After the extinction of Capétiens direct, the dynasty of Valois reigned on France of the advent of Philippe VI (1328) with the death of Henri III (1589). It is advisable to distinguish Valois direct, Valois-Orleans and Valois-Angouleme. Valois direct, resulting from Charles de Valois, younger brother of Philippe IV the Beautiful one, reigned until 1498. Charles VIII having died without descent, the throne passed then to the branch junior by Valois-Orleans (represented by the only Louis XII), then with that of Valois-Angouleme, with the advent of François I (1515).
In historiography, Valois suffer from the comparison with Capétiens. The dynasty offers more contrasted portraits: the wise one mixes with there the fol, Louis XI the cynical one, Louis XII the “father of the people”. One counts also surface spirits; one finds there nothing comparable with a Philippe Auguste or a Saint Louis. But one cannot charge to Valois all miseries of time, not more than Capétiens should not be credited with all successes. Valois achieved an essential task: to build the monarchical State.