Peace of Saint-Germain (1570)

The Peace of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, signed on 8 August 1570, concluded the Third War of Religion. Negotiated by Charles IX, Gaspard II de Coligny, and Jeanne d'Albret, it granted Huguenots specific religious and political rights, surpassing the 1568 Peace of Longjumeau.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Following the outbreak of civil war in 1568, Huguenot forces under Coligny and Condé defended the south-west. After Condé's death at Jarnac in 1569, Coligny assumed command. The war saw significant battles, including Moncontour in 1569, before the royal debt and desire for peace drove negotiations in 1570.

Negotiations. Negotiations intensified in early 1570, with La Noue, Téligny, and Bricquemault representing the Huguenots, while Biron and de Mesmes represented the crown. The Protestant nobility accepted a compromise that favored their southern heartland, leading to the final agreement at the royal residence.

Terms of the Peace. The peace established specific rights for French Protestants, going beyond the Peace of Longjumeau. Article 9 allowed worship in towns held by Huguenots on 1 August 1570. Coligny was restored to favor, receiving lavish court attention in 1571, though tensions remained high.

People involved

Sources

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