The 18th-century French nobility, known as the noblesse, held significant social and political power in France before the French Revolution. They were often wealthy landowners, enjoying privileges such as exemption from many taxes and exclusive rights to certain positions in government and the military. Their lifestyle was characterized by opulence, with grand estates and elaborate social gatherings. During this period, the nobility was divided into two main categories: the noblesse de robe, who were often magistrates and officials, and the noblesse d'épée, who were traditional military aristocrats. The growing discontent among the common people and the rising influence of the bourgeoisie eventually led to the decline of noble power and the upheaval of the social order.