Information about King Charles IV the Fair of France

King Charles IV the Fair of France (18 June 1294 - 1 February 1328)

Charles IV, called the Fair (le Bel) in France and the Bald (el Calvo) in Navarre, was the last direct Capetian King of France and King of Navarre (as Charles I) from 1322 to his death. Charles was the third son of Philip IV; like his father, he was known as "the fair" or "the handsome".

Beginning in 1323 Charles was confronted with a peasant revolt in Flanders, and in 1324 he made an unsuccessful bid for the elective German monarchy. As duke of Guyenne, Edward II of England was a vassal of Charles, but he was reluctant to pay homage to another king. In retaliation, Charles conquered the Duchy of Guyenne in a conflict known as the War of Saint-Sardos (1324). In a peace agreement, Edward II accepted to swear allegiance to Charles and to pay a fine. In exchange, Guyenne was returned to Edward but with a much-reduced territory.

When Charles IV died without male heir, the senior lineage of the House of Capet ended. He was succeeded by his cousin Philip of Valois, but the contested legitimacy was one factor of the Hundred Years' War.

King Charles IV the Fair of France reigned in...
Reigned asIn CountryFromToCoins Issued
Charles IV le Bel (King Charles IV the Fair) Flag of France, Kingdom of France, Kingdom of 3 January 1322 1 February 1328
Karlos I.a (King Charles I the Bald) Flag of Navarre Navarre 3 January 1322 1 February 1328
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