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

Susan
This was a wonderful way to travel in France! Our tours were wonderful and the guidebook was very helpful. Each day we had suggestions of things to do and we loved every suggestion! Our car and our accommodations were first class. Having the french phone made travel easy since we could use Waze and Google Maps. If we return to France, we will …
Susan & Richard from the US
This trip was amazing, and Laura did such a fantastic job at planning it for us, with us. Wow, the detail and care the whole team put into our package was astonishing.
Earl
It's hard to know where to begin. We stumbled across France Just For You by accident when researching ideas for our three week visit to France. We made contact with Emily by email and began a conversation over the coming weeks as she planned a self-guided holiday for us, designed to fulfil our dream of staying in French b'n'bs in wine-growing …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Scott
From Australia
Making "chou" buns in the Loire Valley
Jane
from the US
Canoeing down the Dordogne river
Ann & Jim
From the US
In Amboise castle by the Loire river
Ron, Jane, Don & Nancy
From Canada
Visiting a wine cellar
John & Becky
from the US
In the Arcachon Bassin
Ruth & Mary-Ann
From the US
In front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Frederick
from Canada
Enjoying some cheese
Lorelea, Teresa, Diane & Chris
From the US
With their hostess in Lille, Northern France
Bonnie & Steve
from the US
in Provence
Sharon & Maroun
from the US
in Burgundy
Alexis, Stefanie and Paul...with Emilie & Family
from the US
At the B&B in the Loire Valley
Lytha & Ron
From the US
Canoeing in the Dordogne region

Last Blog Articles