Battles & Campaigns · 1814
Battle of Limonest
Limonest, near Lyon, France
What happened
The French were defending the hills north-west of Lyon. Allied troops took the high ground of the Monts d'Or, leaving the French line exposed, and the French fell back to the city walls. That night Augereau decided Lyon could not be held and withdrew.
Why it matters
The Allies took Lyon, the second-largest city in France. This protected their supply line back to Germany.
What came next
Augereau's army reached Valence on 23 March, and another French division withdrew to Grenoble.
Did you know?
Earlier, a French general bluffed an Austrian envoy into thinking Lyon's defenders outnumbered the Austrians.
Timeline
- 18 Jan 1814French bluff delays an Austrian attack on Lyon.
- 20 Mar 1814Battle of Limonest.
- That nightAugereau withdraws from Lyon.
- 23 Mar 1814Augereau's army reaches Valence.