Joan of Arc: A Short Life and A Martyr

A Symbol of Courage in the Heart of Paris

Every year, millions of visitors flock to Paris to admire its grand boulevards, world-class museums, and iconic landmarks. But beyond the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre lies a deeper history—one filled with heroes who shaped France’s destiny. Among them, none is more legendary than Joan of Arc, the young peasant girl who became a military leader, a saint, and an eternal symbol of French resistance.

Captured by the Burgundians at Compiègne in May 1430, she was sold 10 000 livres to the English by Jean de Luxembourg, Count of Ligny. She was burned alive in 1431 after a trial for heresy conducted by Pierre Cauchon, Bishop of Beauvais and former rector of the University of Paris. Marred by numerous irregularities, this trial was ordered to be reviewed by Pope Callixtus III 25 years later in 1455. A second trial was held, which concluded in 1456 that Joan was innocent and fully rehabilitated her.

In 2026, Paris continues to honor her legacy in ways both grand and subtle. From statues and churches to special exhibitions, the City of Light keeps her memory alive. Whether you’re a history buff, a spiritual traveler, or simply curious, Joan of Arc’s story is one you won’t forget. Her story starts with the Hundred Years War.

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The Hundred Years War (1337-1453)

The Hundred Years’ War was a conflict punctuated by truces of varying lengths, pitting the Plantagenet dynasty against the Valois dynasty, and through them, the kingdoms of England and France. It lasted from 1337 to 1453. The term “Hundred Years’ War” itself is a historiographical construct established in the 19th century to describe this series of conflicts.

Joan of Arc’s intervention (1407–1429) took place during the second phase of the Hundred Years’ War, which saw the centuries-old conflict between the English and French kingdoms become entangled with a civil war resulting from the antagonism between the princes of the royal Valois dynasty.

Since 1392, King Charles VI of France, known as “the Mad,” had been suffering from intermittent mental disorders. This led to power struggles between his brother, Duke Louis of Orleans, and his cousin, John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy, who had the Duke of Orleans assassinated in November 1407. This act triggered a civil war between the Burgundians and the House of Orleans, whose supporters were subsequently called “Armagnacs” due to the commitment of the Count of Armagnac to his son-in-law, Charles of Orleans, son and successor of the murdered duke.
Taking advantage of this fratricidal conflict, King Henry V of England reignited Franco-English hostilities by claiming entire swathes of the Kingdom of France. In 1415, the army of the Lancaster monarch landed in Normandy, besieged Harfleur, and then routed the French knights at Agincourt. Beginning in 1417, Henry V began the methodical conquest of Normandy, completing it by capturing the ducal capital, Rouen, in 1419.
Faced with the Lancaster threat, John the Fearless (Jean sans Peur) and the Dauphin Charles, heir to the throne, met on September 10, 1419, on the bridge at Montereau with a view to reconciliation. But this time, it was the Duke of Burgundy who was assassinated during the meeting, perhaps at the instigation of the Dauphin himself or some of his Armagnac advisors. This effectively prevented any agreement between the Valois princes of France and Burgundy. Son and successor of the assassinated John the Fearless, Duke Philip the Good (Philippe le Bon) consequently forged an alliance “of reason and circumstance” with the English, an Anglo-Burgundian, agreement marked by numerous disagreements. As a result, his cousin Charles, Dauphin and future King of France, did not have to “fight against two equally determined adversaries, but against a single adversary (England), occasionally supported by another (Burgundy),” explains medieval historian Philippe Contamine.

Political context of the Kingdom of France after the Treaty of Troyes (1420)

However, Burgundian support enabled the English to impose the Treaty of Troyes, signed on December 1, 1420, between King Henry V of England and Isabeau of Bavaria, Queen of France and Regent (wife of the mad King Charles VI). Under the terms of this agreement aimed at achieving “final peace,” Henry V became regent of the kingdom of France and husband to Catherine of Valois, daughter of King Charles VI “the Mad.” Upon the latter’s death, the crown and kingdom of France were to pass to his son-in-law Henry V of England, then perpetually to the successive heirs of the English king. Historians refer to the political entity defined by the treaty as a “double monarchy,” namely the union of the two kingdoms under the rule of a single sovereign.
But in a dramatic turn of events, King Henry V of England and Charles VI of France both died within two months of each other in 1422, making it difficult to implement the Franco-English double monarchy in the person of the young Henry VI, son of Catherine and Henry V. Catherine remarried Edmund Tudor and had several children, including the future Henry VII of England.

However, the Treaty of Troyes deprived the last surviving son of the mad king, the Dauphin Charles, of his right to succession, stigmatizing him as the murderer of Duke John of Burgundy. Under the Anglo-French dual monarchy, Duke John of Bedford, younger brother of Henry V, became regent of the kingdom of France during the minority of his nephew Henry VI. For his part, the Dauphin Charles also proclaimed himself King of France under the name Charles VII. Determined to recover the entire kingdom, he continued the war against the English.

This struggle for supremacy divided the country into three large territorial entities, the “Three Frances,” governed respectively by the English House of Lancaster, the Duke of Burgundy, and King Charles VII.

Who Was Joan of Arc?

Born in Domrémy, a small village in northeastern France, around 1412, Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc in French) was an ordinary girl—until she wasn’t. At just 13 years old, she began hearing voices she believed were from Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret, urging her to help Charles VII, the uncrowned king of France, reclaim his throne from the English during the Hundred Years’ War.

By 1429, at only 17, she convinced Charles to let her lead an army. Dressed in armor and carrying a banner with the words “Jesus Maria“, she inspired soldiers with her faith and tactical brilliance. Her most famous victory came at the Siege of Orléans, where she turned the tide of the war in just nine days.

The Epic of Joan of Arc: From Domrémy to Chinon

Joan of Arc had been “hearing voices” since the age of 13, urging her to serve the king, especially when news of the siege of Orléans reached her (December 1428 or January 1429). After the local lord Robert de Beaudricourt refused to help her, she quickly gained a reputation as a healer, which led to her being summoned by the ailing Charles II of Lorraine. Robert de Beaudricourt finally took her seriously and gave her an escort of six men who remained loyal to her throughout her journey. Before leaving, she donned men’s clothing and cut her hair in the style we know today.

The journey from Domrémy to Chinon, where King Charles VI resided, went smoothly. There she met the Dauphin, the future Charles VII, whose kingdom was contested by the English royal line. The Maid addressed Charles VII using the title “Dauphin” and clearly announced four events to him: the liberation of Orléans, the coronation of the king in Reims, the liberation of Paris, and the liberation of the Duke of Orléans.
In order not to give his enemies – who called Joan of Arc the “whore of Armagnac” – any ammunition, the king had two ladies of the court verify Joan of Arc’s femininity and virginity. After conducting an investigation on her in Domrémy, Charles agreed to send Joan to Orléans, which was under siege by the English.

Joan of Arc the Warrior

Her journey to the coronation of Charles VII (April to July 1429)

In April 1429, Joan of Arc was sent by King Charles VII to Orléans, not at the head of an army, but with a supply convoy traveling along the left bank of the Loire River.

Arriving in Orléans on April 29, she brought supplies and met Jean d’Orléans, known as “the Bastard of Orléans,” the future Count of Dunois. She was greeted enthusiastically by the population, but the war captains were reserved. With her faith, confidence, and enthusiasm, she managed to instill new energy in the desperate French soldiers and force the English to lift the siege of the city on the night of May 7-8, 1429.

After securing the Loire Valley thanks to the victory at Patay (where Joan of Arc did not take part in the fighting) on June 18, 1429, against the English, Joan went to Loches and persuaded the Dauphin to go to Reims to be crowned King of France. To reach Reims, the group had to pass through towns under Burgundian control, including Troyes. On July 4, 1429, Charles’ army of 10,000 soldiers, led by Joan of Arc, set up camp in front of Saint-Phal, south of Troyes. Joan had a letter written to the people of Troyes (she could not write herself) asking them to surrender. The garrison refused, but the population was in favor. For his part, the Dauphin decided to return with his army to where he had come from. On July 7, Joan advised him instead to launch an assault, then without waiting, she mounted her horse and rode through the camp to prepare for the attack. On July 9, the bishop and the bourgeoisie of the city surrendered and submitted to the king.

The surrender of Troyes was a momentous event. It also led to the surrender of Châlons-en-Champagne and Reims and sealed the success of the coronation campaign. It was from this moment on that Charles VII truly took the title of King. He was crowned in Reims on July 17, 1429.

After the coronation that legitimized Charles VII (July 17, 1429)

The political and psychological impact of this coronation was significant. Reims, located at the heart of the territory controlled by the Burgundians and highly symbolic, was interpreted by many at the time as the result of divine will. It legitimized Charles VII, who had been disinherited by the Treaty of Troyes.

However, the king’s advisors, wary of her inexperience and prestige, kept her away from key military decisions. Contemporary historians consider her either as a standard-bearer who restored the morale of the combatants and the population, or as a war leader demonstrating real tactical skills. To this day, no one has been able to decide on this subject.

In the wake of the coronation, Joan of Arc tried to convince King Charles VII to recapture Paris from the Burgundians and the English, but he hesitated. After stopping at the Château de Monceau, Joan led an attack on Paris on September 8, 1429, but was wounded by a crossbow bolt during the attack on the Porte Saint-Honoré. The attack was quickly abandoned.

Forced retreat to the Loire (December 1429 to May 1430)

It was a forced retreat to the Loire, and the army was disbanded. Nevertheless, Joan set out on campaign once more: she now led her own troops and considered herself an independent war leader, no longer representing the king.

In October, Joan took part in the siege of Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier with the royal army, which she captured on November 4, 1429, with Charles d’Albret. On November 23, they unsuccessfully laid siege to La Charité-sur-Loire.

In early 1430, Joan was invited to stay at the Château de La Trémoille in Sully-sur-Loire with the king. She left in early May, without taking leave, at the head of a company of volunteers, and went to Compiègne, which was under siege by the Burgundians.

The capture at Compiègne (May 23, 1430)

On May 23, 1430, at around 8 p.m., Joan of Arc left Compiègne at the head of a group of men and attacked the Burgundian camp. The English managed to evade the attack, and the French, realizing the danger, retreated to Compiègne. Only a few men remained with Joan of Arc, including her brother Pierre d’Arc. The Maid fell from her horse and was captured by Burgundian captains.

She was taken to Margny-lès-Compiègne, where the Duke of Burgundy came to see her in person, then to Clairoix, Élincourt-Sainte-Marguerite, and Beaulieu-les-Fontaines, from where she attempted to escape, without success. She was then taken to the castle of Beaurevoir, in Vermandois, where she made a second attempt to escape.

The sale of Joan of Arc to the English (November 21, 1430)

Taken to Arras, she was sold to the English on November 21, 1430, for ten thousand livres tournois, paid by the people of Rouen. Held at the Château du Crotoy in the Bay of Somme from November 21 to December 20, 1430, she was handed over to the English as they crossed the bay at Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. She was then placed in the hands of Pierre Cauchon, Bishop of Beauvais and ally of the English, who would preside over her trial.

The trial of Joan of Arc (February 21 to May 23, 1431)

The preliminary investigation began in January 1431, and the trial lasted from February 21 to May 23, 1431. Twenty-two canons, sixty doctors, ten Norman abbots, and ten delegates from the eminent religious authority of the Sorbonne University in Paris participated.

Joan of Arc was accused of heresy, criticized for wearing men’s clothing, leaving her parents without their permission, and, above all, systematically deferring to God’s judgment rather than that of the “militant Church.” The judges also believed that the “voices” she constantly referred to were in fact inspired by the devil. Seventy charges were ultimately brought against her. The University of Paris (Sorbonne) delivered its verdict: Joan is guilty of being schismatic, apostate, a liar, a fortune teller, suspected of heresy, errant in faith, and blasphemous towards God and the saints. The court declared Joan of Arc a “relapse” (having fallen back into her past errors), condemned her to be burned at the stake, and handed her over to the “secular arm.”

Joan of Arc burned at the stake (May 30, 1431)

On May 30, 1431, after confessing and receiving communion, Joan, dressed in a sulfur-colored tunic, was led at around nine o’clock, under English escort, in the cart of the executioner Geoffroy Thérage, to the Place du Vieux-Marché in Rouen. Three platforms had been erected there: the first for the Cardinal of Winchester and his guests, the second for the members of the civil court represented by the bailiff of Rouen, Raoul le Bouteiller, and the third for Joan and the preacher Nicolas Midi, Doctor of Theology.

The Cardinal of Winchester insisted that nothing should remain of her body. He wanted to prevent any posthumous worship of the “Maid.” He therefore ordered three successive cremations. At 3 p.m., Joan’s bone fragments were scattered by the executioner Geoffroy Thérage into the Seine (at the site of the current Mathilde Bridge) so that they could not be used as relics or for acts of witchcraft.

After the death of Joan of Arc – Her rehabilitation (1455)

Shortly after recapturing Rouen, Charles VII issued an ordinance on February 15, 1450, stating that “the enemies of Joan having put her to death unjustly and very cruelly,” he wanted to know the truth about the matter. But it was not until Pope Callixtus III succeeded Nicholas V that a papal rescript finally ordered, in 1455 and at the request of Joan’s mother, a review of the trial.

Thomas Basin, Bishop of Lisieux and advisor to Charles VI, was given the task of investigating the conditions under which Joan’s trial had taken place. His report was the legal basis for the rehabilitation trial. This led to the first judgment being overturned on the grounds of “corruption, fraud, slander, deceit, and malice” thanks to the work of Jean Bréhal, who recorded the testimony of many of Joan’s contemporaries, including the notaries from the first trial and some of the judges.

The rehabilitation judgment, handed down on July 7, 1456, declared the first trial and its conclusions “null and void, without value or effect” and fully rehabilitated Joan and her family. Most of the judges from the first trial, including Bishop Cauchon, had died in the meantime.

Why Is She Still Revered Today?

Joan of Arc wasn’t just a warrior—she was a visionary. Captured by the Burgundians (allies of the English) in 1430, she was sold to the English, put on trial for heresy, and burned at the stake in Rouen on May 30, 1431, at just 19 years old.

Yet, her story didn’t end there. 25 years later, a retrial declared her innocent.

In the 19th century, when the Christian view of history resurfaced, Catholics were embarrassed by the role played by the bishops in the trial. Historian Christian Amalvi notes that Bishop Cauchon is omitted from illustrations. The role of the Church is downplayed and Joan’s execution is attributed solely to England.

Joan of Arc was beatified by a brief dated April 11, 1909, followed by a ceremony held on April 18, 1909. She was then canonized on May 16, 1920. Her religious feast day is set for May 30, the anniversary of her death.

In his apostolic letter Galliam, Ecclesiæ filiam primogenitam dated March 2, 1922, the new Pope Pius XI proclaimed Joan of Arc the secondary patron saint of France, while reaffirming the Virgin Mary as the principal patron saint. The opening words of the papal document also bestowed on France the traditional title of “eldest daughter of the Church.”

Today, she remains:

• A national heroine of France
• A symbol of female empowerment
• An icon of faith and resistance

Joan of Arc in Paris: Where to Follow Her Footsteps

Paris may not be where Joan of Arc was born or died, but the city holds deep connections to her legacy. If you’re visiting Paris, here’s where you can walk in her footsteps.

1. Place des Pyramides – The Golden Statue of Joan of Arc

One of the most striking tributes to Joan of Arc stands in Place des Pyramides, near the Tuileries Garden. This gilded equestrian statue, created by Emmanuel Frémiet in 1874, shows her in full armor, sword raised, as if ready to charge into battle.

Why visit?

• It’s one of the most photographed statues of Joan in Paris.
• The location is central, making it easy to combine with a visit to the Louvre or Palais Royal.
• At night, the statue is illuminated, giving it an almost mystical glow.

Pro tip: If you’re there on May 8th (Victory in Europe Day) or May 30th (anniversary of her execution), you might see floral tributes left by admirers.

2. Rue Jeanne d’Arc – A Street Named in Her Honor

Jeanne d’Arc Street is an almost straight road in the 13th arrondissement, near Place d’Italie, nearly 1.5 km long and approximately 20 meters wide. It begins at Domrémy Street, crosses Jeanne d’Arc Square, Vincent-Auriol Boulevard, and Hôpital Boulevard, before joining Saint-Marcel Boulevard.

While not as grand as other Parisian landmarks, it’s a subtle reminder of how deeply she’s woven into French identity.

Nearby attractions:

• Jardin des Plantes
• Panthéon (where many French heroes are buried)
• Luxembourg Gardens (perfect for a post-visit stroll)

3. Saint-Chapelle – Where Her Relics Were Once Kept

Though Joan of Arc was never in Saint-Chapelle, this 13th-century Gothic masterpiece on Île de la Cité holds a fascinating link to her story. After her canonization, some of her relics (including a piece of her tunic) were kept here before being moved.

Why visit?

• The stained-glass windows are among the most beautiful in the world.
• It’s right next to Notre-Dame, another must-see (though still under restoration after the 2019 fire).

4. Basilica of Saint-Denis – The Royal Necropolis

Just north of Paris, the Basilica of Saint-Denis is where French kings and queens were buried for centuries. While Joan of Arc isn’t buried here, the basilica is deeply tied to the monarchy she fought to restore.

What to see:

• The tombs of Charles VII (the king she helped crown) and other medieval rulers.
• The stunning Gothic architecture, a precursor to Notre-Dame.

2024 Update: The basilica is undergoing some restoration work, but remains open to visitors.

5. Musée de l’Armée (Army Museum) – Weapons & Armor from Her Era

At Les Invalides, the Musée de l’Armée houses an incredible collection of medieval weapons and armor, giving you a sense of what Joan of Arc and her soldiers would have worn.

Highlights:

• Replicas of 15th-century swords and shields
• Interactive exhibits on the Hundred Years’ War
• Napoleon’s tomb (a bonus for history lovers)

• Book Musée de l’Armée – Les Invalides tickets

Joan of Arc: Events & Exhibitions in Paris

Paris is always finding new ways to celebrate Joan of Arc. Here’s what’s happening In the recent past:

1. Special Exhibition at the Conciergerie (Was in Spring 2024)

The Conciergerie, a former royal palace and prison, was hosting “Joan of Arc: Myth and Reality” from March to June 2024. This exhibition explored:

• Her trial transcripts(some of the most detailed records of the Middle Ages)
• Artworks depicting her from the 15th century to modern times
• Debunking myths (Was she really a simple peasant? Did she really hear voices?)

• The Conciergerie itself is a hauntingly beautiful medieval building.
• The exhibition includes rare manuscripts from the Bibliothèque Nationale.

• Book Conciergerie tickets

2. Joan of Arc Festival in Orléans (in May)

While not in Paris, the Fêtes Johanniques in Orléans are from April 29 to May 10, 2026. It is the biggest annual celebration of Joan of Arc. If you’re in France during this time, it’s worth the 1-hour train ride from Paris.

What to expect:

• A grand historical parade with hundreds of actors in medieval costumes
• Reenactments of her battles
• Fireworks over the Loire River

3. Guided Walking Tours: “Joan of Arc’s Paris”

Several companies offer themed walking tours focused on Joan of Arc’s connections to Paris. These usually include:

• Place des Pyramides (her statue)
• Notre-Dame (where she attended mass during her lifetime)
• The Latin Quarter (where scholars debated her legacy)

Best tour operators:

• Paris Charms & Secrets (small-group tours)
• Context Travel (in-depth historical walks)

Why Does Joan of Arc Still Matter Today?

More than 600 years after her death, Joan of Arc remains one of the most debated, analyzed, and celebrated figures in history. Here’s why her story still resonates:

1. A Feminist Icon Before Feminism Existed

In an era when women had no political or military power, Joan of Arc led armies, advised kings, and challenged the Churc*. She’s often called the “first feminist“—though she herself would have rejected the label, believing her strength came from divine mission.

Modern parallels:

• Malala Yousafzai (education activist)
• Greta Thunberg (climate activist)
• Women in the military (Joan paved the way for female soldiers)

2. A Symbol of French Nationalism

During World War I and II, Joan of Arc was used as a symbol of resistance against invaders. The far-right and far-left have both claimed her legacy, making her a complex political figure even today.

Fun fact: The French National Front party (now RN or Rassemblement National) once used her image in campaigns, while left-wing groupes highlight her anti-establishment roots.

3. A Saint for the Modern World

Pope Benedict XV canonized her in 1920, but her sainthood goes beyond religion. Many see her as a patron saint of:

• Soldiers
• Prisoners (she was unjustly imprisoned)
• People who feel called to a higher purpose

Joan of Arc in Pop Culture: From Movies to Video Games

Joan of Arc’s life has inspired countless books, films, and even video games. Here are some of the best ways to explore her story beyond Paris:

1. Movies & TV Shows

• “The Passion of Joan of Arc” (1928) – A silent film masterpiece with an unforgettable performance by Renée Falconetti.
• “Joan of Arc” (1999, CBS miniseries) – Starring Leelee Sobieski, this is one of the most historically accurate portrayals.
• “The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc” (1999) – A dramatic, if controversial, take by Luc Besson.

2. Books

• Joan of Arc: A History” by Helen Castor – A modern, well-researched biography.
• The Maidby Kimberly Cutter – A fictionalized but gripping novel.
• Joan of Arc: Her Story by Régine Pernoud – A classic French perspective.

3. Video Games

• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020) – Features a questline where you meet Joan.
• Age of Empires II – She’s a playable hero in the French campaign.
• Fate/Grand Order – A Japanese mobile game where she’s a powerful servant.

Visiting Paris Like Joan of Arc: A Themed Itinerary

Want to experience Paris through the lens of Joan of Arc? Here’s a one-day itinerary that follows her legacy:

Morning: Medieval Paris & Joan’s Statue

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast at Café de Flore (a historic café near Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
• 9:30 AM – Visit Place des Pyramides (see her golden statue)
• 10:30 AM – Walk to Sainte-Chapelle (admire Gothic architecture linked to her era)
• 11:30 AM – Explore Notre-Dame’s exterior (she prayed here in 1429)

Afternoon: Museums & History

• 12:30 PM – Lunch at Le Progrès (a classic bistro near Les Halles)
• 2:00 PM – Musée de l’Armée (see medieval weapons)
• 4:00 PM – Conciergerie (if the Joan of Arc exhibition is on)

• Book Musée de l’Armée – Les Invalides tickets
• Book Conciergerie and Sainte Chapelle tockets

Evening: Reflection & Modern Tributes

• 6:00 PM – Walk along the Seine (reflect on her journey)
• 7:30 PM – Dinner at Le Marais (a district with deep medieval roots)
• 9:00 PM – Nighttime visit to Place des Pyramides (see the statue lit up)

Final Thoughts: Why Joan of Arc’s Story Endures

Joan of Arc was a peasant, a soldier, a saint, and a martyr. Her life was short but explosive, filled with faith, betrayal, and triumph. In Paris, her presence is everywhere—from golden statues to quiet streets—reminding us that even the most ordinary people can change history.

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, take a moment to seek out her story. Whether you’re standing before her statue, walking the same streets she might have, or simply reading about her in a café, you’ll be connecting with a legend who still inspires the world.

As she once said: “I am not afraid… I was born to do this.”

And perhaps, in her own way, she’s still guiding France—and the world—today.