Battle of Fontaine-Française
French Wars of Religion · Fontaine-Française, Burgundy (France)
Summary
On 5 June 1595, at Fontaine-Française, Henri IV with around 3,000 men faced the Spanish army of Juan Fernández de Velasco and Mayenne's Leaguers; his decisive cavalry charges scattered the enemy, who, believing a full royal army was present, recrossed the Saône the next day.
Historical context
The battle fits within the persistent conflicts between the King of France and League forces supported by Spain.
Tactics
Henri IV, seeing Biron encircled, launched several impetuous charges with about 200 newly arrived horsemen and mounted arquebusiers, reaching the wounded marshal and scattering the Spaniards. He avoided advancing under fire from troops ambushed in the woods and regained the heights of Fontaine to rally his companies.
Consequences
Weakening of Spanish forces in France and consolidation of Henry IV's royal power.