By 1461, at the death of Charles VII, the Kingdom of France had achieved remarkable territorial recovery from the disasters of the early Hundred Years' War, reconstituting most of its medieval territory through military reconquest and diplomatic success.
Following Joan of Arc's campaigns and subsequent military reforms, France had reconquered most English-held territories. The crown regained Normandy (1450), Guyenne and Gascony (1453), effectively ending English continental presence except for Calais. These reconquests restored French control over approximately 80% of the territory lost under the Treaty of Brétigny (1360), representing one of medieval Europe's most successful territorial recoveries.
The kingdom encompassed several major regions under varying degrees of royal control. The royal domain proper included the Île-de-France, Normandy, and substantial portions of central France. Major duchies maintained significant autonomy: Burgundy under Philip the Good controlled territories extending from Dijon to the Netherlands, creating a powerful semi-independent state. Brittany remained largely autonomous under Duke Francis I, while maintaining nominal French suzerainty.
Charles VII had strengthened royal administration through the creation of permanent military forces, improved taxation systems, and expanded royal justice. The kingdom was organized through bailliages and sénéchaussées, with royal officials gradually extending crown authority into previously autonomous regions. The Parlement of Paris served as the supreme court, while regional parlements were established in Toulouse, Bordeaux, and other major centers.
Several important territories remained outside direct royal control: the Duchy of Burgundy, County of Flanders, Provence (nominally independent until 1481), and various smaller fiefs. These regions maintained their own legal systems, taxation, and military forces while acknowledging French suzerainty.
The kingdom had established the taille royale (royal tax) and created the first permanent royal army (compagnies d'ordonnance), providing financial and military foundations for future territorial consolidation and expansion under Louis XI.
