Capital: Paris (Île-de-France)
Provinces: Aquitaine, Brittany, Champagne, Île-de-France, Provence
Key Commanders: Bonaparte, Murat, Soult

France's initial resources are lower than those of the other Empires but her production is more balanced, so in the long run this is the easiest Empire to rule. Militarily, France will be able to recruit elite troops at a reduced cost.

Thanks to new advancements introduced by Napoleon, the French army is the largest and most feared in Europe. Some even think that they are invincible...

This officer may command up to three Troops. Capitaines are the lowest-ranking officers that can lead men on the battlefield. There, they may co-ordinate and command up to three Troops. Capitaines are trained at the Military Academy.

This officer may command up to four Troops. Colonels are of a higher rank than Capitaines. This rank can be obtained after building the Advanced Garrison or after promoting a Capitaine in recognition of his merits on the battlefield. Colonels may command up to four Troops in combat.

This officer may command up to five Troops. The General is the highest-ranking officer that can obtain his rank in an Academy; although a Colonel can also be promoted to General. Their position in the military hierarchy allows them to command up to five Troops.

This officer may command up to six Troops. Maréchals (French Field Marshals) do not come from any Academy; it is only in the field of honour where a General may earn promotion to this distinguished rank. Maréchals may command up to six Troops.

Untrained but inexpensive unit, capable only of melée combat. With a tradition that dates back to the days of Revolution, the French Militia has regularly been forced to take up arms and fight side by side with the regular army. Its offensive capacity lies in its fierce hand-to-hand attacks.

Basic infantry unit, capable of both melée and ranged attacks. Fusiliers form the main part of the French army. They are particularly effective when attacking either with their muskets or with fixed bayonets.

Adept at ranged attacks, but poor in melée combat. Voltigeurs are a lethal unit, trained in harassing and ranged attacks, and are among the finest marksmen in the French army. Their main handicap is their vulnerability in hand-to-hand combat.

Fusilier-like unit, but better skilled in both ranged attacks and melée combat. Grenadier companies are formed of the toughest, most skilled soldiers in the French army and are one of the most fearsome infantry units on the battlefield. They are specially trained for musket volleys and fixed bayonet attacks.

Voltigeur-like unit, though better skilled in both ranged attacks and melée combat. Tirailleurs are the elite unit of the French army's Light Infantry. Specially trained to use the terrain to their advantage, they are devastating to any enemy unit which finds itself within their sights. Their main handicap is their vulnerability in hand-to-hand combat.

The elite infantry unit of the French army, with excellent ranged attacks and melée combat. Known amongst the rest of the soldiers of the French army as The Immortals, the Imperial Guard is formed of troops that have excelled in previous battles with their bravery and self-sacrifice. Entry into the Imperial Guard was considered the highest honour a French soldier could receive. They are highly effective with their bayonets or when forming defensive squares against Cavalry.

The only French cavalry regiment capable of both ranged attacks and melée combat. The elite unit of the Medium Cavalry, the Grenadiers à Cheval are a powerful harassing force due to the great mobility of its horses and the threat of its musketoons. They are especially effective when charging against unprepared troops.

Very swift unit; employed for melée combat. Hussars are the elite French Light Cavalry, drawn originally from the aristocracy and nobility. Their main functions are to harass the enemy and to charge with their sabres - manoeuvres which are mostly performed to support their Infantry.

Melée cavalry unit; the most skilled at breaching Square formations. Lancers are one of the most devastating cavalry units in the French army. They are especially effective against other cavalry and truly lethal when charging against any infantry units. If employed wisely, their long lances may prove decisive in battle.

The finest defence and melée combat of any class of Cavalry, but incapable of ranged attacks. Known among the French army as the Steel Waistcoats, the Cuirassiers are its Heavy Cavalry. Armed with sabres and protected with cuirasses, their main role in battle is to fight with ferocity in close combat.