The Story of Joan of Arc Rouen The Maid of Orleans, Normandy

Last updated on May 24th, 2024 at 08:37 am

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Why was Joan of Arc burnt at the stake and why was she so important to France?

Well you’re in the right place to find out. We’re going to look at what happened to this young girl, and why she was put to death in such a truly horrible way.

History fascinates me, and living in France allows me to explore a country full of centuries of history. And on a recent trip to Rouen, I spent a few hours in the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, the Joan of Arc Museum.

Join me as we take a trip through 15th-century France. Understand the power struggles that saw a young dauphin robbed of his throne. The same dauphin that Joan helped restore to the throne, only to end up dying for it.

Find out how it was the English and not the French who sent her to her fiery end, and witness the trial brought about by Joan’s mother that saw her pardoned after her death.

The photograph shows a stone statue of Joan of Arc in prayer, flanked by vibrant floral arrangements of white and purple chrysanthemums. The statue is nestled within a semi-circular alcove, and a protective railing encircles the display. The presence of the statue offers a quiet space of remembrance amidst the bustling city environment. — On May 30, 1431, at the tender age of 19, Joan of Arc was condemned to death and burnt at the stake.

The Joan of Arc Historial and Her Story

Joan of Arc is one of the most famous women in French history and a big drawcard for the city of Rouen. And with just three days in Rouen and I wanted to experience as much history as I could.

As part of my research, I contacted the Tourisime Board in Rouen, and they offered me the opportunity to visit the Historical Jeanne d’Arc. And what an impressive museum it is!

It’s the largest museum dedicated to the Pucelle d’Orléans (the maid of Orléans, which is how she is referred to). And as Rouen is only an hour or so outside of Paris, it’s a popular destination.

For a start, it’s located in the Archiepiscopal Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Rouen. That, in itself, is a treat, but for me, it was the total immersion of being part of what happened through the multimedia show that really brought the whole thing to life.

Photo of a historic courtyard featuring modern black sculptures in the foreground. In the background, there is an ornate gothic-style archway leading to a building with a mix of classic and contemporary architectural elements. The sky is overcast, and the ground is paved with light-colored stones.

The Archiepiscopal Palace

The palace’s origins date back to the 12th century, commissioned by Guillaume de Flavacourt.

He was responsible for building the watchtower and the great hall where Joan’s trial took place. There isn’t much left of it now, unfortunately, but you can see the parts still standing as you enter the building for your tour.

Other significant changes and alterations were made during the 15th and 16th centuries.

And during World War II, like much of the city, it experienced significant damage. Rouen was heavily bombarded, particularly in 1944, leading to widespread destruction in many historical areas.

Photograph of the Archiepiscopal Palace in Rouen, Normandy, showcasing its intricate Gothic architecture. The facade is adorned with detailed stonework, statues, and pointed arches above the windows, which have red and white panes. A prominent wooden door sits at the base of the structure, and the roof features classic grey slate tiles, highlighted against a clear blue sky.

What to expect from your tour of the Joan of Arc Museum

To keep numbers small so the tour doesn’t get overcrowded, you have to wait your turn to enter. There is a countdown clock showing you when the next show starts.

We were booked in at 10.15 sharp and waited in reception until we were told to enter.

As the main audio is in French, we were given an English audio pack with headphones, which were synchronised with the tour, so we didn’t need to do anything to make it work. It was really well done.

The Pucelle d’Orléans

So who was the Pucelle d’Orléans? Joan of Arc, born in 1412 in Domrémy, a small village in northeastern France, and came from humble beginnings. The daughter of Jacques d’Arc and Isabelle Romée, she grew up in a peasant family who were devout Christians.

Her life wasn’t an easy one, as she was born during the Hundred Years’ War between France and England. But despite this, and with no formal education, Joan had a strong sense of duty and a reputation for piety.

Her life was a simple one, typical of a village girl. She helped with household chores and tended to the animals and crops. It was a rural upbringing and nothing out of the ordinary.

Then at the tender age of 13 she experienced her first vision, something that would change not only her life but the course of French history.

These visions continued and she believed they were divine communications. She claimed to see Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret, and said they conveyed to her messages from God.

These saints instructed Joan to support Charles VII, the Dauphin of France, in reclaiming his kingdom from English domination and to lead France to victory in its long-standing conflict with England.

Interior view of a Gothic crypt, featuring pointed arches and ribbed vaults. The sunlight filters through high windows, casting warm, golden patterns on the ancient stone walls and floor. There is a noticeable contrast between the sunlit areas and the shadows, creating a dramatic and historical atmosphere. The space is empty except for a modern rectangular bench on the right.

The Gothic Crypt and First Trial

My journey into the 15th century started in the crypt where, as we sat on some benches, we were transported back into the time of Joan of Arc.

We heard all about her early life, her family and her background, and as the story progressed the walls reflected the story in multimedia images.

One moment we were in the city of Chinon and the fields where Joan spent her time, and then we were engulfed in flames, representing her fiery end.

It’s here that we met lawyer, Juvénal des Ursins, who introduced us to some of the people who testified at the trial.

It was a total immersion into Joan’s 15th-century world, and before my eyes, her history was played out.

As this part of the story finished, we went to the next room to continue our journey with Joan.

Image of a serene crypt-like room with Gothic architecture featuring ribbed groin vaults and thick stone walls. Soft lighting enhances the textures of the masonry and creates a warm, inviting ambiance. A wooden bench sits in the foreground with a hexagonal tile floor beneath. On a pedestal, there's a small sculpture that appears to be the focal point of the room. The space exudes historical significance and seems to be part of a museum or heritage site, designed to allow contemplation and appreciation of the artifacts on display.

The Start of the Rehabilitation Trial

We now found ourselves in the old kitchens where you could see the remains of two huge fireplaces where the food was cooked. This part of the palace was built by Guillaume d’Estouteville, Archbishop of Rouen from 1453 to 1483, and it was here that we learned about the rehabilitation trial of 1456.

The panel who were part of the original trial of 1431 were questioned as part of this new trial, brought about by Joan’s mother to pardon Joan.

It’s here that we learned all about Joan’s meeting with the Dauphin of France, which eventually led to her going into battle and leading her troops to victory.

An exhibit space with Gothic architectural elements displaying a multimedia presentation. On the left, a large projection shows a black-and-white image of a mounted warrior, evoking historical battles. In the center, a vertical column presents a video of a person narrating, possibly depicting a historical figure. To the right, a wall projection features handwritten script with red seal marks, overlaid by a bright blue piece of armor. The floor is glossy, reflecting the projections, with textual descriptions visible for visitors to read, enhancing the educational experience of the exhibit.

Joan’s divine calling from God

As everything went dark once again we were plunged into the 15th century as 17-year-old Joan prepared to travel to Vaucouleurs.

She was convinced that through her visions, God was asking her to do what it took to put the young Dauphin on the throne and to drive the English out.

So she goes to Vaucouleurs to meet with Robert de Baudricourt, the local commander.

She persuades him to provide her with an escort to Chinon, where the Dauphin, Charles VII, resided.

The photograph shows an immersive exhibit within a room that features Gothic arches. On the left, a large screen displays a pastoral scene with a dramatic pink and orange sky. A column in the center has a projection of an individual who might represent a historical figure, possibly associated with Joan of Arc. To the right, there's a projection of an ancient map with geographical annotations, superimposed with a faint image of armor and blue jewels. The reflective floor below mirrors the projections, and there are informational texts along the bottom edge, offering context and historical details to viewers.

Her meeting with the Dauphin

Joan’s arrival at the royal court marked a turning point. Dressed in male attire, a necessity for her journey and safety, she stood before Charles VII and confidently asserted her divine mission to help him reclaim his kingdom.

Intrigued and perhaps desperate for any semblance of hope amidst the ongoing conflict, Charles granted her an audience.

After a private conversation, during which Joan is said to have revealed information only known to Charles, she gained his trust.

After this, he provided her with armour, a banner, and troops. She quickly demonstrated her charismatic leadership and strategic acumen.

Why did Joan of Arc dress in men’s clothes?

Something worth noting is that Joan’s choice of clothing was not just about safety, but also a symbolic defiance of the societal norms of her time.

It reflected her rejection of traditional female roles and highlighted her unique position as a divinely appointed military leader.

Her attire became a part of her identity as a warrior and a leader.

A dimly lit corridor with vaulted ceilings featuring two illuminated displays on the walls. The left display shows a digital projection of a historic figure, likely part of a narrative exhibit. The right display vividly portrays a medieval scene of regal ceremony, with figures in ornate robes, including a central character being crowned, suggestive of the coronation of King Charles VII as indicated by the caption "Her meeting with the Dauphin". The rich colors and details of the medieval illustration contrast with the minimalist modernity of the presentation space.

The Coronation of King Charles VII

The next stop on our journey took us into a room with more screens and a square area in the middle that contained interactive tablets taking you chronologically through Joan’s battle victories.

Her first major military endeavour was the Siege of Orléans. Joan’s arrival at Orléans galvanised the French forces, and her presence turned the tide of the siege. Within nine days, the English siege was broken, a victory that became a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.

This period marked the rise of Joan as a military leader and an emblem of French resistance.

Her subsequent campaigns further reinforced her status, leading to the coronation of Charles VII at Reims, fulfilling a big part of her divine prophecy.

A large, dimly lit exhibition hall with a series of suspended vertical banners displaying monochromatic portraits. Each banner shows a close-up of a different person's face, with expressions ranging from somber to reflective. The lighting focuses on the banners, casting soft shadows on the floor. In the center, a wooden bench and railing suggest a viewing area for visitors. The atmosphere is contemplative and the exhibit seems designed to evoke an emotional response, possibly relating to themes of treachery and heresy as implied by the image context.

Treachery and Heresy

Now we knew what Joan had achieved and how she’d been as good as her word and put the Dauphin on the throne. So what went wrong?

It was time to find out who was behind the treachery leading to Joan’s trial and her ultimately being accused of heresy.

For this, we climbed up what felt like a hundred steps to the attic.

Once again, we were plunged into darkness as black blinds came down, and the screens surrounding us showed Joan being tried, and the subsequent rehabilitation trial that saw her pardoned.

It was so lifelike you felt you were actually there.

The division of France during the 15th Century

What you have to remember is that during this time, France was deeply divided, both politically and territorially, largely due to the ongoing Hundred Years’ War and internal conflicts.

A significant portion of northern France, including Normandy and parts of the Loire Valley, was under English control.

The powerful Duchy of Burgundy, under Duke Philip the Good, was allied with the English. The Burgundians controlled a large area in eastern France, including regions like Burgundy, Champagne, and parts of Picardy.

The Dauphin Charles (later Charles VII), whom Joan of Arc supported, controlled the central and southern parts of France. These territories were loyal to the Valois’s claim to the French throne and opposed English domination.

Some regions of France, such as Brittany and parts of the southwest, were more or less independently controlled by local lords who sometimes played both sides to their advantage.

A framed portrait hanging on a wall adorned with religious symbols and fleur-de-lis. The painting depicts a figure, possibly representing Joan of Arc, in a red tunic with a sword and wearing a hat with feathers. The figure's gaze is thoughtful, directed away from the viewer. Below the painting is an informational plaque providing context. The background's repeated pattern of the letters "Ihs" and the fleur-de-lis adds a regal and historical ambiance to the setting, suggesting the image is part of an exhibit focused on the trial of Joan of Arc in 1431.

The trial of Joan of Arc in 1431

The Burgundians were frightened by Joan of Arc’s power, and so, on May 23, 1430, during a military action near Compiègne by the Burgundians, Joan was arrested.

Once in English hands, Joan was transferred to Rouen, which was then under English control. She faced a politically motivated trial for heresy and witchcraft, led by Bishop Pierre Cauchon, a pro-English cleric.

The charges against her were largely based on her claim of divine visions, her role in the French military victories, and her unconventional behaviour, including wearing men’s clothes.

The trial, which took place in the Archiepiscopal Palace in Rouen, was biased from the start, with the verdict seemingly predetermined.

Joan was subjected to intense interrogations. But despite being isolated and threatened, she maintained her assertions that her visions were divine and that she had acted under God’s guidance.

The trial concluded with Joan being found guilty of heresy. The court coerced her into signing a recantation, which she later revoked, reaffirming her beliefs and mission.

This led to her being labelled a relapsed heretic. On May 30, 1431, at the age of 19, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in the Old Market Square in Rouen, watched by a large crowd, some of which had gathered at the oldest auberge in the square, now known as La Couronne.

An elegant interior space with wood paneling and a herringbone parquet floor. The walls are decorated with a patterned wallpaper featuring religious symbols and fleur-de-lis. A vibrant stained glass window dominates the view, providing a colorful contrast to the room's refined, classic decor. The window depicts a series of scenes, possibly representing the martyrdom of Jeanne d'Arc, with figures in medieval attire engaging in dramatic events. Below the window, a wooden banister and two candlestick holders add to the room's historical character.

The Martyrdom of Jeanne d’Arc

The rehabilitation trial re-examined the legitimacy of her 1431 conviction and execution.

This trial was initiated by Charles VII of France, the very monarch Joan had helped bring to power and was authorised by Pope Callixtus III. Although Joan’s mother also played a part by petitioning him.

The 1431 trial was scrutinised for procedural errors and the biases of the judges. The court gathered testimonies from people who had known Joan or were involved in the original trial.

This included witnesses who had seen her in battle, members of her family, and even some who had participated in her trial and execution.

The panel of judges found that the original trial was flawed and unjust. The charges against Joan, including those of heresy and witchcraft, were declared baseless. The original verdict was annulled, effectively clearing Joan’s name.

The outcome of the 1456 trial was a complete rehabilitation of her character and legacy. It represented an official acknowledgement by the Church and the French crown of her innocence and significant contributions to France.

She went from a condemned heretic to a martyr and a national heroine of France. Her eventual canonisation by the Roman Catholic Church in 1920 cemented her status as a saint.

And there you have it, our journey back in time to the tumultuous life of Joan of Arc.

Other parts of the Archiepiscopal Palace

The Watchtower

As we left the Salle des Etats, we climbed the final staircase to the top of the watchtower where we had panoramic views of Rouen.

The image showcases a museum display with a collection of Joan of Arc memorabilia. At the top, three vintage movie posters depict different artistic interpretations of Joan of Arc, with vibrant colors and dramatic imagery. Below, a large, illuminated shelving unit presents a variety of sculptures, figurines, and artifacts related to Joan of Arc's historical and cultural impact. Each shelf is carefully arranged to highlight the individual pieces, including statues, plaques, and decorative plates. The wall behind the shelves is dark, with a multitude of small, square lights creating a starry effect

The Mythotheque

The Mythotheque can be viewed outside of the tour and is quite good fun as there are lots of great artefacts designed to showcase the myths and legends surrounding Joan of Arc.

Plus, some posters and other memorabilia that all told their own story.

A bright and elegant chapel interior with baroque architectural features. The room is lit with natural light coming through tall windows draped with long, yellow curtains. Several crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, adding to the room's grandeur. The altar is ornately decorated with gold and white motifs, and a large religious painting hangs above it. The floor is a classic black and white checkerboard pattern, leading to the dark wooden pews arranged neatly for congregants. The overall atmosphere is one of historical reverence and serene beauty.

La Chapelle d’Aubigné

Built by the Archbishop of the time in the early 18th century, Monseigneur Claude-Maur d’Aubigné, it’s a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The original 13th-century chapel was pulled down to build this new one, and it sits directly above the old crypt where we started our Joan of Arc journey.

It really takes your breath away with the pops of yellow decor and beautiful windows where the light streams in.

A grand and opulent hall with a checkerboard patterned floor in black and white. The ceiling is adorned with multiple dazzling chandeliers that illuminate the space. Along the walls, large-scale classical paintings are set in golden frames, depicting historical or pastoral scenes. The walls are accented with decorative moldings and a grey dado rail. An elegant bust sculpture is visible to the right, adding to the room's historical ambiance. A pair of small tables with white cloths stand to the left, suggesting the room's use for events.

The State Room

Luckily for me, the State Hall was empty when I was there, so I was able to take a peek inside.

Known as the Salle des Etats it’s where the heads of state for Normandy met to pass laws, rule on taxes and anything else they deemed worthy.

It was completely rebuilt in the 18th century and is another grand room with lots of big portraits, beautiful chandeliers and a black and white tiled floor.

Joan of Arc Quote

Many Joan of Arc quotes have been recorded in an autobiography translated by Willard Trask, Joan of Arc: In Her Own Words, but the quote below was the one that stuck with me after I heard it.

I was born for this. Fear not: what I do, I do by commandment. My brothers in Paradise tell me what I must do.
Vaucouleurs to Chinon, February-March, 1429

Helpful Tips for Visiting the Joan of Arc Museum

This image is a Google Maps screenshot showing the location of The Joan of Arc Museum in Rouen, France. Key landmarks like the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Hôtel Mercure Rouen Centre Cathédrale, and Musée National de l'Éducation are visible. An arrow points from the cathedral to the museum, highlighting its proximity.

How to Get There and Parking

The museum is right in the centre of the town at 7, rue Saint-Romain. The best thing to do if you’re driving is to park in one of the car parks and walk into the centre, which is mainly pedestrianised.

Driving in the centre is hard as you aren’t allowed to take cars into quite a few areas so you end up going round and round in circles, which is what happened to me.

I parked at Parking de la Pucelle, and it was quite reasonable as we stayed there for the full three days of our trip.

Here are some of the main car parks that would work for visiting the museum:

Parking de la Pucelle: Situated at Vieux-Marché near the Cathedral, this parking offers another central location for visiting the city’s historical sites
Parking Palais de Justice – Musée des Beaux-Arts: Located at 8 Allée Eugène Delacroix, this parking is near Gros-Horloge and the Cathedral, making it a central option for visitors
Parking Opéra – Théâtre des Arts: Also located at Vieux-Marché near the Cathedral, this parking offers easy access to central Rouen and its attractions
Parking de la Gare SNCF (P1/P2): Ideal for those arriving by train, this parking is located at the main train station (Gare) in Rouen

Opening Times and Tickets

The museum is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday – Sunday from 10 am – 7 pm, with the last entry to the tour at 5.15 pm.

The tour itself takes 75 minutes but you’ll want to allow a bit more time to see the other areas that aren’t part of the tour.

Tickets are €11 full rate and €8 reduced rate and they can be purchased online.

Visiting the Museum with Young Children

For the little ones, aged 3-6 years old, the museum has a special one-hour tour, L’Historial des tout-petits, but they do need to be accompanied by an adult.

FAQS about the French Heroine, Joan of Arc

What happened to Joan of Arc in Rouen?

Joan of Arc was tried and executed in Rouen in 1431. She was convicted of heresy and burned at the stake in the Old Market Square. Her trial and execution were later declared wrongful, and she was canonized as a saint in 1920.

Where in Rouen was Joan of Arc kept?

Joan of Arc was imprisoned in the tower of the Rouen Castle, known as the Tour Jeanne d’Arc. The tower still stands today and is a historical site in Rouen.

In which French city was Joan of Arc burnt at the stake?

Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake in Rouen. The execution took place in the Old Market Square (Place du Vieux-Marché) in 1431.

Where is the cross where Joan of Arc died?

The cross marking the site where Joan of Arc was burned is located in the Place du Vieux-Marché in Rouen. This memorial stands as a tribute to her martyrdom.

What did Joan of Arc say before she died?

Before she died, Joan of Arc is reputed to have called out the name of Jesus and professed her innocence. She asked for a cross to be brought to her so she could focus on it as she died. This act was interpreted as a final testament to her unwavering Christian faith and her conviction in the divine mission she believed she was tasked with.

Did Joan of Arc have a child?

No, Joan of Arc didn’t have a child. She was a young woman focused on her mission to lead the French army and did not marry or have children.

Final thoughts on visiting the Historial Jeanne d’Arc

If you get the chance to visit Rouen then make sure to include the Joan of Arc museum on your list of things to do. It’s so worth the visit and really brings the story of Joan and the history of France at that time alive.

The whole thing is so well done, and I now know much more about Joan than I did before.

Another great attraction worth a look is the astronomical clock in Rouen centre, Le Gros Horloge de Rouen.

And you’ll not be disappointed from a food perspective as Rouen has some great restaurants with over 650 to choose from.