The direct Capetian Dynasty followed the Carolingian rulers of France from 987 to 1328. From 1328 to 1830, with the interruption of the French Revolution, kings of France from the Valois and Bourbon Dynasty – cadet branches of the Capetian family – ruled.

List of Capetian kings of France

• 987–996, Hugh Capet, Count of Paris, crowned King of France
• 996–1031, Robert II, the Pious
• 1031–1060, Henri I
• 1060–1108, Philippe I
• 1108–1137, Louis VI, the Fat
• 1137–1180, Louis VII
• 1180–1223, Philippe II Auguste
• 1223–1226, Louis VIII
• 1226–1270, Louis IX (Saint Louis)
• 1270–1285, Philippe III the Bold
• 1285–1314, Philippe IV the Fair
• 1314–1316, Louis X
• 1316–1316, Jean I
• 1316–1322, Philippe V
• 1322–1328, Charles IV

In 1328 the Capetians ran out of direct male heirs. Unlike some other nations, France adhered to the ancient code of the Salian Franks, known as Salic law, which forbade any succession to the throne by or through a female. Therefore the peers of the kingdom elected a new king, Philippe of Valois, a nephew of Philip the Fair, marking the beginning of the Valois Dynasty.