Joan of Arc is a widely known historical figure, famous for her ferocity and patriotism to France. Nowadays, she is considered a national heroine. The young girl named La Pucelle (the virgin-warrior) is an example of how the convictions of a simple and illiterate peasant can change the faith of an entire nation.

The Archangel Michael apparently revealed to Joan that she must “drive the English out of France”. Following these divine words, Joan of Arc went to Chinon after her 17th birthday to meet with the Dauphin (the eldest son of the King of France).

joan of arc in chinon loire valley

She convinced the prince (the future Charles VII of France) that she could rescue Orléans from the English invasion during the Hundred Years War.

You may follow Joan of Arc's footsteps in the old city of Chinon, and even find the well onto which she used to step when dismounting her horse.

Under her leadership, as she predicted, the French won against the English on May 7th, 1428. However, a tragic destiny was awaiting her. She was captured and sold to the English in 1430. Accused of witchcraft, she was burned at the stake in Rouen in Normandy at the age of 19. Ever since, she has been an emblematic martyr and was canonized much later in 1920. 

joan of arc in rouen

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Elizabeth from the US
An amazing trip through Southern France! This is the second trip we have booked with Émilie and her talented team at France Just for You and we couldn’t be happier. Based on our inputs, they designed an excellent trip for my husband, myself, my sister and sister-in-law using the Southern France from West to East as a template. We added several days …
Brigitte
We want to thank you and Guillaume for a wonderful itinerary and such amazing personalized attention. Every touch was added with so much special care and your willingness to answer all of my questions in such detail ahead of time was truly amazing. The guidebook and ‘care package’ you sent was so exciting and really helped us a lot with every day …
Martha
Emilie did a fantastic job of planning our 13 day trip from Avignon to Bordeaux, with time spent in Provence, Cathar Country, Basque Country, and Bordeaux. Emilie is an excellent & responsive communicator. Emilie tailored our trip from reserving the rental car and the bed & breakfasts (wonderful places with wonderful hosts), setting up private …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Joe
From the US
Digging & Finding a truffle in Provence
Linda
From Australia
Celebrating her 40th birthday in the Loire Valley
Peter
from Canada
Truffle Hunting in Dordogne
Dan & Kim
From the US
Romantic time in Paris...
John & David
David & John from Canada
Chocolate & Wine tasting in Carcassonne
Andy
from the US
Enjoying a drink on a brasserie terrace in Paris
Yvette & David
from the US
on the French Riviera, near Nice
Bonnie & her 2 daughters
from Canada
In Ménerbes, Provence
Athena, Joanne, Don & Paul
from the US
Spending a day biking in the Loire Valley
Ray & Jane
From Australia
On the French Riviera
Cathy & Rich
from the US
Walking Mont Saint Michel Bay
Ginette and Craig
from the US
In Chaumont castle, Loire Valley

Last Blog Articles