February – Royal edict against women who conceal their pregnancy.[2]
Summer – The false
Martin Guerre appears in the village of Artigat.
1 September – Dry summer leads to an early and poor harvest and forest fires in Normandy and the north.[3]
November – The Truce of Vaucelles collapses and the
Italian War of 1551–1559 resumes between France and Spain. Spain takes control of the
Flanders region, including the modern-day
Nord.
4 December – Harsh winter causes the
Rhône to freeze near
Arles.[4]