Statue de Jeanne d'Arc dans la cour de l'Hôtel Groslot © Christophe Mouton Statue de Jeanne d'Arc dans la cour de l'Hôtel Groslot © Christophe Mouton
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Joan of Arc Festival

The 594th edition of the Joan of Arc Festival in Orléans took place from 29 April to 8 May 2023. Discover the highlights of the Joan of Arc festivities and the full programme.

Joan of Arc celebrations in Orleans

One of the key events oh Johannine city

A not-to-be-missed event in Orleans, don’t miss the Johannine celebrations.

Défilé pendant les Fêtes de Jeanne d'Arc à Orléans © Orléans Val de Loire Tourisme

A key event

in Orleans

A key event in the cultural life of the people of Orleans, the Johannine Festivals of Orleans are among the oldest traditional events in France.

Recognised as part of France’s intangible cultural heritage, this event pays tribute to the woman who liberated Orleans centuries before. Guided by divine voices, the “Pucelle d’Orléans”, who became a national heroine, liberated Orleans, which was torn apart by the Hundred Years’ War, on 8 May 1429.

The liberator of Orleans is celebrated each year during ten days of festivities. Parades and commemorative processions, a medieval market at the Campo Santo, a sound and light show at the Sainte-Croix Cathedral and an Electro Set bring the people of Orleans together every year.

The programme and highlights of the Joan of Arc celebrations

Joan of Arc Festival 2023 program

highlights

Several highlights mark this edition of the Joan of Arc celebrations:

Saturday 29 April

  • Sword award ceremony.
  • Show “The Voices sing Jeanne” at the Sainte-Croix Cathedral.
  • Entry of Joan of Arc into Orleans through the Burgundy Gate.

Monday 1st May

  • Joan of Arc Ride, departure from Place du Martroi.

Tuesday 2nd May

  • Religious tribute to Joan of Arc at the Notre-Dame des Miracles church.

Wednesday 3rd May

  • Orleans La Source celebrates Joan of Arc.

Friday 5th May

  • Cantata “Joan” by Julien Joubert

Friday 5 to Monday 8 May

  • Medieval market at the Campo Santo.

Saturday 6th May

  • Concert of the Orleans Municipal Band.

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May

  • Guided tour “Joan of Arc in the light of stained glass”.

Sunday 7th May

  • Tribute to Joan of Arc by the twin towns in the the courtyard of the Hôtel Groslot.
  • Presentation of the prize for the most beautiful shop.
  • Concert of the Orléans Val de Loire Choir at the Saint-Pierre du Martroi church.
  • Ceremony to award the flag at the Sainte-Croix cathedral.
  • Sound and light show at the Sainte-Croix cathedral.
  • Concert by the Johannine Choir at the Holy Cross Cathedral.
  • 14th edition of the Electro Set in front of the Orleans theatre.

Monday 8th May

  • Commemoration of the Victory of 8 May 1945 at the Victory Monument.
  • Solemn religious service at the Sainte-Croix Cathedral.
  • Official tribute to Joan of Arc at Sainte-Croix Square.
  • Military tribute to Joan of Arc in the city centre.
  • Departure of the commemorative procession.
  • Restitution of the flag on the Place Sainte-Croix.

AND ALSO

Exhibitions, guided tours, the House of Joan of Arc, boat trips, film and lecture series, as well as the Orleans media libraries mark this tribute to the “Pucelle d’Orléans”.

The medieval market

At Campo Santo

Dance, comedy, music, educational farm, medieval games, stalls, craftsmen, taverns…

Exhibitors from all over France and Europe invite you and your family on a journey to the heart of the Middle Ages and the traditions of yesteryear!

When?

From Friday 5th to Monday 8th May

Timetable:

Friday 5 May : 10am-10pm
Saturday 6 May: 10am-11pm
Sunday 8 May: 10am-7pm

Sound and light

Sainte-Croix Square

The Sound and Light show projected on the Sainte-Croix cathedral is a highlight of Joan of Arc celebrations!

This year, discover the new free show “Joan, Standard of Light”, which retraces the story of Joan of Arc as much as it reveals the architecture of the cathedral, playing with light and shadow.

When?

Sunday 7 May at 10:40 pm Place Sainte-Croix

Duration: 18 minutes

Free

The electro set

OF JOAN OF ARC CELEBRATIONS

Are you a fan of electronic music? Every year, the city of Orleans invites international DJs in the city centre, on the square in front of the Orleans theatre.

This year, the electro set will feature Trinix and W&W, as well as Jérémy Adavio, winner of the Orléans DJ Cast.

When?

Sunday 7 May from 11pm to 1.30am in front of the Orleans theatre.

In the footsteps of Joan of Arc

TO REDISCOVER ORLEANS

The Joan of Arc Festival is a perfect opportunity to follow the historic ride of the “Maid of Orleans” through the historic heart of the city.

Sainte-Croix Cathedral, Maison de Jeanne d’Arc, Place du Martroi, Hôtel Groslot, Musée des Beaux-Arts… Take the time to visit the unmissable places dedicated to her epic and go and meet the many representations of Joan of Arc throughout the city (some places are likely to be closed at the moment due to the health situation).

Défilé dans le centre historique d'Orléans pendant les Fêtes de Jeanne d'Arc © Orléans Val de Loire Tourisme

Relive the 2019 edition of the Joan of Arc celebrations from 29 April to 8 May in Orleans!

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