very early in his life, he was betrothed to isabella of lorraine, daughter of john i, duke of lorraine. in 1374 he went to the court of his uncle king charles v of france and was knighted at the coronation of king charles vi of france, fighting in the flanders campaign in 1383 and the guelders campaign in 1388. he then returned to bar and governed it on behalf of his father, who was often immobilised by attacks of gout.