Joan of Arc in Chinon and Loches: history and legends

The historic meeting with the King in Chinon

Arriving in Chinon on 23 February 1429 after eleven days on horseback, Jeanne enters the great hall of the king’s private flats. A shocking first encounter in which the young shepherdess recognises Charles VII among his courtiers, despite her attempt to hide in the crowd!

Yolande of Aragon, the King’s mother-in-law, then supervises the examination of Jeanne’s virginity by an assembly of women. Then it was on to Poitiers, where doctors of theology and advisers judged her bona fides. On her return to Chinon between 27 March and 5 April, Joan presented the King with a gold crown as a sign of her promise to lead him to the coronation. The beginning of an epic that would see all La Pucelle’s promises fulfilled, from the siege of Orléans to driving the English out of France.

At Ile Bouchard, Jeanne set foot on land in front of the Romanesque portal of the Church of Saint-Gilles and attended high mass. This was her last stop, before making her way to Chinon along the Vienne. At the foot of today’s Rue Jeanne d’Arc, below the royal fortress, a sign mentions that this is where Jeanne is said to have dismounted.

Why Chinon to meet Charles VII? and its many monuments

Do you know why the medieval city was chosen for this decisive meeting? Located on the borders of Anjou, Poitou and Touraine, the royal fortress of Chinon offered an ideal refuge for the future sovereign. After crossing enemy lines from Vaucouleurs in February, the divine messenger found the royal dwelling a safe and discreet place for her first meeting.

In the donjon du Coudray where she was staying, a small committee organised by Yolande d’Aragon enabled her mission to be authenticated in complete privacy. The castle’s strategic position, high protective walls and great hall conducive to audiences make it the perfect stage for this historical moment that will change the fate of the kingdom.

Discover our offers in Chinon

Joan's epic between Tours and Orléans

Walk the medieval streets of Tours where Jeanne received her precious equipment. In the former rue des Carmes, now rue Paul-Louis Courier, admire the mansion that welcomed her during her preparations. It was here that Touraine artist Hennes Poulvoir painted his famous standard.

After receiving her armour forged by the master craftsmen of Tours, Jeanne joined the supply convoy to Orléans. A stopover at Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois marks her journey: in the chapel, she discovers a mysterious sword, according to legend buried behind the altar by Charles Martel.

On 25 April 1429, equipped with her warrior attributes, La Pucelle leaves Tours. Her convoy crossed the verdant landscapes of Touraine before reaching Blois, the last stop before the glorious liberation of Orléans.

A memorable stopover in Loches

Cross the majestic Porte Royale de Loches, taking the same route as Jeanne d’Arc on 22 May 1429. In the great hall of the Logis Royal, relive this crucial moment when La Pucelle, buoyed by her victory at Orléans, convinced Charles VII to leave to be crowned in Reims.

Admire the room known as the “Joan of Arc” room, where the echoes of this decisive encounter still reverberate. Today, a statue of the heroine keeps vigil over the giant of Agnès Sorel in the collégiale Saint-Ours, moving testimony to the link between these two women who marked the history of the kingdom.

Discover theunique collections of the Chancellerie, where a permanent exhibition recounts this glorious page in the history of Loch.

Visit the collegiate church of Saint-Ours

The secrets of the Royal City of Chinon

The great hall of the royal flats still holds the memory of these historic moments. In the monumental fireplace, Charles VII and Joan exchanged secrets that no one will ever know. The Histopad tablet today reveals this mythical scene in augmented reality, transporting you to the heart of the year 1429.

Then climb up to the tour du Coudray where Jeanne stayed during her stay. From the top of the ramparts, contemplate the Vienne winding through the vineyards, the same panorama that was available to La Pucelle during her meditations. The reconstructed royal bedroom of Henri II and Aliénorplunges you into the medieval atmosphere of this fortress with a thousand stories.

©Rue Colbert maison à colombages à Tours|ADT Touraine - JC COUTAND

Tours: in the footsteps of La Pucelle

In the heart of vieux Tours, step back in time to the home of Eléonore de la Pau and Jean du Puy, at 15 rue Paul-Louis Courier. This historic residence was home to La Pucelle for almost a month, under the protection of Queen Marie d’Anjou. A plaque commemorating the fifth centenary marks this place of remembrance.

Continue your discovery towards the place Plumereau, where the footsteps of Jeanne and her large crowd of soldiers still echo. In the former rue Colbert, a sign “À la Pucelle Armée” adorns a half-timbered house, a reminder of the heroine’s stay. Then head to the Quai Paul-Bert, from where the Pucelle set off towards her destiny, equipped with her standard painted by Touraine artist Hennes Poulvoir.

From Chinon to Orléans: the legendary route

Relive La Pucelle’s final preparations before her glorious mission. At Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois, push open the door of the church where the story of this miraculous sword still resonates. The village treasures the memory of Joan’s two days of prayer before her departure for Chinon.

It’s also worth noting that ahead of the siege of Orléans, Joan of Arc and her comrades-in-arms passed through the château du Rivau to pick up some horses for the crew. At the time, this castle belonging to the Lords of Beauvau was particularly renowned for the quality of its mounts intended for warfare. The current scenography displayed in the castle’s securies, and the equestrian jousts organised every summer are a reminder of this history.

Then take the road to Blois, as the supply convoy did in that spring of 1429. The byways take you through vineyards and forests to the banks of the Loire. In each village you pass through, traces of this journey remain: a chapel, a roadside cross, a half-timbered house bearing witness to this era.

The stables at Château du Rivau

Plunge into the heart of history at this château where Joan of Arc stopped off in 1429 to stock up on war horses. Discover the historic stables and let yourself be transported by the unique charm of this place steeped in epic.

But the Rivau is much more than just a château:

Wander through its enchanting gardens, labelled “Remarkable Garden”, where 14 themed areas blend contemporary art and botany.
Extend your visit by staying in its exceptional accommodation, for a timeless experience.
Enjoy a gourmet break at the restaurant, featuring local produce.

©Village de Sainte Catherine de Fierbois|ADT Touraine - JC Coutand

Visit the emblematic sites of Touraine

The Touraine treasures the memory of the Maid of Orleans. In Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois, the auberge Jeanne d’Arc welcomes you to an authentic medieval atmosphere. Not far away, the Friends of Joan of Arc association brings the heroine’s epic to life each summer during a major medieval festival.

Other emblematic figures of Touraine

Kings, queens, writers, artists… Touraine has seen some of the greatest figures in history pass through its doors. Continue your journey through time by discovering other key figures!