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Politics & World • Monarchy

Louis XV

Louis XV was King of France and Navarre from 1715 until his death in 1774.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Louis XV was King of France and Navarre from 1715 until his death in 1774. He succeeded his great-grandfather Louis XIV at age five and ruled during a long period marked by regency government, court life at Versailles, and a gradual weakening of royal authority.

Early life and accession

Louis XV was born at Versailles in 1710 and became heir apparent after the deaths of senior members of the royal family. He succeeded Louis XIV in 1715 while still a child, beginning a period of regency government.

Reign and government

Louis XV ruled for nearly 59 years, one of the longest reigns in French history. His reign saw the re-establishment of the court at Versailles, ministerial rule by regents and advisers, and growing strain on royal authority.

Personal life and patronage

Louis XV married Marie Leszczyńska in 1725. He showed interest in science, especially botany, and supported projects and collections at Versailles.

Legacy

Later historical assessments often describe his reign as one of declining royal influence. His rule is commonly linked in retrospect to the conditions that helped lead to the French Revolution.

Key facts

  • Louis XV became king at age five after the death of Louis XIV.
  • Until he reached adulthood, France was governed by a regency.
  • He returned the court and seat of government to Versailles in 1722.
  • He married Marie Leszczyńska in 1725.
  • His reign was associated with court culture, scientific interests, and political decline.
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Canadian context

Louis XV is relevant to Canadian history because France’s monarchy shaped New France during the 18th century, including the colonial period in what is now Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Louis XV?
Louis XV was the King of France and Navarre from 1715 to 1774 and a member of the House of Bourbon.
How old was Louis XV when he became king?
He became king at age five after the death of Louis XIV.
Who succeeded Louis XV?
He was succeeded by his grandson, Louis XVI.
Who was Louis XV's wife?
He married Marie Leszczyńska in 1725.
Where was Louis XV born and died?
He was born and died at Versailles, France.
Why is Louis XV historically significant?
His long reign is associated with weakening royal authority and developments that preceded the French Revolution.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_XV
    Supports: birth, death, accession age, reign dates, successor, and basic biography
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Louis-XV
    Supports: reign dates, birth and death places, and historical significance
  3. Palace of Versailles — https://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover/history/great-characters/louis-xv
    Supports: Versailles court, marriage to Marie Leszczyńska, interests in science, and patronage