French History Timeline
Ancient and Early Medieval France
30,000- 10,000 BCE
Prehistoric France
Notable prehistoric sites like Lascaux and Chauvet Caves feature some of the world’s oldest known cave paintings.
600 BCE - 50 BCE
Celtic Gaul - Roman Conquest
Julius Caesar’s campaigns culminated in the Roman conquest of Gaul, integrating it into the Roman Empire as the province of Gallia
50 BCE - 486 CE
Gallo-Roman Culture
A blend of Roman and Celtic cultures. Infrastructure like roads, amphitheatres, and baths were developed.
476 CE
Fall of the Western Roman Empire
The deposition of the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer, is traditionally marked as the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
5th - 10th Centuries
Merovingian and Carolingian Dynasties
486 CE
Clovis I Unites the Franks
Clovis I defeats the last Roman ruler in Gaul and unites the Frankish tribes, laying the foundation for modern France.
800 CE
Charlemagne Crowned Emperor of France by the Pope
Charlemagne is crowned Holy Roman Emperor, expanding the Frankish empire and promoting learning and culture through the Carolingian Renaissance.
843
Signing of the Treaty of Verdun
Medieval France
987
Start of the Capetian Dynasty
Hugh Capet is crowned king, beginning the Capetian dynasty and the gradual centralization of royal power.
1337-1463
The Hundred Years' War
Conflict between France and England over territorial claims, marked by battles like Crécy and Agincourt, and figures like Joan of Arc.
1415
Battle of Agincourt
Major English victory during the Hundred Years' War.
1429
Joan of Arc lifts the Siege of Orléans, turning the tide in favour of France and paving the way for Charles VII's coronation.
1453
Battle of Castillon in the Dordogne
In what is considered the last battle of the Hundred Year’s War, the French inflict a decisive victory on the English army, eventually gaining back all English-held territories of France.
1475
Treaty of Picquigny
King Louis XI brought an end to the Hundred Years' War with the signing of the Treaty of Picquigny, declaring peace between England and France.
1515-1547
Reign of Francis I
Francis I becomes king, initiating the French Renaissance by fostering arts and learning, and bringing Leonardo da Vinci to France.
1534
Affair of the Placards
Anti-Catholic posters appear in public places, leading to increased tensions between Catholics and Protestants (Huguenots).
1562-1598
French Wars of Religions
A series of brutal conflicts between Catholics and Huguenots, marked by massacres and power struggles.
1598
Edict of Nantes Issued
Edict of Nantes grants religious tolerance to Huguenots, ending the Wars of Religion and stabilizing France under Henry IV.
1643-1715
Reign of Louis XIV
Reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, who strengthens absolute monarchy, expands French territories and builds the Palace of Versailles.
The French Revolution
14 July 1789
Storming of Bastille
The French Revolution begins, leading to the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the Republic.
1789
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
A fundamental document of the Revolution, asserting the rights of individuals and the principles of national sovereignty.
1791 September
First French Constitution
Establishes a constitutional monarchy, limiting the powers of the king.
1792 August
The insurrection of August 10
The monarchy is effectively overthrown, leading to the establishment of the First French Republic.
1793 January
Execution of Louis XVI
King Louis XVI is executed by guillotine, marking the radical phase of the Revolution.
1793-1794
Reign of Terror
Led by Robespierre, this period was marked by mass executions and political purges.
1794 July
Fall of Robespierre
Robespierre is arrested and executed, ending the Reign of Terror.
1795
Directory Established
A five-member committee governs France, leading to a period of political instability.
1799 November
Coup of 18 Brumaire
Napoleon seizes power, ending the Directory and establishing the Consulate.
1804
Napoleon Crowned Emperor of France
Napoleon crowns himself Emperor of the French, beginning the First French Empire.
1805
Battle of Austerlitz
Napoleon's decisive victory against Austria and Russia, establishing his dominance in Europe.
1806
Battle of Jena-Auerstedt
Napoleon defeats Prussia, leading to the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire.
1812 June-December
Invasion of Russia
Napoleon's disastrous campaign in Russia, leading to a significant loss of troops and weakening his power.
1815 March-June
Hundred Days
Napoleon escapes from Elba, returns to power, and is ultimately defeated at the Battle of Waterloo.
1815 June
Battle of Waterloo
Napoleon is defeated by British and Prussian forces, marking the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
1815 October
Napoleon Exiled to Saint Helena
Napoleon is exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena, where he spends the remainder of his life.
19th Century France: Political Instability & Restoration
1815-1848
The Congress of Vienna
The Congress of Vienna restores Louis XVIII to the throne, marking the beginning of the Bourbon Restoration.
1830
July Revolution
A series of riots and uprisings in Paris force Charles X to abdicate. Louis-Philippe becomes king, initiating the July Monarchy and the title "Citizen King."
1848
February Revolution
Widespread discontent leads to the February Revolution, resulting in the abdication of Louis-Philippe and the establishment of the Second Republic.
Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, nephew of Napoleon I, is elected President of the Second Republic.
1851 December
Coup d'état
Louis-Napoleon stages a coup, dissolving the National Assembly and eventually declaring himself Emperor Napoleon III, beginning the Second Empire.
1853-56
Crimean War
France, allied with Britain and the Ottoman Empire, fights against Russia, gaining international prestige.
1870-1871
Franco-Prussian War
Tensions between France and Prussia escalate into full-scale war. Prussian forces besiege Paris, causing severe hardship. The French government eventually capitulates.
1870 September
Third Republic proclaimed - it lasts until 1940.
1871
Paris Commune
In the aftermath of the war, radical socialists and workers seize control of Paris, establishing the Paris Commune.
1871 May
Treaty of Frankfurt
The treaty ends the war, with France ceding Alsace and Lorraine to Germany and agreeing to pay heavy reparations.
1875
Constitution of the Third Republic
The new constitution is adopted, establishing a stable republican government with a strong parliamentary system.
1899
Eiffel Tower Completed
The Eiffel Tower is completed as part of the 1889 Exposition Universelle, symbolizing France's industrial and cultural achievements.
1905
Separation of Church and State
The law separating church and state is enacted, reinforcing secularism as a key principle of the French Republic.
1894-1906
Dreyfus Affair
A political scandal involving the wrongful conviction of Jewish army officer Alfred Dreyfus for treason highlights deep divisions in French society over anti-Semitism and militarism.
1914-1918
World War I
France suffers enormous casualties and destruction, ending with the Treaty of Versailles, which imposes heavy reparations on Germany and redraws European borders.
1919 – June 28
Treaty of Versailles
Ends World War I, imposing heavy reparations on Germany and redrawing European borders.
1936-38
Rise of the Popular Front, an alliance of left-wing forces.
1939-1945
World War II and Occupation
France is invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany in 1940. The country is divided into occupied and Vichy France, the latter collaborating with the Nazis.
1940 June
Fall of France
France signs an armistice and is invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany; Vichy France is established under Marshal Pétain.
1944 August
Liberation of Paris
Allied forces and the French Resistance liberate Paris, marking the beginning of the end of German occupation.
1946
Fourth Republic Established
Characterized by political instability and frequent changes in government, this period sees the rebuilding of France and the start of decolonization.
1946-54
Bitter war in French Indochina - Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia - for independence between the Communist Viet Minh and French forces. France leaves after its army suffers major defeat at battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954.
1954-1962
Algerian War of Independence
A brutal conflict leading to Algeria gaining independence from France, highlighting the challenges of decolonization.
1956
Colonial rule ends in Morocco and Tunisia
1957
France joins West Germany as one of six European nations in the forming of the European Economic Community (EEC), now known as the European Union.
1958
French army in Algeria carries out coup attempt due to fears party politics in the unstable Fourth Republic will undermine the security of French's hold on Algeria. French army factions see wartime leader Charles De Gaulle as a guarantor that Algeria will remain French.
1958 – May
Fifth Republic Founded
Charles de Gaulle establishes the Fifth Republic, bringing political stability.
1961 April
Generals' Putsch. A failed coup attempt by four retired army general to force De Gaulle not to abandon French settlers in Algeria, and to deny Algeria independence.
1962 March
Algeria grains independence from French colonial rule.
1962 August
OAS (Organisation armée secrète) far-right paramilitaries attempt to kill De Gaulle for what they see as his abandonment of French settlers in Algeria by machine-gunning his presidential car. The attack fails.
1968 May
Student and Worker Protests
Widespread protests lead to significant social changes and reforms.
1969
De Gaulle leaves office. Georges Pompidou elected president.
1970
De Gaulle dies of stroke.
1974
Pompidou dies, succeeded by Valery Giscard d'Estaing.
1981
François Mitterrand Elected President
The first Socialist President, initiating significant social and economic reforms.
1986
Centre-right victory in legislative elections of 1986 leads to "co-habitation" - a left-wing president and a right-wing prime minister, Jacques Chirac.
1988
Mitterrand re-elected.
1992
France signs Maastricht Treaty. This led to the formation of the European Union and increased European integration.
1995
Jacques Chirac elected president, ending 14 years of Socialist presidency.
21st Century: Modernisation, EU Integration & Social Upheaval
1997
Lionel Jospin becomes prime minister.
2000 September
President Chirac embroiled in corruption scandal. He dismisses newspaper allegations.
2001 June
Compulsory military service abolished.
2002 January
The Euro replaces the French franc, first minted in 1360, further integrating France into the European economy.
2002 May
Jacques Chirac re-elected president, beating National Front leader Jean-Marie Le Pen in the second round of voting. Jean-Marie strong Le Pen's showing in the first round sent shockwaves across France and Europe and prompted mass demonstrations.
Lionel Jospin, the main left-wing presidential contender whom Le Pen knocked out in the first round, resigns the premiership and the Socialist Party leadership.
2002 June
Landslide victory in legislative elections for centre-right UMP. Jean-Pierre Raffarin's new centre-right government ends the "cohabitation" between President Chirac and Socialist Lionel Jospin.
2002 November
Widespread public sector strikes over government privatization plans bring country to a standstill.
2003 March
Constitution changed to allow devolution to regions and departments of powers over economic development, transport, tourism, culture and further education.
2003 July
Corsica referendum, first to follow March constitutional amendments, narrowly votes against establishment of unified assembly with limited powers to raise and spend taxes. Paris had hoped that a yes vote would end separatist violence. Parliament approves controversial reforms to pension system.
2004 March
President Chirac's UMP routed in regional elections.
2004 November
Nicolas Sarkozy takes over as leader of UMP.
2005 January
Trade unions organise wave of public sector strikes against proposed labour, pension and welfare reforms.
2005 May
Referendum goes against proposed EU constitution. The result prompts a political shake-up, including the resignation of Prime Minister Raffarin.
2005 June
International project group says France is to host the world's first experimental nuclear fusion reactor at Cadarache, near Marseille.
2005
Paris Riots
Widespread riots in Paris suburbs, sparked by the deaths of two teenagers, highlight issues of social inequality and tensions between police and minority communities.
2006 March-April
New youth employment laws spark mass demonstrations in Paris and other cities across France. As protests continue, the legislation is scrapped.
2007 May
Nicolas Sarkozy, the former interior minister and leader of the ruling conservative UMP, wins a decisive victory in the second round of the presidential election.
2007 June
The UMP wins parliamentary elections, but with a reduced majority. The party insists it still has a mandate to carry out its proposed reforms.
2007 November
Civil servants take to the streets, along with workers from the transport and energy sectors, to protest against Mr Sarkozy's planned cuts in pay and jobs, and reform of pension benefits. There is widespread disruption of public services.
2008 February
France formally ratifies Lisbon Treaty on reform of European Union.
Financial crisis
2008 October
European governments pledge up to 1.8 trillion euros as part of coordinated plans to shore up their financial sectors, hit hard by the global financial crisis. France says it will inject 10.5bn euros into the country's six largest banks.
2010 March
Ruling UMP suffers heavy defeat in regional elections, losing control of all but one of the 22 regions in mainland France and Corsica.
2010 June
Government announces public spending cuts of 45bn euros in effort to reduce high level of public debt.
2010 July
Prosecutors launch inquiry into allegations that L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt made illegal donations to President Sarkozy's 2007 election campaign.
2010 August
France begins to dismantle illegal Roma (gypsy) camps and to deport their residents back to Romania and Bulgaria, as part of a package of new security measures. Pension protests
2010 September-October
Hundreds of thousands turn out in several waves of trade union-led protests against government plans to raise retirement age to 62.
2010 November
France concludes military and nuclear accord with UK. Under the terms of the new treaty, the two countries will cooperate in testing nuclear warheads.
2011 March
France plays prominent role in imposing and enforcing no-fly zone over Libya.
2011 April
Face veil ban comes into force.
2011 May
French political establishment is shaken by arrest of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who had been tipped as a strong Socialist candidate for the presidency, in New York on sexual assault charges that were later dropped.
2011 August
Government announces package of austerity measures aimed at reducing public deficit by 12bn euros over two years. In November it announces a further 7bn euros of cuts in 2012 and 11.6bn euros in 2013.
2011 September
Credit rating agency Moody's downgrades the two biggest French banks, Credit Agricole and Societe Generale, because of their exposure to Greek debt.
2012 January
France loses its top AAA credit rating from Standard & Poor's.
2012 February
The Constitutional Council strikes down as violating freedom of expression a new law making it a crime to deny genocide was committed by Ottoman Turks against Armenians during World War One.
2012 March
French Islamist Mohamed Merah shoots dead seven people, including three Jewish schoolchildren, in Toulouse, before himself being shot dead in a police siege of his flat.
France bans militant Islamist preachers from entering the country, beginning with the Qatari-based Egyptian Yusuf al-Qaradawi.
2012 May
Socialist candidate Francois Hollande beats Nicolas Sarkozy in the run-off presidential election. He appoints close ally Jean-Marc Ayrault as prime minister.
President Hollande announces the withdrawal of combat troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2012, a year earlier than scheduled.
French police detain the last military leader of the Basque separatist group Eta, Oroitz Gurruchaga Gogorza, and his deputy Xabier Aramburu in a joint operation with Spain.
2012 June
Socialists win comfortable majority in parliamentary elections.
2012 August
France posts zero growth in the second quarter of 2012, as in the previous two.
2012 October
Anti-terror police carry out a series of raids nationwide, arresting 11 suspects, after police shoot dead a man in Strasbourg suspected of targeting a Paris Jewish shop.
2012 November
Moody's rating agency downgrades France's credit rating from the top triple-A billing to Aa1, citing weak growth and the eurozone crisis. Intervention in Mali
2013 January
French commando raid to rescue a hostage in Somalia fails. Al-Shabab Islamist rebels later say they executed the man.
French forces intervene in Mali and help government recapture northern regions seized by Islamists. They begin to withdraw in April.
2013 March
Budget Minister Jerome Cahuzac - a vocal crusader against overseas tax havens - resigns after belatedly admitting to owning a secret Swiss bank account, in an embarrassing scandal for President Hollande.
2013 May
France enters second recession in four years after the economy shrinks by 0.2% in the first quarter.
2013 June
The International Monetary Fund calls on France to lower its labor costs and halt tax hikes to boost both growth and its competitiveness, or else face a widening gap with its European neighbors.
2013 November
Standard and Poor's (S&P) downgrades France's credit rating further from AA+ to AA, citing high unemployment.
2013 December
France deploys 1,600 troops to the Central African Republic to try to restore order.
National Front gains
2014 March
Interior minister Manuel Valls replaces Jean-Marc Ayrault as prime minister after the governing Socialists suffer a drubbing in municipal elections. The far-right National Front makes significant gains in the polls.
2014 May
The far-right Front National wins the European elections in France with about a quarter of the vote, pushing President Hollande's Socialists into third place.
2014 July
Ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy is detained and placed under formal investigation over allegations he sought insider information about a probe into illegal campaign funding. He says the move is a plot to stop his return to politics.
2014 August
Manuel Valls forms a new cabinet after three ministers quit their posts in a bitter row over the government's austerity strategy.
2014 September
The National Front wins its first ever seats in the French senate, inflicting a third humiliating electoral defeat on the ruling Socialists and their left-wing allies, who lose their majority in the upper chamber.
2014 October
France publishes a budget for 2015 that includes 21bn euros (£17bn) worth of cuts in public spending, but which still envisages a budget deficit of 4.3% - way above the EU target figure of 3% of GDP.
2014 November
The number of people seeking work climbs to a record high of 3,488,300. President Hollande says he will not seek a second term in office if he fails to deliver on his pledge to bring down joblessness.
2015 January
Charlie Hebdo Attack
Terrorist attack on the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris, sparking global discussions on freedom of speech and terrorism. The government announces a range of new security measures following the shootings in Paris. It says more than 2,500 new intelligence personnel will be recruited over the next three years to investigate Islamic extremism.
2015 September
France launches air strikes again Islamic State group targets in Syria.
2015 November
Paris Terror Attacks
Islamic State group claims responsibility for terror attacks in Paris that kill 130 people - deadliest attacks in France since 1945, and in European Union since 2004 Madrid railway bombings. France announces state of emergency, launches renewed bombing raids in Syria.
2016 February
Government begins dismantling notorious 'Jungle' migrant camp at Calais on the English Channel.
2016 May
Following weeks of street protests, government pushes through legislation making France's protective labour laws less restrictive, with the aim of encouraging firms to recruit.
2016 July
At least 84 people are killed in lorry attack on crowd celebrating Bastille Day in Nice. Islamic State claims responsibility.
2016 December
President Hollande announces that he will not stand for a second term in 2017.
2017 April
Islamist kills policeman in attack on Champs-Elysees in Paris.
2017
Centrist former economy minister Emmanuel Macron decisively beats the far-right National Front's Marine Le Pen in the presidential election. Neither of the two main parties, the Socialists and Republicans, made it into the run-off round.
2017 June
Mr Macron's La Republique En Marche! movement wins an overall majority in parliamentary elections.
2017 September
Mr Macron signs into law sweeping changes to the labor code designed to make it easier for companies to hire and fire workers.
2018-2019
Yellow Vests Protests
Mass protests across France begin over fuel tax hikes and expand to broader issues of economic inequality and government policies.
2018 April
Rail workers announce a three-month strike, as the first major challenge to the government's employment reforms.
2018 November-December
Major nationwide "yellow-vest" protests at attempts to curb fossil fuel use through price hikes turn violent, prompting a partial government climb-down. Protests continue into new year.
2019
A devastating fire engulfs the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, causing significant damage to the historic structure and prompting global support for its restoration.
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic impacts France, leading to lockdowns and significant public health measures.
2021
Macron is re-elected, continuing his agenda of economic reforms, digital innovation, and addressing climate change.
2022
Emmanuel Macron wins a second term, defeating far-right candidate Marine Le Pen.
2023
Protests erupt across France in response to proposed pension reforms aimed at raising the retirement age, reflecting ongoing social tensions.
2024
France gears up to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, focusing on infrastructure improvements, security measures, and showcasing the nation's cultural heritage.