First French War of Religion

Timeline

1. 1562Orléans · Loire ValleyAfter the Massacre of Vassy, the Prince of Condé occupied Orléans on April 2 in the name of "saving the king and removing evil ministers." Huguenot forces then took Angers, Blois, Tours, and Valence in the Rhône Valley, captured Lyon on April 30, and demolished Catholic institutions. Sectarian massacres occurred across the country, and the royal court revoked the January Edict.
2. 1562Dreux · Eure-et-LoirThe Duke of Guise led royal troops in the siege of Rouen (May–October 1562); Antoine de Bourbon, King of Navarre, died of wounds sustained in the fighting, and Rouen eventually fell. In the Battle of Dreux on December 19, the royal army won but at heavy cost: Marshal Montmorency was captured and Marshal Saint-André killed; on the Huguenot side, Condé was captured, and Coligny withdrew with the remnants to Orléans.
3. 1563Orléans · FranceIn February 1563, the Duke of Guise was assassinated by a Huguenot sympathizer, Jean de Poltrot, during the siege of Orléans (wounded February 18, died February 24), depriving Catholic hardliners of their core leader. Catherine de' Medici released Condé and Montmorency and brokered peace talks at the Île aux Bœufs; the Edict of Amboise was issued on March 19, ending the war.