By 1360, the Kingdom of France had suffered devastating territorial losses during the early phases of the Hundred Years' War, culminating in the catastrophic Treaty of Brétigny that fundamentally altered French territorial integrity and administrative control.

The treaty awarded England approximately one-third of French territory, including the entire duchy of Aquitaine in full sovereignty, extending from the Pyrenees to the Loire River. England also gained Calais, Ponthieu, and numerous strategic fortresses. These cessions eliminated French suzerainty over vast southwestern territories that had been contested since Eleanor of Aquitaine's marriage to Henry II in 1152.

The French crown retained direct control over the Île-de-France region surrounding Paris, Normandy (though threatened), and portions of central France. The royal domain had been significantly reduced from its pre-war extent, while the monarchy faced enormous ransom obligations for King John II's release following his capture at Poitiers (1356).

France remained divided among numerous autonomous duchies and counties owing varying degrees of allegiance to the crown. Major territorial divisions included the Duchy of Burgundy (increasingly independent under Philip the Bold), Brittany (maintaining semi-autonomous status), Flanders (economically crucial but politically contested), and numerous smaller fiefs throughout the realm.

The kingdom operated through a complex feudal hierarchy with baillis and sénéchaux serving as royal administrators in territories under direct crown control. However, many regions maintained their own legal systems, customs, and administrative practices, creating a patchwork of jurisdictions that complicated central governance.

Major cities like Paris, Rouen, and Lyon retained chartered privileges and municipal governance, while ecclesiastical territories maintained significant autonomy. The Papacy's residence in Avignon (1309-1377) had created additional complications for French territorial administration.

Large areas of France remained under English military occupation or control by mercenary companies (routiers), creating administrative chaos and economic devastation that would require decades to resolve through reconquest and administrative restoration.