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

Bobbi
We like to travel independently and Emilie was fantastic in providing us everything we needed to do so. We had wonderful information to read beforehand and received maps and GPS coordinates to get us where we needed to go.This is a great service to use to set up your hotel and car arrangements along with suggested itineraries that can be modified …
Shelley & Andy
We feel lucky that we found Emilie online! Usually, we like to plan our own trips, but we did not have the language capabilities or confidence to plan this vacation alone. Emilie to the rescue! She listened to our concerns and wishes and planned the perfect trip. Loved the small boutique hotel in the perfect part of Paris, and all the bed and …
Valerie
Emilie deserves every 5 (actually I give her 10!) star review since we never dreamed our 2 week trip through the Loire, Normandy and Paris could be so perfect. One of the many steps above and beyond was arranging a full-day private tour in Normandy since my husband's uncle (who is still alive) was there on D-Day. Our guide, Noémie, knew in advance …

Our Travelers’ Photos

George
Enjoying a wine of glass in the B&B garden near Mont Saint Michel
Jane
from the US
Canoeing down the Dordogne river
Kathie, Joan, Brian and Richard
from Canada
Biking for a day in the Loire Valley
Tonya & Robert
From the US
In Versailles - Hall of Mirrors
Bob & Naomi
From the US
In Monet's gardens in Giverny, Normandy
Stephanie & Vania
from Canada
At the top of Aiguille du Midi, by the Mont Blanc, in the French Alps
Christina & her niece
from Australia
In the Wolves Sanctuary in Guéret
Gary, Barbara, Lori and Ron
from the US
After a cooking class in Provence
Sharon & Maroun
from the US
in Burgundy
Mike & Lynda
from the US
Wine Tasting in Bordeaux
Kathy & Mark
from the US
Truffle Hunting in Provence
Harry
From Australia
In the War Cemetery in Normandy

Last Blog Articles