The Battle of Orthez
27 February 1814 · The Road into Southern France
The Battle of Orthez, fought on 27 February 1814, broke Marshal Soult's defensive stand on his retreat toward Toulouse. French resistance was stubborn, and Wellington himself was slightly wounded in the fighting, but Soult was forced to withdraw and the road into southern France lay open.
Background
Soult attempted another defensive stand while retreating toward Toulouse.
The Battle
French resistance proved stubborn. Eventually Wellington's pressure forced Soult to withdraw. Wellington himself was slightly wounded during the fighting.
Significance
The road into southern France lay open.
Where This Fits in the Peninsular War
The Battle of Orthez 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