The Islamic Conquests in France

The Islamic conquests in France refer primarily to the early 8th-century military campaigns by Muslim forces, mainly from the Umayyad Caliphate, into what is now southern France. These incursions were part of the broader Islamic expansion across the Iberian Peninsula and into Europe.

Background
After the successful Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) in the early 700s, the Umayyad forces continued their push northward beyond the Pyrenees Mountains into the region known then as Gaul (modern France). Their goal was to expand Islamic rule and influence further into Western Europe.718–719: Early Raids
Muslim forces conducted early raids into Septimania (a region in southern France), capturing the city of Narbonne in 719. This city became a stronghold for Muslim forces in the region for several decades.

721: Battle of Toulouse

One of the first major battles occurred in 721 when Duke Odo of Aquitaine defeated the Muslim army near Toulouse, halting their advance temporarily.

732: Battle of Tours (Battle of Poitiers)

The most famous confrontation took place in 732 at the Battle of Tours (also called the Battle of Poitiers). The Frankish army, led by Charles Martel, decisively defeated the Muslim forces under Abdul Rahman Al-Ghafiqi. This battle is considered a turning point because it stopped the northward expansion of Islam into Europe.

Aftermath
Although Muslim forces retained control of parts of southern France like Narbonne until around 759, their influence gradually diminished. The Frankish kingdoms regained territory and reasserted control over southern Gaul.

Historical Significance
The Islamic incursions into France were relatively brief but historically significant. The Battle of Tours, in particular, is often cited (especially in Western historiography) as a critical moment that preserved Christianity in Europe and limited Islamic political expansion beyond Iberia.