At the Battle of Mars-la-Tour on 16 August 1870, Bataille's division held the part of the French line at Vionville and Flavigny-sur-Moselle. He was wounded in the stomach during the battle. He had two horses killed under him at the Battle of Gravelotte on 18 August 1870. In danger of losing his life, he was transported to Metz, which was surrounded by German forces on 19 August 1870 and eventually surrendered on 27 October 1870 after the 70-day Siege of Metz. Bataille was taken prisoner when Metz capitulated.