Key Facts
- Duration
- Late August – 4 October 1435
- Treaty of Arras signed
- 21 September 1435 (mid-siege)
- Saint-Denis recaptured by French
- February 1436
- Paris recaptured by French
- 17 April 1436
- Strategic significance
- Traditional burial site of French kings, near Paris
Strategic Narrative Overview
The English besieged Saint-Denis while the peace congress of Arras was underway, with neither side halting hostilities during negotiations. On 21 September 1435, halfway through the siege, the Duke of Burgundy concluded the Treaty of Arras with Charles VII of France, formally severing the Anglo-Burgundian alliance. Despite this diplomatic rupture, the Burgundian troops at Saint-Denis remained with the English until the garrison, lacking outside relief, surrendered on 4 October 1435.
01 / The Origins
During the Hundred Years' War, the English held Paris and its environs with Burgundian support. Saint-Denis, the traditional burial place of French kings and situated on the outskirts of Paris, had been captured by French forces a few months prior to the siege. Its proximity critically threatened the English position in Paris, compelling an urgent English attempt to retake the town in late August 1435, joined by a small contingent of Burgundian auxiliaries.
03 / The Outcome
The English victory proved short-lived. While Saint-Denis was being recovered, the French seized Meulan, blocking the main supply route between Paris and Normandy. With Burgundy now reconciled to the French crown, a unified French force captured Saint-Denis in February 1436 and retook Paris on 17 April 1436. These rapid reversals underscored the collapse of the English strategic position in northern France following the loss of their Burgundian alliance.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
2 belligerents
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.