The title of Marshal of France (Maréchal de France) was created by Philippe Auguste for Albéric Clément (circa 1190). It latter became a distinction and ruled upon constable, originally above the marshal. Up to 1791, there were 256 Marshals of France. This title was abolished by the National Convention in 1793.
During the First French Empire, there were Empire marshals. Under the Restauration, Empire marshals were reverted to Marshals of France and Napoléon III kept the name unchanged.
The last Marshal of France was De Lattre de Tassigny. His widow kept his title and privileges until her death in 2003. In France, Marshal is a military distinction, not a military rank. Its symbol, the marshal baton, is a blue cylinder with stars (formerly fleur-de-lis).
Some Marshals of France
