Around The World
France Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in France's history.
58-51 B.C.
Roman emperor Julius Caesar conquers Gaul, which is now France.486-511 A.D.
A tribe called the Franks rules the region. The land is named for them.1429
Joan of Arc leads French troops against the English at Orléans, ending a siege by the British during the Hundred Years’ War between France and England.1643-1715
Louis XIV, the Sun King, reigns longer than any other French ruler. In this era, France gains power throughout Europe.1789
On July 14, citizens storm the Bastille, a Paris prison. The French Revolution begins. Each year, France celebrates Bastille Day, the event that led to the royal family being overthrown.
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1804
Military hero Napoleon Bonaparte crowns himself emperor after leading France to victory over Europe's strongest nations. In 1815, Napoleon is finally defeated at Waterloo in Belgium.1903
Henry Desgrange founds the Tour de France, the world's most popular and important bicycle race.1914-1918
France battles Germany in World War I.1919
Versaille, France is the location of the signing of the Treaty of Versaille, which ends World War I.1940
Germany invades France during World War II. In 1945, Britain, France, the U.S. and other allies defeat Germany, Japan and Italy.
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1944
After four years, Paris is freed from German occupation. General Charles de Gaulle heads a provisional government in Paris.1946-1954
The French-Indochina War results in France losing control of colonies in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.1958
DeGaulle becomes the President of the Fifth Republic. He is reelected in 1965.1962
After a long struggle, France gives up control of Algeria, in Africa.1981
François Mitterrand is elected president. He is in office for 14 years, becoming the longest-serving president in French history.1991
Edith Cresson becomes France's first female Prime Minister.
ANDREW WINNINGS—AFP/GETTY IMAGES