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

Roger
The planning and coordination of our holiday was quite awesome and far exceeded all of our expectations and indeed our imagination. The 300 odd page personalised guide book with maps, times and distances, restaurants on route and at our destinations, recommended places to visit on route and the accomodation itself and hosts at each location were …
Cathy
France Just For You planned the trip of a lifetime for my husband and me. We traveled to Normandy, St. Saint Michele, the Loire Valley and Provence. We are typically not road trip travelers, but this adventure brought us closer to the wonderful people of France than any group tour or "drop and plop" vacation could ever do. The bed and breakfasts …
Sandy & Dennis
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Our Travelers’ Photos

Linda, Danny & their son Chris
from the US
In Mont Saint Michel
John & Becky
from the US
In the Arcachon Bassin
Nancy & Paul
from Canada
On the French Riviera
Muriel & Michael
from the US
In Utah Beach, Normandy
Pam & Rick
From the US
Tasting some oysters and white wine in the Basque Country
Ann & Jim
From the US
In Amboise castle by the Loire river
Tonia & Peter
from Canada
on the Pyla sandbar near Bordeaux
Frederick
from Canada
Enjoying some cheese
Ginger & Tom
from the US
On the Eiffel Tower
Kathy & Bill
From the US
Biking in Burgundy for a day - near Chateau de la Rochepot
Sharon & Bob
from Canada
Meeting with us in the Loire Valley (with Guillaume, Jeanne and Pauline)
Shirley & Bob
from the US
After a concert in Paris

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