House of Bourbon
1589–1792, 1814–1815, 1815–1830
The House of Bourbon is a cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty, descended from Robert of Clermont, the youngest son of Saint Louis, in the 13th century. It acceded to the French throne in 1589 with the accession of Henri IV, ending the Wars of Religion. It ruled France until the Revolution of 1789, then again during the Restoration (1814-1830), before the July Revolution ended its reign in favor of the cadet Orléans branch. Cadet branches of the House of Bourbon still reign today in Spain and formerly ruled Naples, Sicily, and the Duchy of Parma.
Key figures
Henry IV1553–1610First Bourbon king; ended the Wars of Religion, Edict of Nantes (1598)
Louis XIII1601–1643Son of Henri IV; reign marked by Cardinal Richelieu's ministry
Louis XIV1638–1715The "Sun King"; longest personal reign in French history, apex of absolutism
Louis XV1710–1774Great-grandson of Louis XIV; reign marked by the Enlightenment and declining royal authority
Louis XVI1754–1793Last Bourbon king of the Ancien Régime; executed during the French Revolution
Louis XVIII1755–1824Restored the monarchy in 1814-1815 after Napoleon's fall
Charles X1757–1836Last reigning Bourbon king in France; abdicated during the July Revolution of 1830
Key events
1589Accession to the throne after the assassination of Henri III, the last Valois king
1598Edict of Nantes: Henri IV grants religious tolerance to Protestants
1685Revocation of the Edict of Nantes by Louis XIV; exile of the Huguenots
1789Start of the French Revolution; the Bourbon monarchy falters
1792Abolition of the monarchy, proclamation of the First Republic
1815Second Restoration after Napoleon's Hundred Days
1830July Revolution; abdication of Charles X, end of Bourbon rule in France