history of France: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photos and Videos

Political map of France showing regional boundaries, major cities, and neighboring countries including Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom across the English Channel. The map highlights regions such as Normandy, Brittany, Aquitaine, and Provence, and includes an inset locator map of France within Europe and a detail of Corsica in the lower left.

Historical map of Roman Gaul, covering present-day France and parts of neighboring regions, marked with imperial frontiers, provincial boundaries, major Roman roads, provincial capitals, major maritime outlets, legionary and naval bases, and early veteran colonies. The map highlights key cities, tribal regions, and transport routes within the Roman provinces.

Historical map showing the division of the Frankish kingdom among the sons of Clovis after his death in 511. The map uses different colors to indicate territories ruled by Theodoric I, Clodomir, Childebert I, and Chlotar I, as well as undetermined areas, within the broader outline of the Frankish kingdom at Clovis's accession. Major cities and neighboring kingdoms such as the Visigothic Kingdom and Ostrogothic Kingdom are also labeled.

Historical map of Western Europe showing the Frankish domains during the time of Charles Martel, with approximate boundaries. The map uses color shading to distinguish regions of Neustria, Austrasia, Burgundy, and dependent territories, covering areas that now include parts of France, Germany, the Low Countries, and northern Italy, and labels major neighboring kingdoms and regions.

Wood engraving showing Charles Martel raising a battle axe while on horseback during the Battle of Tours, surrounded by armored soldiers and horses in combat.

Chromolithograph of Pippin III wearing a gold tunic with scale-like armor, a blue cape, a crown, and holding a sword, standing against a plain background.

Painting by Albrecht Durer of Charlemagne in ornate coronation robes and crown, holding a sword and orb, with gold embroidery and regal symbols behind him.

The True Story of Napoleon Bonaparte

Examine early U.S. involvement in Vietnam under the Eisenhower administration during the First Indochina War

History of the Avignon Papacy

Brutal truths of the Battle of Verdun

Learn how the French waged war on the communist Viet Minh in the First Indochina War after World War II

See All Videos and Images →

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic