The Battle of the Nivelle
10 November 1813 · The Invasion of France Begins
The Battle of the Nivelle, fought on 10 November 1813, was the first time Wellington defeated the French on French soil. The Allies had crossed the frontier, and Wellington's coordinated attacks across difficult terrain gradually collapsed Marshal Soult's extensive defensive works along the Nivelle river.
Background
The Allies crossed onto French soil for the first time. Marshal Soult had constructed extensive defensive works along the Nivelle river.
The Battle
Wellington coordinated multiple attacks across difficult terrain. French positions gradually collapsed.
Significance
For the first time, Wellington defeated the French on French soil. The invasion of France had begun.
Where This Fits in the Peninsular War
The Battle of the Nivelle 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