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

Andre & Family from South Africa
"France Just For You" is the BEST way to visit France If you want to go on a tailor made self drive holiday to France, there is no better way, but to ask Emilie and Laura from France Just For You, to arrange it for you. We have traveled overseas a couple of times already, but then you have to do a lot of homework before hand, and you never know …
Bob from the US
The team created an amazing trip. We gave them the nick name “travel fairies” All was just magical.
Marjorie
My husband and I found France Just For You on the internet, while trying to plan a trip to France. We knew, given our desire to see both Normandy and the south of France, that we would spend hours deliberating about the details. We provided Emily with a budget, the duration of our vacation and a few must-sees and she provided us with a three-week …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Joe
From the US
Digging & Finding a truffle in Provence
Carol from the US
Biking in the Luberon
Beth & Joe
From the US
Enjoying breakfast at the B&B in Southern Provence
Anna & Trea - From the US - in a castle in Provence
Anna & Trea
From the US
In a Castle in Provence
Rory & Mike
From the US
Enjoying a romantic moment
Lytha & Ron
From the US
Canoeing in the Dordogne region
Joe & Beth
From the US
Truffle hunting in Provence
Lorelea, Teresa, Diane & Chris
From the US
With their hostess in Lille, Northern France
Mona & Vernon
from the US
in Cassis creeks of the Mediterranean Sea
Kathie, Joan, Brian and Richard
from Canada
Biking for a day in the Loire Valley
Nicolas from Australia
Nicolas
from Australia
Enjoying cider in Cancale
Greg, Laurie, Laura & Jeff
From the US
With their B&B host near Mont Saint Michel

Last Blog Articles