[1] The French had surrounded the town walls, which were in disrepair and had cut off the main trade roads leading south into the English County of Gascony.

The English force had no intention of breaking the siege, but was instead attempting to bring a supply train to the besieged town of Saint-Jean-d'Angély.

[1] Upon being intercepted the English dismounted, as was common practice at that time, formed up a line of battle and had their horses led to the rear.

Guy de Nesle, also ordered most of his forces to dismount, except for small bodies of cavalry on each wing, the French then deployed along a stretch of high ground.

[1] Both Guy II de Nesle and his deputy Arnoul d’Audrehem were captured and paid heavy ransoms for their release.