Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1066
The so-called Norman Conquest of England ignites almost 300 years of conflict
between the Normans in western and northern France and the Capetians in Paris.
1163
Two centuries of nonstop building reaches its zenith with the start of Notre Dame
Cathedral under Maurice de Sully, the bishop of Paris; construction will continue for
over a century and a half.
1358
The Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) between France and England and the devasta-
tion and poverty caused by the plague lead to the ill-fated peasants' revolt led by
Étienne Marcel.
1572
Some 3000 Huguenots who are in Paris to celebrate the wedding of the Protestant
Henri of Navarre (the future Henri IV) are slaughtered on 23-24 August.
1589
Henry IV, the first Bourbon king, ascends the throne after renouncing Protestantism.
1643
'Sun King' Louis XIV ascends the throne aged five but only assumes absolute power in
1661.
1756-63
The Seven Years' War sees France lose flourishing colonies in Canada, the West Indies
and India.
14 July 1789
The French Revolution begins when a mob arms itself with weapons taken from the
Hôtel des Invalides and storms the prison at Bastille, freeing a total of just seven pris-
oners.
1793
