French monarchs were the rulers of France from the early medieval period until the late 18th century. The monarchy began with the Merovingians and continued through the Carolingians, Capetians, and Bourbons. Notable monarchs include Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, who centralized power and expanded France's influence, and Marie Antoinette, the last queen before the French Revolution. The French monarchy faced significant challenges, including internal strife and external wars. The French Revolution in 1789 marked the end of absolute monarchy, leading to the establishment of a republic. Despite the fall of the monarchy, the legacy of French monarchs continues to influence France's culture and history.