Regarded by its contemporaries as the largest, most modern and efficient, in the second half of the 17th century the French army became a reference model for the whole of Europe, marking the age of Louis XIV. He enjoyed a great military inheritance as he began his personal reign; in Turenne and Conde, the King probably had the best field commanders in Europe; and the able Le Tellier father and son directed his war department. The army was the largest institution created by the French monarchy, taking on features destined to last until the revolution of 1789. Besides, the seventeenth-century brought constant and important improvements in military institutions and practices, and the French army of Louis XIV certainly was one of the main actor of this evolution. The history, organisation, uniforms and ensigns of 'the Giant of the Grand Siècle' are treated in two parts through the analysis of original sources and the most recent literature on this subject. The first part deas with the structure of command, Maison du Roi, Cavalry and Dragoons.