French Protestants, also known as Huguenots, are members of various Protestant denominations in France. Their history dates back to the 16th century during the Protestant Reformation, when they sought to reform the Catholic Church. This led to significant religious conflicts, including the French Wars of Religion, which lasted from 1562 to 1598. Despite facing persecution, many French Protestants contributed to the cultural and economic life of France. The Edict of Nantes in 1598 granted them limited rights, but it was revoked in 1685, leading to further oppression. Today, French Protestants are part of a diverse religious landscape, including Reformed and Lutheran communities.