The kings of France

L'history from country is deeply marked by its kings, who reigned for over 1400 years, from Clovis I, founder of the Merovingian dynasty in the 5th century, to Napoleon III, the last monarch, deposed in 1870. With over 60 sovereigns, the kings of Franceincluding Louis XIV, the "Sun King", Henri IV, who unified France and Navarre, and François I, a key figure in the French Renaissance, their legacy has shaped the country's political, cultural and architectural landscape.

This chronicle of the French monarchs offers a glimpse into the evolution of the monarchy, highlighting dynasties, landmark events and iconic historic sites. In this article, we take a look at the chronology of the French kings, explore the decisive moments of their reigns and discover the traces they have left in French history and heritage.

Chronology of the kings of France

The Merovingians (481-751)

The Merovingian dynasty, originally from the Salian Franks, inaugurated the French monarchy with Clovis I, son of Childeric I, as its first ruler. His reign from 481 to 511 saw the significant expansion of the kingdom and its conversion to Christianity, a decisive factor in the Christianization of the Franks.

On his death, his four sons, Thierry I, Clodomir, Childebert I and Clotaire I, shared the kingdom. This period was marked by successive divisions and fratricidal struggles, which resulted in the creation of three main kingdoms: Austrasia, Neustria and Burgundy.

The Carolingians (751-987)

In 751, Pepin the Short established the Carolingian dynasty, succeeding the Merovingians. His son Charlemagne became one of the most important figures of the era, reigning from 768 to 814.

Under his rule, the Frankish empire expanded and underwent a cultural and intellectual renaissance. After his death, the empire was divided between his descendants, leading to territorial fragmentation.

The Carolingian period ended with Louis V in 987.

The Capetians (987-1792 and 1814-1848)

Initiated by Hugues Capet in 987, the Capetian dynasty ruled France for more than nine centuries, marked by the reigns of kings such as Philippe II Auguste, Louis IX (Saint Louis), and Louis XIV, who consolidated royal absolutism.

The French Revolution briefly interrupted their reign in 1792, but they returned to power with Louis XVIII and Charles X from 1814 to 1848.

The Bonapartes (1804-1814 and 1852-1870)

Napoleon I established the Bonapartist dynasty by proclaiming himself emperor in 1804. Following his defeat and exile, his brother Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte came to power in 1852, becoming Napoléon III. Their reign ended with the fall of the Second Empire in 1870, signaling the end of the monarchy in France.

Find out more about Napoleon Bonaparte, read our detailed article here.

Key moments under different dynasties

Consolidation of the territory and foundation of the Capetian dynasty

In 987, Hugues Capet, Count of Parisinaugurates the Capetian dynasty, succeeding the Carolingian dynasty. His election by the great Frankish lords ushered in a new era, laying the foundations for a reign that would span more than nine centuries. This pivotal moment was marked by the territorial consolidation and anchoring of the Capetian monarchy, foreshadowing the rise of France. Key figures such as Philippe II Auguste and Louis IX (Saint Louis) played a decisive role in the expansion and fortification of the kingdom.

Religious wars under the Valois

The Valois dynasty, in power from 1328 to 1589, went through a tumultuous period, particularly exacerbated by the Wars of Religion. François I, monarch from 1515 to 1547, distinguished himself during the French Renaissance, but his reign was also shaken by clashes with the Habsburgs and the beginnings of the Wars of Religion. The latter, which lasted from 1562 to 1598, saw Catholics and Protestants clash, profoundly weakening the kingdom. Henri IV, the first king of the Bourbon dynasty, restored peace with the Edict of Nantes in 1598, promoting religious tolerance.

Absolutism under Louis XIV, the Sun King

The reign of Louis XIV, from 1643 to 1715, was a pivotal period in French history. The "Sun King" established an absolute monarchy, centralized power and optimized administration. The Château de Versailles became the heart of this power, reflecting the prestige of France. His era was also rich in administrative reforms, conquests and cultural blossoming, affirming French supremacy in Europe.

Economic and social reforms under Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon I's seizure of power in 1804 ushered in the Bonapartist era, marked by major reforms. Napoleon revolutionized the administrative and legal system with the Code Napoléon, modernizing French civil law. His economic and social initiatives, such as the creation of a banking network, roads and a public education system, transformed French society. Despite military setbacks, Napoleon's impact on France and Europe remains indelible.

Historic sites linked to the kings of France

The Palace of Versailles: symbol of absolute monarchy

The Palace of Versailles, built not far from Paris, embodies a major part of French history. Built mainly during the reign of Louis XIV, it was the residence of the kings of France from 1682 to 1789, symbolizing the heart of power under the Ancien Régime.

Find out more about chateau and the Palais de Versailles, read our detailed article here.

Renowned for its Baroque architecture, the palace and its gardens illustrate the splendor of the absolute monarchy. Highlights include the Galerie des Glaces, the Grand Trianon and the Orangerie. The palace has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

The Basilica of Saint-Denis: the necropolis of the kings of France

Located north of Paris, the Basilica of Saint-Denis has been the final resting place of numerous French kings since the Middle Ages, including Clovis I, Philippe II Auguste and Louis XIV. Built in the 12th century, this basilica is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a site of major historical and cultural importance.

The Louvre: from fortress to royal palace

In the heart of Paris, the Louvre has stood the test of time, evolving from medieval fortress to royal palace under François I in the 16th century. Before Louis XIV chose Versailles, the Louvre was the residence of French sovereigns. Today, it is recognized as one of the world's most illustrious museums, housing a priceless collection of works of art and antiquities.

Find out more about the Louvre and the Mona Lisa? Read our related articles.

The châteaux of the Loire: the heritage of kings during the Renaissance

In the Loire Valley, the châteaux of the Loire bear witness to the cultural and architectural splendor of the French Renaissance. Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise, among others, were built or embellished by monarchs such as François I and Henri II. These mansions, with their lush gardens and refined decoration, reflect the elegance of the 16th-century royal court and are today must-see tourist attractions.

Kings of France

This is the list of French kings classified by dynasty, from the first Frankish sovereigns to the end of the monarchy in 1848.

The Merovingian kings (457-751)

The Merovingians were the first dynasty of Frankish kings, founded by Clovis I.

1. Childeric I (457-481)
2. Clovis I (481-511) - First Christian king of the Franks
3. Clotaire I (511-561)
4. Caribert I (561-567)
5. Chilperic I (561-584)
6. Gontran (561-592)
7. Childebert II (575-596)
8. Theodebert II (595-612)
9. Theodoric II (595-613)
10. Clotaire II (613-629)
11. Dagobert I (629-639) - Last powerful king of the Merovingians
12. Clovis II (639-657)
13. Childeric II (662-675)
14. Thierry III (675-691)
15. Clovis III (675-676)
16. Childebert III (695-711)
17. Dagobert III (711-715)
18. Chilperic II (715-721)
19. Thierry IV (721-737)
20. Childeric III (743-751) - Last Merovingian king, deposed by Pepin le Bref

The Carolingian kings (751-987)

Founded by Pepin the ShortThis dynasty marked the beginning of the coronation of kings in Reims.

21. Pepin the Short (751-768) - First sacred king of France
22. Charlemagne (768-814) - First emperor of the West (800)
23. Louis I the Pious (814-840)
24. Charles II the Bald (840-877)
25. Louis II le Bègue (877-879)
26. Louis III (879-882)
27. Carloman II (879-884)
28. Charles III the Fat (884-888)
29. Eudes (888-898) - Count of Paris, elected king to defend against the Vikings
30. Charles III the Simple (898-922)
31. Robert I (922-923)
32. Raoul (923-936)
33. Louis IV d'Outremer (936-954)
34. Lothaire (954-986)
35. Louis V (986-987) - Last Carolingian king

The Capetian kings (987-1328)

Dynasty founded by Hugues Capetwhich inaugurated the hereditary monarchy.

36. Hugues Capet (987-996) - Founder of the Capetian dynasty
37. Robert II the Pious (996-1031)
38. Henry I (1031-1060)
39. Philip I (1060-1108)
40. Louis VI le Gros (1108-1137)
41. Louis VII the Younger (1137-1180)
42. Philippe II Auguste (1180-1223) - First to call himself "King of France
43. Louis VIII the Lion (1223-1226)
44. Louis IX (Saint Louis) (1226-1270) - Canonized in 1297
45. Philip III the Bold (1270-1285)
46. Philip IV the Fair (1285-1314)
47. Louis X le Hutin (1314-1316)
48. John I the Posthumous (1316) - King for just 5 days
49. Philip V the Long (1316-1322)
50. Charles IV le Bel (1322-1328) - Last direct Capetian king

The Valois Kings (1328-1589)

The Valois took over from the direct Capetians.

51. Philip VI (1328-1350) - Beginning of the Hundred Years' War
52. John II the Good (1350-1364)
53. Charles V the Wise (1364-1380)
54. Charles VI le Fou (1380-1422)
55. Charles VII the Victorious (1422-1461) - Freed by Joan of Arc
56. Louis XI (1461-1483)
57. Charles VIII (1483-1498)
58. Louis XII (1498-1515)
59. Francis I (1515-1547) - Rival of Charles V
60. Henry II (1547-1559)
61. Francis II (1559-1560)
62. Charles IX (1560-1574)
63. Henry III (1574-1589) - Last Valois king, assassinated

The Bourbon Kings (1589-1792 and 1814-1830)

The Bourbons restored the unity of the kingdom and developed an absolute monarchy.

64. Henri IV (1589-1610) - Converted to Catholicism ("Paris is worth a mass")
65. Louis XIII (1610-1643)
66. Louis XIV (the Sun King) (1643-1715) - Apogee of absolutism
67. Louis XV (1715-1774)
68. Louis XVI (1774-1792) - Guillotined in 1793

Republic and Empire periods

• 1792-1804: First Republic
• 1804-1814: Napoleon I, Emperor of the French
• 1814-1815: First Restoration (Louis XVIII)
• 1815: Hundred Days (Napoleon I returns)
• 1815-1830: Second Restoration (Louis XVIII then Charles X)

The Kings of the July Monarchy (1830-1848)

69. Louis-Philippe I (1830-1848) - Last king of France, overthrown by the Revolution of 1848

After 1848, the Second Republic is introduced, followed by the Second Empire at Napoleon III (1852-1870)then the Third Republic (1870-1940).

Find out more about Loire castles, read our detailed article here.

Rois de France - Conclusion

The history of the kings of France is a fascinating and varied saga, punctuated by the reigns of dynasties that have profoundly influenced the country's political, cultural and architectural panorama. From Clovis I to the Bonapartes, each period has left its own distinctive mark.

Iconic sites such as the Château de Versailles, the Basilica of Saint-Denis and the Châteaux de la Loire bear eloquent witness to this rich history. By immersing yourself in this timeline and these landmark episodes, you'll touch the soul of the French monarchy and grasp its indelible influence on France's identity. We invite you to explore these historic sites and immerse yourself in the past for a deeper understanding of France's heritage.

Rois de France - FAQ

What are the main dynasties that have ruled France, and what are their key characteristics?

France has been ruled by several prominent dynasties, including the Merovingians, Carolingians, Capetians and Bonapartes. The Merovingians, active from the 5th to the 8th century, are best known for the reign of Clovis I and a gradual decline. The Carolingians, who reigned from 751 to 987, saw their heyday with Charlemagne.

The Capetians, in power from 987 to 1792 and again from 1814 to 1848, included the direct Capetian, Valois, Bourbon and Orleans branches, and were characterized by stable succession and strict male inheritance laws. The Bonaparte period (1804-1814) was mainly marked by Napoleon I and his empire.

How did the title "King of the Franks" evolve into "King of France" over the centuries?

The title "King of the Franks" was changed to "King of France" under Philippe Auguste as early as 1190. This evolution, from *rex Francorum* to *rex Franciæ*, underlines the shift to a more territorial conception of monarchy.

What were the highlights of the Capetian dynasty and how did it influence the history of France?

The Capetian dynasty had a profound impact on France, from the election of Hugues Capet in 987, to expansion under Philippe Auguste and the victory of Bouvines in 1214. Under Louis IX, the monarchy was strengthened and accompanied by significant reforms. The Hundred Years' War and the Renaissance, notably under François I, were other key periods. This dynasty played a major role in strengthening royal power, territorial expansion and influence on French culture and institutions right up to the Revolution of 1789.

What are the most important historical sites associated with the kings of France and their reign?

The châteaux of the Loire Valley, such as Chambord, Chenonceau, Blois and Amboise, are among the major historic sites linked to French royalty, reflecting the essence of the Renaissance. Other places of interest include the Château de Compiègne, the Château de Meudon, and the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the latter serving as the necropolis of the kings of France.