Where to go in France to know St. Joan of Arc (Photos)

The Hundred Years War was a dark, distressing time in France when the country was in conflict with the English. Joan of Arc, a staunch Catholic with no military training, became pivotal, leading the French to a series of surprising victories during 1429 - 1430.

The French heroine became a saint. Her feast day is May 30. 

The patron saint of France, St. Joan of Arc is one of the most unusual saints of the Catholic Church. She is idolized not so much for the battles she fought as for her steadfast reverence and devotion to her Catholic beliefs.

Called Jeanne d’Arc in French, Joan claimed to hear voices and messages from God when she was very young. At that chaotic time, Joan felt it was her duty, her divine mission, to save France. The voices she heard from God told her to do so. She led her troops to a major victory over the English invaders at Orléans.

At the age of 19, Joan was accused of witchcraft and was sentenced to death by the English and their French collaborators.

Here are three key places in France that show the saint's impact on French history. They are well worth a visit and will help you feel closer to this remarkable young saint. (View the PHOTO GALLERY at the end of this article to see images of the locations mentioned.)

Convinced of her mission, Joan left her native village for Château de Chinon, the summer residence of the Dauphin (as the heir apparent of the French throne came to be known). He was the eldest son of the King of France, Charles VI. 

The thick wall of the fortress, with its imposing tower, was probably terrifying for someone so young, but that did not stop Joan from visiting the château on March 6, 1429.

She had to convince the future King of her divine mission to fight for France:

You can visit the newly restored Château de Chinon, including the tower, the rampart, and even the Great Hall where the determined Joan met the future Charles VII and convinced him of her mission.

Granted, Chinon is not the most beautiful castle in the Loire Valley, but its ramparts and many defensive towers make it one of the few medieval fortified castles there. Weathered by the passing centuries, Chinon is the perfect destination to step back in time and explore history. You can walk in the exact same space where the young Joan found the Dauphin and convinced him to take action.

The 10th-century castle is open all year except January 1 and December 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in winter and 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in summer. The entrance costs around 9 euros. Chinon is about 3 hours from Paris by train, and 3+ hours by car depending on traffic.

Orleans pays homage to Joan considerably more than anywhere else in France.

Joan of Arc arrived in the city of Orleans with the Dauphin Charles at the end of April 1429. The city was under siege and about to surrender to the English. But under the leadership of Joan and the French commander Le Hire, the army freed the city on May 8.

Visiting the historic center allows you to imagine Joan passing through the city.

Street names, shops, and statues, such as the enormous bronze statue in the main square, honor the Catholic saint: local names include Place Domremy (where she was born) and the rue Isabelle-Romée (Joan of Arc’s mother).

Rue Jeanne d'Arc leads to the historic Holy Cross Cathedral, where you can admire the 10 stained glass windows dedicated to St. Joan. On the outside, one of the five bells in the North Tower, the largest weighing 6 tons, is named after Joan of Arc. 

The house where Joan stayed in Orleans in April and May 1429 is now a museum. The original building was destroyed by German bombs in 1940. The now restored Maison de Jeane D'Arc houses an extensive collection of documents devoted to Joan and a multimedia room describing her life and the Hundred Years' War.

Every year, the Town Council organizes the Joan of Arc Celebrations, which include
traditional activities such as medieval fairs and modern events. Catholic high school girls from the region face off to portray Joan during the festivities. Many apply, but the Jeanne d’Arc Association will choose only one.

This year, the 596th celebrations will be held from April 29 to May 8 - 10

Orleans is approximately 90 minutes from Paris by train.

Joan of Arc was imprisoned and tried (twice) in Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy. After her condemnation, she was hauled to the public square and burnt alive on May 30, 1431. 

A modern church built in 1979 is now next to the place of Joan’s martyrdom. With its angled roof, Eglise Saint Jeanne-d'Arc at the Place du Vieux Marché is striking and futuristic with an open central place.

The wonderful Historial Jeanne d’Arc museum in Rouen is educational in character. Located at the restored archiepiscopal palace and spread over five floors, the museum offers a digital history of the Joan’s life from childhood until her death.

The city celebrates St. Joan annually with the vibrant Medieval and Joan of Arc Festival, a three-day celebration organized by the city. This celebration takes visitors back in time with street parades, medieval markets, and workshops. For the young, it is an opportunity to discover handicrafts and professions of the past.

This year's festivities will take place from May 29 to May 31.

Rouen is a day trip from Paris, two hours away from Paris Gare Saint Lazare.