Surrounded by the Maid of Orléans

We found ourselves surrounded by the Maid of Orléans in Orléans France . Joan of Arc is the patron saint of France and Place de Martroi, one of the main squares in Orléans, has a statue commemorating her. The Maid of Orléans , Joan of Arc,  can be found in 11 statues around the city! One of the largest churches in Orléans the Cathedral of St Croix has stained glass windows which narrate the life of the Maid of Orléans.

Orléans is located in the far eastern end of the Loire Valley on the bend of Loire River. When we were here, we stayed in a hotel near the river front. The walk along the river by the Pont George V was so peaceful.

Orléan Pont George V

Joan of Arc – the maid of Orléans

Joan of Arc – the maid of Orléans, born in 1412, was only a young girl from Domrémy-la-Pucelle when she heard the voices of saints telling her to lead the King in his battle against the English. In 1429, during the 100 Years War, together she and King Charles liberated Orléans from the English. This was a major turning point in the war as  Orléans was the northern most city to be held by the French. All others, including Paris, were under English rule. It’s not difficult to see, from that standpoint, why Joan of Arc was dubbed the Maid of Orléans

Place Martroi and its Joan-of-Arc statue

Maison de Jeanne d’Arc

The Maison de Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc House) is a museum dedicated to the life of the Maid of Orléans. You’ll find it at 3 Place General de Gaulle. If you enjoy museums then be sure to visit the Musée des Beaux Arts 1 rue Fernand Rabier! It has an amazing collections of paintings and sculptures.

Although Orléans does not boast any châteaux, it does have Hôtel Groslot . This is a Renaissance mansion, a hôtel particulier, is open to the public.

Hôtel Groslot

McDonalds Looks Like a Pub!

Although I am not a huge fan of fast food eateries, they are certainly fun to visit in other countries and this particular one certainly sheds light on a totally different take on the fast food industry. This McDonalds looked more like a pub! It was such a fun place for an afternoon break of sight-seeing and photography!

Orleans McDonalds

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