What was the lifestyle of the aristocracy of the ancien regime?

The aristocracy of the ancien regime in France enjoyed much rank and privilege. Being a member of the "Second Estate" (the nobility or aristocracy) meant being exempt from most taxes that supported the nation. The 98% of the population that made up the "Third Estate" paid the costs of running a kingdom that supported the king and the aristocracy. (Note: The "First Estate," or clergy, included high-ranking members that were essentially aristocrats, as well as low-ranking persons like parish priests who were more like commoners.)

During the days of King Louis XIV, being invited to live with the king at the Palace of Versailles became a coveted place of privilege. There they would enjoy banquets and games and entertainment. But they also were away from the lands in the provinces over which they supposedly were sovereign. The aristocracy became more interested in advancing their standing in the kingdom and with the king than in carrying out their duties of governance in their home provinces. This--along with all the social and political and economic inequities between the aristocracy and the members of the 3rd Estate--were influences in bringing about the French Revolution.