The following are my top ten books on the period 1500 - 1789: late medieval and early modern France. Top tens on books relating to the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars can be found via the links, while books on France in the post-Napoleonic era can be found here.
1. Early Modern France 1560 - 1715 by Robin Briggs
Designed as an introductory text for students, this book has been rated highly by its target audience. Discussions and debates are contained within an overall narrative structure that focuses on politics and the lives of key individuals, but which also has sections on religion and belief. A glossary, interesting graphs and a guide to further reading compliment the sound text.
2. The Birth of Absolutism by Yves-Marie Berce, translated by Richard Rex
Yves-Marie Berce's linguistic skills have given her access to both French and English language historiography, and the result is a refreshing account of early modern France, from the Edict of Nantes to Louis XIV. The focus is firmly on the birth of 'Absolutism', a process that Berce doesn't portray as inevitable, but instead heavily contested.3. The Ancien Regime by Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie
This book covers the period between Richeleu's dominance of the French government and Louis XVI's downfall, a time of 'absolutist' rule. In a narrative that easily blends larger discussion and detailed example, Ladurie reveals the changes that France underwent, including the prospering art and culture, the declining state and the religious tensions. A chronology and glossary are included.4. The French Wars of Religion 1559 - 1598 Second Edition by R. J. Knecht
An entry in the Longman 'Seminar Studies' series, this is as fine an introduction to the French Wars of Religion and their historical discussion as you are likely to find. Three sections provide background, an examination of the events and a discussion of the consequences, while a fourth includes relevant documents. A bibliography, glossary and genealogies are also included.5. A History of France 1460-1560 by David Potter
Potter's survey of French history during this very formative period tackles all the key discussions (or arguments) on the period, as well as providing an overview of events. Crucially, this is not a Parisian history, and Potter's text explores the regional diversity of France.6. French Society 1589-1715 by Sharon Kettering
The complex political and religious changes that took place in France during the 'long' seventeenth century have filled many books, but this text by Sharon Kettering examines society instead. Urban and rural lifestyles are examined, while the whole gamut of relationships, social rules and forms of interaction are discussed in a lively and descriptive tone.7. Louis XIV by Ian Dunlop
Of all the French monarchs, Louis XIV has attracted the most attention. Dunlop's moderately large biography places the Sun King firmly in the context of his seventeenth and eighteenth century world, exploring the events in his life, as well as his role in French, and European, history.8. Crown and Nobility in Early Modern France by Donna Bohanan
Bohanan's book skillfully dissects the changing relationships between the monarchy and nobility of France in the early modern era, a period when the balance of power shifted, though not without struggle, to the king. Both new and classic interpretations of the crown and aristocracy are considered, while several specific regions are examined as case-studies.9.
It is inevitable that the bulk of eighteenth century French history will always be considered in relation to the French Revolution and this volume, which surveys the period 1715 - 1789, certainly does. Shennan highlights the undercurrents that led to rebellion whilst also showing the events and ideas of the period.