House of Valois
1328–1589
The House of Valois is a cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty, descended from Charles of Valois, son of Philip III the Bold. It acceded to the French throne in 1328 with Philip VI, following the extinction of the direct Capetians, an event that triggered the English claim and the Hundred Years' War. After the trials of the 14th and early 15th centuries, embodied by Agincourt and the siege of Orléans lifted by Joan of Arc, it restored the kingdom and led its cultural height under Francis I during the French Renaissance. Weakened by the Wars of Religion, the dynasty ended in 1589 with the assassination of Henry III, in favour of the House of Bourbon.
Key figures
Philip VI1293–1350Founder of the reigning branch; first Valois king, crowned in 1328
John II the Good1319–1364Captured at the Battle of Poitiers (1356), ransomed by the English
Charles V the Wise1338–1380Restored royal authority and pushed back the English after the disaster of Poitiers
Charles VI the Mad1368–1422Reign marked by his madness and the civil war between Armagnacs and Burgundians
Charles VII the Victorious1403–1461Freed France from English occupation with the help of Joan of Arc
Louis XI1423–1483Centralized royal power, permanently weakened the great feudal lords
Francis I1494–1547Embodied the French Renaissance; lasting rivalry with Emperor Charles V
Henry III1551–1589Last Valois king, assassinated in 1589 by a Catholic League friar
Key events
1328Accession of Philip VI to the throne, start of the dynasty
1337Confiscation of Aquitaine by Philip VI, start of the Hundred Years' War
1415French defeat at the Battle of Agincourt
1429Joan of Arc lifts the siege of Orléans
1453Battle of Castillon, end of the Hundred Years' War
1515Victory at Marignano; Francis I and the rise of the French Renaissance
1572Saint Bartholomew's Day massacre
1589Assassination of Henry III, extinction of the Valois male line