French Travel News 2012 | Joan of Arc celebrated

For a holiday in the Loire which offers all the benefits of a city break with some real local character and little bit of essential French history thrown in for good measure, head to Orléans throughout May for the annual Joan of Arc festival.


In it, Orléans marks the siege from 1428-1429 when the soldier saint helped liberate the city by laying on a mammoth spit-roast in the medieval market, putting on live music and spectacular battle re-enactments, as well as displays of fencing and falconry.

A massive fireworks show concludes proceedings after three days.

This year's festival is extra special as it marks the 600th anniversary of Joan's birth in Domrémy la Pucelle, in the Meuse.

Also in the Meuse, every tree years on the 26th of February the town of Vaucouleurs celebrates the Departure of Joan of Arc for Chinon.

www.orleans.fr

More information available on:

Loire valley Travel guide and Meuse Travel Guide

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Monday, 26th, January by K.Barrau