A French monarch refers to a king or queen who ruled over France, particularly during the periods of the monarchy from the early Middle Ages until the late 18th century. The most notable monarchs include Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, who reigned for 72 years and centralized power in the monarchy, and Marie Antoinette, the last queen before the French Revolution. The French monarchy faced significant challenges, including social inequality and financial crises, which ultimately led to the French Revolution in 1789. This revolution resulted in the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic, marking a significant shift in French history.