After sending scouts forward, the French king awaited their return eagerly. When the three knights came back, he asked for news of the enemy. Sir Eustace de Ribeaumont, speaking for the group, reported what they had seen:
The English army consisted of about 2,000 men-at-arms, 4,000 archers, and 1,500 others.
They were positioned in a strong defensive location and arranged in a single battle formation The Black Prince Considers Peace.
The English had fortified hedges and bushes along the way, making it nearly impossible for the French to pass without coming under fire from the archers.
There was only one narrow passage through the hedge, wide enough for about four horsemen to ride abreast.
Beyond the hedges, the English had stationed foot soldiers and archers in a compact, layered formation, making it very difficult to break through.
The French king listened carefully, realizing the challenge his army would face.
Advice from Sir Eustace
Sir Eustace then offered his advice on how to engage the English effectively. He suggested:
Most of the French army should fight on foot, allowing them to move steadily and engage the English closely Walking Tour Ephesus.
Three hundred of the best and bravest knights should remain on horseback to lead the attack. Their job would be to break the English defenses and create openings in the hedges where the archers were positioned.
Once the knights had weakened the English line, the rest of the French army could advance and fight the enemy men-at-arms hand-to-hand.
The king agreed that this plan would be followed, showing trust in the judgment of his experienced knights and commanders.
Organizing the French Army
After deciding on the strategy, the French marshals rode from battle to battle, selecting the 300 most skilled and well-armed knights and squires for the opening cavalry assault. Every man chosen was carefully equipped and well-mounted, ensuring they could perform their crucial role effectively.
The battle of the Germans, a section of the French army, was ordered to remain mounted on horseback to support the marshals if needed. This section was led by the Count of Saltzburgh and the Count of Nassau, providing additional strength and flexibility in the battle.
King John of France himself was fully armored and present with twenty other men in his retinue. He entrusted the care and guidance of his eldest son to the Lord of Saint Venant, the Lord of Landes, and the Lord Tibalt of Bordenay, ensuring his family’s safety during the engagement.
Additionally, Lord Arnold de Cervolle, called the Archpriest, was armed in the armor of the young Count of Alençon, showing the close coordination and symbolic gestures among the French leaders.