François de Neufville, duc de Villeroi

François de Neufville, duc de Villeroy or Villeroi (* April 7, 1644; † July 18, 1730 in Paris) was a French general and Marshal of France.

François de Neufville was a son of Marshal Nicolas de Neufville, duc de Villeroy. He had been brought up with Louis XIV, but was soon banned because of love intrigue with a Chambermaid Louis and to this day unknown Duchess to Lyon. It was not until 1680 he received permission to return to the court. As a close friend of the king, consummate courtier, leader of society and man of great gallantry, Villeroi was determined to pursue a career in the army, although he loved, but he was hardly suitable.

1693 he participated in the Battle of Neerwinden and was, without having distinguished himself, was appointed marshal. 1695-96, according to Luxembourg's death in 1695, he commanded in the Netherlands, but showed great incompetence. Nevertheless, he was in the War of Spanish Succession (in summer 1701) in place Catinat the command of the Italian fighting against Prince Eugene army, at whose head he made the ill-advised and unsuccessful attack on Chiari on 1 September and fell on February 1, 1702 during the Battle of Cremona in Austrian captivity.

Wags in the army compacted a famous Spottvers on Villerois costs:

Set at liberty, he received early in 1706 the supreme command of the army in the Netherlands, but was defeated by Marlborough at Ramillies and then detached from Vendôme. At the instigation of Madame de Maintenon, Louis XIV appointed him in his will to the Governor of the young Louis XV. After the latter had attained the maturity, the Duke of Orleans Villeroy on August 12, 1722 due to intrigues arrested and exiled him to his estate Villeroy. Later he was allowed to take over the government of Lyon.

After Louis XV. Emancipation he reappeared in Paris and died there on 18 July 1730.