The EDICT of Nantes was a royal decree issued by King Henry IV of France in 1598. It granted religious freedom to the French Huguenots, who were members of the Protestant faith. The EDICT of Nantes also provided for the establishment of fortified towns and cities where Huguenots could practice their religion without fear of persecution. The EDICT of Nantes was revoked in 1685 by King Louis XIV, leading to a wave of Huguenot emigration from France.