Épernon, Jean Louis de Nogaret, duc d' [key], 1554–1642, French nobleman. He distinguished himself during the civil wars at the beginning of the reign of Henry III, and became a favorite of the king. He served Henry III in his dealings with Henry of Navarre (later King Henry IV of France). He was made governor of Provence and admiral of France. After the assassination of Henry III, he tried to set up an independent government in Provence but was forced to submit to Henry IV in 1596. He was involved in the conspiracy that resulted in the assassination of Henry IV (1610), and was largely responsible for the acceptance of Marie de' Medici as regent. He was conspicuous in the government until 1618; in 1619 and 1620 he supported Marie against the duc de Luynes. He was governor of Guienne from 1622 until dismissed (1641) by Cardinal Richelieu.
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