Grand Falconer of France

The position first appeared in 1250 as "Master Falconer of the King" (Maître Fauconnier).

From the reign of Louis XIV, the position became purely honorific, as the kings had stopped hunting with birds of prey.

This notwithstanding, Louis XIV maintained an aviary of hunting birds, located (from 1680 on) in Montainville, as a symbol of power.

Falcons were presented to the king at the start of each year in the Galerie des Glaces of the château of Versailles, generally in the presence of foreign ambassadors.

The coat of arms of the Grand Falconer featured two lures in blue and fleur-de-lys, placed below and to each side of the shield.