An emblematic figure in the History of France, Joan of Arc is one of the greatest heroines of the Hundred Years War. At only 17 years old, this young woman from Lorraine hears voices ordering her to take up arms to liberate France from English control. Two years later, her romantic destiny came to a tragic end in Rouen, and the young Joan became legendary.
Probably born in 1412 in the small Lorraine village of Domrémy, Joan of Arc came from a relatively well-to-do peasant family. Very pious, the young girl went to church every Saturday and gave alms to the poor. At the age of twelve, she declared for the first time that she heard voices ordering her to free France from the English presence and to bring the Dauphin Charles back to the throne. After meeting her in Chinon on February 25, 1429, he recognized Jeanne as the "young virgin coming from the steps of Lorraine to save France," of which a prophecy has been speaking for several years. He entrusted her with an army to liberate the city of Orleans.
Driven by an unwavering faith in her success, she manages to restore confidence to the desperate troops and liberates Orléans on May 8th. Continuing on her way, she liberated all the cities that separated her from her goal: Reims. Charles VII was crowned King of France on July 17.
Unfortunately, the English managed to get their hands on this young girl who had humiliated them. His trial for witchcraft opened in Rouen on May 23rd 1431. She was burned alive on the Place du Vieux Marché a few days later. At the request of Charles VII, the first judgment was overturned 25 years later and Joan of Arc was canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.
Often idealized, the story of this young peasant woman who takes up arms and succeeds in imposing herself in a male-dominated world to liberate her country from the invader, as well as her tragic destiny, have inspired many artists; Shakespeare, Voltaire, Charles Péguy and Jean Anouilh have all taken up the pen to recount Jeanne's adventures and nearly 23 films have chosen her as their heroine.
In Orléans, a trail allows you to walk in her footsteps. From the Hôtel Groslot, in front of which stands a huge statue representing the young woman, to the house where she stayed, 8 stages follow the route of this tall character.
Today, Joan of Arc is a figure known to all French people. As a symbol of patriotism, she has a very special place in our History, just like in the city of Orléans, which keeps alive the memory of her epic.
To prepare your trip in the footsteps of Joan of Arc.
Berengère for Comme des Français
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Read on with other famous French references:
- In the footsteps of Napoleon
- The best known French painting
- The most translated writer in the world