Source

Philip II of Spain, rules not only in parts of the Iberian peninsula, but also southern Italy and the Low Countries.

L´Espagne de Philippe II entoure la France au 16eme siècle.

1461

The French king has direct control only only of those lands in the royal domain - dark green .  Much of the rest of what we now know as France is under the apanage system - lands previously given as inheritance to younger sons of the crown - light green.

Le roi ne possède que les terres en vert foncé.  Celles en vert clair ont étés données en apanage aux membres de la famille royale et ne retourneront pas au roi avent la fin du 16eme siècle. 

1585

The country divides nearly along an East - West axis - the south is Protestant and the north is Catholic.

Le nord du pays est catholique, le midi est calvinisste.