Chevauchée parade
Horsemen in medieval attire parading through the city center
~10:00
Joan of Arc Festival
Fêtes de Jeanne d’Arc d’Orléans
Orléans, France
Apr 28 - May 10, 2026Expected
Each spring, the city of Orléans honors Joan of Arc, the young heroine who lifted the English siege here in 1429. For ten days the streets fill with processions, medieval markets, and pageantry, building to the May 8 ceremonies in one of France's oldest civic festivals, kept for nearly six centuries.
Key moments
Day 4 · May 1
Day 11 · May 8
Mass and Panégyrique of Jeanne d’Arc
Grand Mass with hymns and historic speeches in the cathedral
May 8
Torchlight procession and fireworks
Thousands carry torches and gather around civic monuments, followed by fireworks
~20:00
Where it happens
Cathédrale Sainte-Croix
Orléans, France
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Optional medieval costume
Read the local rhythm
Joan of Arc banners or ribbons
Keep the visit respectful
Stand quietly during ceremonies; men remove hats in church.
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR HISTORY & CIVIC HERITAGE
Joan of Arc Festival
Fêtes de Jeanne d’Arc d’Orléans
Orléans, France
Each spring, the city of Orléans honors Joan of Arc, the young heroine who lifted the English siege here in 1429. For ten days the streets fill with processions, medieval markets, and pageantry, building to the May 8 ceremonies in one of France's oldest civic festivals, kept for nearly six centuries.
AnchorCultural anchor
Apr 28 - May 10, 2026Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Joan of Arc is Orléans’ legendary heroine. The festival commemorates the lifting of the siege on May 8, 1429 during the Hundred Years’ War. It blends civic, military and religious traditions, reflecting how each era reinterprets Joan’s legacy.
Key moments to know
Day 4May 1
Day 4May 1~10:00Expected
Chevauchée parade
Horsemen in medieval attire parading through the city center
Day 11May 82 moments
Day 11May 8Approximate
Mass and Panégyrique of Jeanne d’Arc
Grand Mass with hymns and historic speeches in the cathedral
Day 11May 8~20:00Expected
Torchlight procession and fireworks
Thousands carry torches and gather around civic monuments, followed by fireworks
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Optional medieval costume
Read the local rhythm
Joan of Arc banners or ribbons
Keep the visit respectful
Stand quietly during ceremonies; men remove hats in church.
Photo with care
Stand respectfully during the Mass; no flash photography inside the cathedral.
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Apr 28 - May 10, 2026
Estimated
City / Area
Orléans
Centre-Val de Loire
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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