Although a famous victory had been achieved and, in modern parlance, the French command structure had been decapitated, the prince and his advisors would have been only too aware that a substantial part of the enemy army had escaped unscathed. In the event any concerns that they may have had were misplaced, with the French apparently more worried about a possible follow-up assault on the town of Poitiers. Indeed, Froissart tells us that they watched from the gates and towers of the city all night, and the next morning armed all manner of men to help the defence. He attributes the prince's lack of interest in Poitiers, and indeed places on the route to Bordeaux, to the fact that the Anglo-Gascons were so charged with gold, silver, jewels and valuable prisoners that they had neither the time nor the need to attack towns and fortresses. Nevertheless, despite the French preoccupations with Poitiers, an attempt to liberate the king could not be ruled out. This was not a time to dally, and a return to Bordeaux without delay was advisable.

However, before they could leave time was required to identify and bury the dead, at least those of higher social status, to tend to the wounded, and to arrange for the release on parole of those prisoners who were not to be taken to Bordeaux. It was also important to get news to both the duke of Lancaster and King Edward and letters had to be written and despatched.