Historical Kings of France

         1328-1350 Philip VI: the first Valois king, cousin of the late Charles IV. Actually a continuation of the ancient (since 987 AD) Capetian line, but now via a female heir.

         1350-1364 Jean II "the Good," son of Philip VI. A most chivalrous knight, but otherwise not a very good king.

         1364-1380 Charles V, "the Wise," son of Jean II. Very able, relied heavily on innovative technologies (like cannon) and selected subordiates without looking too closely at their noble credentials.

         1380-1422 Charles VI, son of Charles V, surnamed "the Beloved," or "the Deranged," which says it all. End up marrying his daughter off to Henry V, to whom he conceeded the inheritance of France, renouncing his "legitimate" heir, the later Charles VII.

         1422-1461 Charles VII, "the Victorious," alleged son of Charles VI, whose wife admitted that her husband the king was incapable of marital relations and that she sought the services of others. The Valois line (such as it was) continued until 1589, when their Bourbon cousins took over. In reality, the Capetian/Valois line ended here. The Bourbons lasted (save for the Napoleonic period) until 1830.

Coat of Arms for Charles V, VI and VII