Battle of Arcis-sur-Aube

Napoleon attempted to surprise Schwarzenberg's army at Arcis-sur-Aube. He engaged believing he faced only a rearguard, but discovered too late that he confronted the main allied army. On 20 March the French repulsed enemy outposts, but the next day found themselves heavily outnumbered. Napoleon then ordered an orderly retreat covered by Sébastiani's cavalry.

After the victory at Reims, Napoleon turned southeast to cut Schwarzenberg's line of communication. He aimed at Saint-Dizier but first had to retake Arcis. Poorly informed, he thought he could crush an isolated detachment. In reality Schwarzenberg had concentrated his entire army in the region. This mistake forced Napoleon to abandon his central maneuver plans.

On 20 March Napoleon took the initiative with a rapid attack on the town, which his troops occupied. But on the 21st reconnaissance revealed massive concentration of allied forces. Napoleon organized defense with his Guard and cavalry, then ordered a phased retreat. Sébastiani slowed the enemy advance with cavalry charges, avoiding encirclement.

The battle was not a rout but marked the end of Napoleon's offensive ambitions in this campaign. His retreat toward Saint-Dizier was an admission of strategic impotence. The Allies could then march more freely on Paris. French morale, already weakened, continued to erode.