1338–1339: Offensive in Aquitaine and Siege of Bordeaux

At the beginning of the conflict, Guyenne and Aquitaine are a central stake. Philip VI attempts to reduce English influence there through a strategy of sieges and capture of strongholds, rather than by a decisive battle.

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🧑‍✈️ Raoul II of Brienne and the Stalemate of Sieges

The first campaign is entrusted to Constable Raoul II of Brienne. By dividing his troops to attempt to take several Gascon fortresses, he becomes bogged down from spring 1338 in interminable sieges, even as English forces are weak.

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👑 John of Bohemia Takes Command

Finding the campaign ineffective, Philip VI turns to John I of Bohemia (John of Luxembourg). He adds Gaston II of Foix‑Béarn, as well as two Savoyard mercenaries (Peter of La Palu and Galois of La Baume). The king finances the effort: an army of approximately 12,000 men, German sappers-miners, and some bombards.

Success comes quickly: several strongholds fall (Penne, Castelgaillard, Puyguilhem, Blaye, Bourg).

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🍇 July 1339: Bordeaux Resists

In July 1339, the army lays siege before Bordeaux. A gate is taken, but the town resists and the assailants are repulsed. Supplying such a large army becomes impossible: local resources are exhausted, and troops must be diverted for the Northern front.

The siege is lifted on July 19, 1339: the campaign shows the limits of an occupation strategy in a space where logistics and local loyalties count as much as arms.

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🧠 Key Points to Remember

• 1338–1339: war in Aquitaine is first a war of sieges.
• John of Bohemia gains successes, but Bordeaux resists.
• Logistics and multiple fronts force an end to the offensive.