The research objective involves justifying the thesis that Pierre Pithou's (1539-1596) publications on early medieval history (records, chronicles, documents), in particular, on dethroning of Louis the Pious in 830, influenced considerably French érudites' understanding of Carolingian Renaissance and its role in the history of French monarchy. Scientific originality of the study involves a comprehensive analysis of French historians' works of the end of the XVI - the beginning of the XVII century through the prism of historical paradigm changes. As a result, it is proved that Carolingian monarchs were no longer perceived as a model of godly royal power, which resulted in reinterpretation of France's role in medieval West European society.