It pitched the forces of Louis XIV of France against those of Victor Amadeus II of Savoy – the latter were led by the marquis of Caraglio.

French forces massed on the west bank of the River Var, giving warning of preparations for an invasion.

[1] However, the Savoy stronghold at Nice did not prepare for a siege – at the end of the year, its powder reserves were sent to the Piedmont.

[1] In spring 1705 the French armies under the command of duc de La Feuillade laid siege to the imposing bastions and towers of the town of Nice.

Inside this initial fortified line, a second higher and bigger wall flanked by towers marked the outline of the castle's citadel.