735–739: Provence, Septimania, and the Rhône War

After 732, the battle of Tours/Poitiers does not “close” the frontier. In the South, Umayyad presence remains durable in Septimania around Narbonne, and operations affect Provence and the Rhône valley.

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⚔️ An unstable zone: local allies and strongholds

In the Midi, war does not only oppose “Franks” to “Saracens”: it also involves local powers that negotiate, ally, or resist according to their interests. Charles’s campaigns aim to:

• push back installed forces or raiders
• retake footholds (cities, bridges, fortresses)
• break alliances that threaten Frankish authority

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🏰 736–737: Avignon, Arles, Narbonne

Around 736–737, Charles conducts major operations in Provence and toward Narbonne. Exact chronologies vary by source, but the overall idea is consistent: regain control of the Rhône corridors and limit enemy bases of operation.

Tradition also remembers fighting near the Berre (737), in the wider conflict around Narbonne and coastal routes.

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🤝 Alliances and what follows

Depending on circumstances, Charles may seek outside support, notably from the Lombards. Despite these campaigns, Narbonne remains a key stake: the city will be taken only in 759, under Pepin the Short.

This continuity highlights a major point: building Pippinid power takes several generations.

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🧠 Key takeaways

• After 732, the southern frontier remains active: Septimania and Provence stay war zones.
• Charles campaigns to control the Rhône and contain Narbonne.
• Narbonne’s final capture belongs to Pepin the Short’s time (759).