The Battle of the Nive
9-13 December 1813 · Soult’s Counterattack
The Battle of the Nive, fought from 9 to 13 December 1813, saw Marshal Soult attempt to destroy Wellington's army while it was divided by flooded rivers. Several separate engagements were fought over four days, with particularly ferocious fighting around St Pierre on 13 December. Soult failed to regain the initiative.
Background
Flooded rivers divided Wellington's army. Soult attempted to destroy isolated Allied corps.
The Battle
Several separate engagements occurred over four days. The hard fighting around St Pierre on 13 December was particularly ferocious.
Significance
Despite repeated French attacks, Soult failed to regain the initiative. Wellington's grip on southern France tightened.
Where This Fits in the Peninsular War
The Battle of the Nive was fought during the final campaign in southern France (1813-1814). See where it sits in the full chronology of the campaign, from the first British landings in Portugal to the final battle at Toulouse, on the complete campaign guide.
Page last updated: July 2026