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.
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 2024
highlights
Several highlights mark this edition of the Joan of Arc celebrations:
Monday 29th April
- 7.15pm: Sword award ceremony
- 8.15pm: Grand spectacle in tribute to Joan of Arc
- 10pm: Joan of Arc enters Orléans through the Burgundy Gate
Wednesday 1st May
- 10am: Joan of Arc Ride, leaving from Place du Martroi
Thursday 2nd May
- 6.30pm: Religious tribute to Joan of Arc at Notre-Dame des Miracles church
Friday 3rd May
- From 12 noon to 7.30pm: 8th Orléans La Source fête Jeanne d’Arc
Saturday 4th May
- 4pm: Concert by the Orléans municipal band at the Théâtre Gérard Philipe
Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May
- 2pm to 5pm: Guided tour of “Joan of Arc in the light of stained glass”: departure every 15 minutes for groups of no more than 20 people
From Sunday 5th to Wednesday 8th May
- From 10am to 10pm, except Sundays from 10am to 7pm: Medieval market at the Campo Santo
Tuesday 7th May
- 3pm: Twin towns pay tribute to Joan of Arc in the Cour de l’Hôtel Groslot
- 6pm: Presentation of the prize for the most beautiful stall
- 5.30pm and 7.30pm: Concert by the Orléans Val de Loire Choir in the church of Saint-Pierre du Martroi
- 10pm: Award ceremony at Sainte-Croix Cathedral
- 10:30pm: Sound and light show at Sainte-Croix cathedral
- 11pm: Concert by the Chorale johannique in Sainte-Croix Cathedral
- 11pm: 15th edition of the Electro Set in front of the Théâtre d’Orléans
Wednesday 8th May
- 9am: Commemoration of the Victory of 8 May 1945 at the Monument de la Victoire
- 10am: Solemn religious service at Sainte-Croix cathedral
- 2.30pm: Official tribute to Joan of Arc at Place Sainte-Croix
- 2.50pm: Military tribute to Joan of Arc in the town centre
- 3.20pm: Departure of the commemorative procession
- 6.30pm: The standard is returned to the Place Sainte-Croix
AND ALSO
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 Sunday 5th to Wednesday 8th May
Timetable:
- Sunday 5th May: 10am-7pm
- Monday 6th May: 10am-10pm
- Tuesday 7th May: 10am-10pm
- Wednesday 8th May: 10am-10pm
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, light of the arts“, which retraces the story of Joan of Arc as much as it reveals the architecture of the cathedral, playing with light and shadow.
When?
Tuesday 7th 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 Sara Costa and Feder.
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).
Relive the 2019 edition of the Joan of Arc celebrations from 29 April to 8 May in Orleans!