died in 2013, and she has two children. She fell in love with Madame Robbe-Grillet 'instantly' in the mid-1990s, when they met at an embassy event in Mexico, which both their husbands also attended

Madame Charpentier's own husband, a former French diplomat, died in 2013, and she has two children. She fell in love with Madame Robbe-Grillet 'instantly' in the mid-1990s, when they met at an embassy event in Mexico, which both their husbands also attended

Madame Robbe-Grillet said: 'Most of us are baffled by what the Carlton Affair is really all about, but all I can say is that I have never once demanded money for my services.

'Payment means someone is in charge,' she explained. 'What I do is for my own pleasure – I am completely free.

'Thankfully money has never been an issue for me, but of course it changes the nature of relationships. In many ways, institutions like marriage are simply fiscal ones – about ensuring that family money is transferred between generations.'

Madame Robbe-Grillet has written a number of well-regarded books about sadomasochism herself, but neither she nor Madame Charpentier have any immediate plans to watch the Fifty Shades of Grey film when it is released next week.

'Frankly I only read the first book,' said Madame Robbe-Grillet. 'The French translation was poor literature and Beverly, who is an English speaker, agreed that the English one was too.'

While the story of Christian Grey, a billionaire with a fondness for bondage, and his student lover Anastasia Steele, has thrilled millions, and particularly middle aged women, some have protested that it demeans them, and encourages abuse and sexual violence.

In turn, Madame Robbe-Grillet argues that Madame Charpentier is by no means 'my sex slave', but instead someone who does 'whatever she wants, according to what makes her happy, and gives her pleasure.'

After years of friendship, Charpentier and Robbe-Grillet became lovers, and, on May 5, 2005, Madame Charpentier wrote an 'oath of allegiance' to her Maîtresse 

After years of friendship, Charpentier and Robbe-Grillet became lovers, and, on May 5, 2005, Madame Charpentier wrote an 'oath of allegiance' to her Maîtresse 

After being together for seven years, the women have apparently never argued, with Madame Charpentier saying: 'There is no disagreement, Catherine is in charge of everything'

After being together for seven years, the women have apparently never argued, with Madame Charpentier saying: 'There is no disagreement, Catherine is in charge of everything'

Interestingly, Madame Charpentier, left, was always a heterosexual,dominatrix of men, but is now submissive to only one person — a woman, Catherine Robbe-Grillet, right  

Interestingly, Madame Charpentier, left, was always a heterosexual,dominatrix of men, but is now submissive to only one person — a woman, Catherine Robbe-Grillet, right  

In turn, Madame Charpentier reiterates her description of Madame Robbe-Grillet as 'my secret garden', saying: 'Her pleasure is my pleasure'.

Madame Charpentier fell in love with Madame Robbe-Grillet 'instantly' in the mid-1990s, when they met at the embassy event in Mexico, which both their husbands also attended.

Unusual relationship: Asked if her overwhelming desire and sense of duty is centered on Madame Robbe-Grillet, front, Madame Charpentier, pictured with her arms around Robbe-Grie replied: 'But of course – absolutely'

Unusual relationship: Asked if her overwhelming desire and sense of duty is centered on Madame Robbe-Grillet, front, Madame Charpentier, pictured with her arms around Robbe-Grie replied: 'But of course – absolutely'

After years of friendship, they became lovers, and, on May 5, 2005, Madame Charpentier wrote an 'oath of allegiance' to her Maîtresse, which stated: 'Madame, you have asked nothing of me; it is, therefore, of my own free will that I offer to you allegiance, obedience and loyalty. I swear to serve you faithfully in all things great and small, to obey your orders, carry out your wishes, whatever they may be. 

'I commend to you everything I possess, material, intellectual and physical, that you may dispose of what I have as you see fit. I swear to dedicate myself to you.'

Interestingly, Madame Charpentier was always a heterosexual,dominatrix of men, but is now submissive to only one person — a woman.

Asked if her overwhelming desire and sense of duty is centered on Madame Robbe-Grillet, Madame Charpentier replied: 'But of course – absolutely'.

The pair have never argued, with Madame Charpentier saying: 'There is no disagreement, Catherine is in charge of everything.'

 

 

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