With the prince back in Bordeaux with his prisoners, and the news having reached London of his momentous victory, attention turned on the diplomatic level to capitalising on the advantageous situation in which King Edward found himself. The French were in disarray, with a crisis of leadership and governance. Both sides had an interest in securing peace: the English to press home their advantage, and the French to restore government, stop the continuing military action of English troops under the duke of Lancaster in Brittany and Normandy, and nullify the threat posed by the English forces in Calais.

The English negotiating team was led by the dean of Chichester, William Lynne, and the constable of Bordeaux, John Stretelee. They acted on behalf of King Edward. Although members of his entourage were involved, the prince took no part in the peace negotiations. The negotiators were in contact with London throughout the winter, but serious negotiations started in early 1357 when the Dauphin Charles had re-established a modicum of control in France.

On 22 March 1357 a truce was signed which would extend until 9 April 1359. The truce made provision for a cessation of hostilities and for the prisoners held by the English to go to England. King Edward had already put arrangements in hand for the return of the prince with his prisoners, and on the Tuesday after Easter, 11 April 1357, the prince set sail from Bordeaux for Plymouth.