The Valois Kings

The history of the Kings of France starts in 987 when Hugh Capet, the Count of Paris was
voted in as the King of the Franks. He wanted to found a dynasty and had his son Robert
crowned as well to promote the automatic accession to the throne. 

The Capetian Kings ruled France from that date until the French Revolution in 1789.

The accession to the throne went directly from father to son until 1316. Philippe IV was
survived by three sones. The eldest, who became King Louis X died that year at the age of
26. His second wife was pregnant and she gave birth to a son five months after his death.
The child was officially King of France from his birth but he died four days later. Louis X
was also survived by a daughter. Louis’ brother Philippe managed to manoeuvre the
situation so that he, not his niece, inherited the French throne.

As it turned out, Philippe V was survived by only daughters. Having established the
precedent of male only accession, his younger brother succeeded him as Charles IV. Like
his two elder brothers, Charles IV died without a male heir. The three brothers had a sister
Isabella who had married the King of England. Her son Edward III of England claimed the
French throne which would lead to the Hundred Years War.

Next in line through the male only inheritance rule now enshrined in French Law was the son
of Charles de Valois, Philip IV’s brother. His son became the first of the Valois branch of the
Capetians under the name Philippe VI in 1328.

Once again the crown passed from father to son until 1498 when Charles VIII died without a
male heir. Next in line to the throne was the Duke of Orleans who became Louis XII. Once
again he died without a male heir. The new King of France was François of Angoulême. His
interests included art and architecture and his legacy is an important factor in the attraction
France has to tourists from all over the world. It is with him we begin our journey.