Which dynasty succeeded the Valois as kings of France in 1589?

The House of Bourbon ruled France from 1589 to 1792 and again from 1815 to 1848. They succeeded as kings of France when the House of Valois died out with the death of Henry III (1551-1589). The first Bourbon king was Henry IV (1553-1610).

The House of Bourbon originated in 1272 when the youngest son of King Louis IX married the heiress of the lordship of Bourbon. Whilst it was many years before the Bourbons became kings of France, they ruled over an area called Navarre, which Henry IV united with France after his succession. The Bourbon dynasty passed down the male line until 1792 when Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, were guillotined during the French Revolution.

For a time, France was run by the Napoleonic Empire, but the Bourbons regained control in 1815 following the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon Bonaparte's exile. The Bourbons were overthrown for the second and final time in the July Revolution of 1830. The House of Orléans took their place, ruling until they too were overthrown in 1848.

The name 'Bourbon' comes from 'Bourbonnais', a historic province in the centre of France. Those in charge of the area were given the title 'Seigneur de Bourbon' (Sire of Bourbon). Eventually, in 1272 the Sire and his extended family became known as the House of Bourbon.