In 1563, Calvinist Protestantism has arrived in France, but the Catholic reaction is not long in coming and the small but steadily growing Protestant population is suppressed in French society.

However, the Huguenots, particularly in the south of France and in the small Kingdom of Navarre near Spain, resisted.

Her two sons, Charles IX and Francis, Duke of Anjou show weakness in this fight and Henry, the young prince of Navarre, vital strength.

Catherine de' Medici has to give in and makes Henry an offer of peace, which he, tired of fighting, accepts.

This peace also means that Margot, the daughter of the Medicis, married in Paris with Henry.