ABSTRACT
The French challenge in Italy during his reign was in large part the outcome of the interests and initiatives of his agents and representatives in Italy, of the Italian exiles in his service, of his wife and his favourites, the brothers Francois and Cardinal Charles de Guise. Reinforcements for Brissac arrived from France, including many French noble volunteers, among them Francois de Guise, who came anticipating a battle. As Ferrante Gonzaga was in no position to give battle, Brissac was able to take the stronghold of Lanzo, to the north-west of Turin, at the end of November. In late May 1552, Charles V had to flee from Innsbruck to avoid being captured by his enemies. He did not feel he could safely take refuge in Italy, because his prestige there had suffered, the troops were restless, and he had no resources to bring with him to reinforce his authority.
