The 1371 French Offensive Against English Guyenne

By 1371, King Charles V of France sought to continue his campaign to drive the English from their remaining possessions in Guyenne (Aquitaine). To achieve this, he entrusted military leadership to his most capable commanders, Constable Bertrand du Guesclin and Olivier de Clisson, both of whom had already proven their effectiveness in reversing English gains in France.

French Strategy and Division of Command

• Charles V ordered a two-pronged attack, assigning:
  • Bertrand du Guesclin to lead the offensive in Auvergne, focusing on reclaiming English-held fortresses and strategic towns in central France.
  • Olivier de Clisson to attack English positions in Poitou, Saintonge, and Anjou during the summer of 1371, disrupting English-controlled trade routes and fortifications.