The royal dynasty celebrated for establishing the culture of modern-day France is the House of Bourbon. Starting with Henry IV in the late 16th century, the Bourbons played a crucial role in consolidating power, promoting the arts, and shaping France’s national identity. Under Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, this dynasty emphasized absolutism and centralized the monarchy, fostering an environment that encouraged cultural achievements in literature, art, and architecture, evidenced by the grandeur of Versailles. The Bourbon legacy helped solidify France's influence in European politics, culture, and society, impacting developments that can still be traced in contemporary French culture and governance.