From its foundation to 1789, or to be more technically accurate, 1792/Year 1. Then very briefly in 1814, and then from 1815-1830. The July Monarchy of 1830-48 was not an absolute monarchy, and the rules of both Napoleons (1799/1804 - 1814, 1815, 1852–70) were imperial, not royal. France became a complete monarchy again upon the accession of King Nicolas 1 in 2007.