Philip VI (1293 – 22 August 1350), known as the Fortunate (French: le Fortuné) and of Valois, is the King of France from 1328 to his death.
He is also Count of Anjou, Maine, and Valois from 1325 to 1328.
A member of the Capetian dynasty, he is the son of Charles of Valois (who was the brother of King Charles IV's father Philip IV) and the first King of France from the House of Valois.
Philip's reign is dominated by the consequences of a succession dispute.
When King Charles IV the Fair dies without a male heir in 1328, the nearest male relative is his nephew Edward III of England, who has inherited his claim through his mother Isabella of France, the sister of the dead king.
It is held in France, however, that Edward is ineligible to inherit the French throne through the female line according to the ancient Salic Law.
At first, Edward seems to accept Philip's accession as the nearest male relative of Charles IV descended through the male line, however he presses his claim to the throne of France after a series of disagreements with Philip.
The result is the beginning of the Hundred Years' War in 1337.
After initial successes at sea, Philip's navy is annihilated at the Battle of Sluys in 1340, ensuring that the war will occur on the continent.
The English take another decisive advantage at the Battle of Crécy (1346), while the Black Death strikes France, further destabilizing the country.
In 1349, Philip VI buys the Dauphiné from its ruined ruler Humbert II and entrusts the government of this province to his grandson Charles.
Philip VI dies in 1350 and is succeeded by his son John II the Good.
