The Battles of Barfleur and La Hougue took place during the Nine Years' War, between 19 May Old Style and 4 June Old Style 1692. The first was fought near Barfleur on 19 May Old Style, with later actions occurring between 20 May Old Style and 4 June Old Style at Cherbourg and Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue in Normandy, France.
The French attempt to restore James II to the English throne—the Williamite War in Ireland—ended in defeat in October 1691. Instead, a fleet of 44 ships of the line under Admiral de Tourville was to transport an invasion force commanded by Bernardin Gigault de Bellefonds. The Anglo-Dutch ships wintered in separate ports, and Tourville was ordered to put to sea as early as possible, hoping to intercept them before they could combine. However, when he finally did so in late May, the two fleets under Admiral Edward Russell had already met up and were 82 strong when they encountered the French off Cape Barfleur.
Following his instructions, Tourville attacked, but, after an indecisive clash that left many ships on both sides damaged, he disengaged.