The dynasts of Robert the Strong's family are usually termed "Dukes of France" and their title evolved into the name for the French nation after one of their members, Hugh Capet, ascended the throne.

They were descended from the great possessors of fiefs, members of the curia regis, since the duty to advise was vassalic obligation.

The ecclesiastical peers, joined in 1690 by the Archbishop of Paris, Duke of Saint-Cloud, François Harlay, survived intact until the Revolution of 1789.

In contrast, they could, when they wished, attend the sessions of the Parlement of Paris, where they could carry a sword to the chagrin of judges.

Peers occupied a spot directly below the members of the royal family (children and grandchildren of France and princes of the blood).

The Duke of Saint-Simon is the greatest representative of peer attachment to their dignity; he fiercely defended their rights against encroachment.

The revenues of peers consisted of feudal dues, property income, salaries for functions exercised at Court and pensions granted by the king.

In the 18th century the peerage became a caste, with over half of matrimonial alliances taking place between similarly-ranked families.