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

Leslie
There are not enough superlatives for our experience with Emilie. Prompt correspondence and thorough questions led to the perfect vacation for my family. Her choice of hotels in Paris and Provence were exactly what I would have chosen on my own. Her tour guide recommendations were spot on. The fact that she arranged all of our transfers, train …
Pamela
We just returned from a fantastic three weeks in Southwest France. I highly recommend the services of France Just For You, we could never have planned the trip ourselves as well as they did. Laura did the planning and gave us an amazing itinerary, and was available at a moment's notice when we had a plane cancellation on our flight to Bordeaux and …
Judy
I can echo everything that has been said in the previous three reviews. The personalization of this entire trip was incredible and Emilie communicated quickly and completely, both in the planning of the trip and after we were in France. My husband and I were spending four weeks in France in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We were a little …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Ginette, Craig, Bev & Dan again
from the US
Having breakfast on their private terrace near Aix en Provence
Frederick
from Canada
Enjoying some cheese
Roy & Maureen
From Australia
In Biarritz Food Market, enjoying some white wine with oysters
Rory
From the US
Enjoying a croissant at the B&B in Burgundy
The Loo Family
From Malaysia
Visiting an out of the beaten track abbey in the Loire valley, with its owner
Jill, Wayne & Varenne (the dog)
from the US
Enjoying Mont Saint Michel away from the crowds, Normandy
The Khaw Family
From Malaysia
With their guide Raphaelle in Paris with Notre Dame Cathedral in the background.
Bonnie & Steve
from the US
in Provence
Stuart
from Australia
Who stumbled upon Alice Cooper rock star in Galeries Lafayette in Paris
Kim
From the US
Enjoying a glass of wine in Amboise
Dina & Jim
from the US
Who just received their travel pack at home
Bridget & Tyler
from the US
In Monet's house kitchen in Giverny

Last Blog Articles