Charles VII (1403–1461), the Well-Served, restored Valois legitimacy after Agincourt and the Treaty of Troyes. Crowned at Reims with the help of Joan of Arc, he completed the reconquest against England at the end of the Hundred Years’ War.
Contested dauphin
Son of Charles VI, he was disinherited by the Treaty of Troyes (1420) in favour of Henry V. Based south of the Loire, he was sometimes mocked as the “king of Bourges”.
Joan of Arc and the coronation (1429)
In 1429 Joan convinced him to act. After Orléans he was crowned at Reims on 17 July 1429—decisive sacred legitimacy.
End of the Hundred Years’ War
Reconciliation with Burgundy (Arras, 1435), recovery of Paris (1436), then Normandy and Guyenne. Castillon (1453) ended English presence outside Calais.
Reforms
Standing companies, artillery and stronger royal taxation marked a step toward a more centralised monarchy.
Chronological landmarks
- 1422 — King in title (contested).
- 1429 — Orléans; coronation at Reims.
- 1453 — Castillon.
- 1461 — Death; Louis XI succeeds.