Answer:
French Society in the 16th century was characterised by the three etates. We know these three as: Clergy (members of the church), Nobility (royalty) and Commoners (the common peoples). The latter made up 98% of the population and the king was not considered part of any etate. History wise, the century was defined by three main concepts: the Habsburg-Valois wars, Renaissance, Calvinism and suppression and hostility towards Protestant groups.