List of French dukedoms

In the continuity of the administration of the Roman Empire, the various Germanic kingdoms set up districts of command entrusted to representatives of the aristocracy, appointed and dismissed by the sovereign.

In the late Middle Ages and the modern era, the duchy and peerage were attributed to smaller feudal groups, mainly former counties.

The letters patent of creation contain clauses of succession which regulate the future of the duchies.

In 1566, Charles IX issued an order that set forth that hereditary duchies would be reversible to the Crown in the absence of males heirs.

Under the Ancien régime, from the 16th century onwards, the title of Monsieur le Duc was used to designate the eldest son of the Prince of Condé.