1435: Treaty of Arras and the Burgundian shift

The reconquest was achieved not only by arms: it was achieved by isolating the adversary. The pivot in the 1430s was Burgundy.

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🧩 A decisive ally for England

Since the early 15th century, the Anglo-Burgundian alliance had given the English an advantage: political access to the north, pressure on Paris, diplomatic relays.

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📜 The Peace of Arras (1435)

Long undecided, Charles VII would exploit the momentum generated by Joan of Arc to consolidate his authority and launch the reconquest. He knew he could do nothing as long as the civil war with Burgundy was not ended. He therefore began negotiations with the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Good.

On 1 July 1435, under the presidency of the papal legates and in the presence of many French and foreign princes, the peace congress between Burgundians and Armagnacs opened at Arras. Charles VII was represented by the Duke of Bourbon, the Count of Vendôme and the Constable of Richemont. Philip the Good was accompanied by his son, the future Charles the Bold, and assisted by Chancellor Rolin.

On 21 September 1435, the Peace of Arras was proclaimed in the church of Saint-Vaast, ending the civil war triggered in 1407 by the assassination of Duke Louis of Orléans. Charles VII recognised Philip the Good as sovereign of Burgundy and dispensed him from homage. He ceded to him the counties of Mâcon and Auxerre, and sold him several towns of the Somme.

The price was high, but for Charles VII, what mattered was elsewhere: he now had his hands free to confront the English.

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🧠 Key points

• 21 September 1435: signing of the Peace of Arras
• Charles VII recognised Philip the Good as sovereign of Burgundy
• France ceded Mâcon, Auxerre and towns of the Somme
• End of the civil war between Armagnacs and Burgundians
• Charles VII could henceforth devote himself to the reconquest against the English