France: From Paris in Search of Joan of Arc

Yes, I’m still traveling and I will continue to do so thru France and back into Spain again. Originally my plans included going to a number of countries I have not traveled to before, but with Putin’s invasion and war in the Ukraine, I decided to limit my travels, at least for now, to mainly European countries. Plus, with COVID still looming, traveling thru European Union countries does not require me to get a Covid test to enter each country’s border.

Although Turkey is not officially part of the European Union, it is one of the EU’s main partners and does not require a Covid test to enter its borders either.

As much as I love opening myself up to new countries and cultures, sometimes taking another look at countries I’ve been to before gives me a better insight and understanding, plus there’s always something new to see and do.

From Paris, I continue in France in observance of Joan of Arc in Rouen and Orléans before making my way to the land of wine in Bordeaux and on to Bayonne where I will take the 8-days Rick Steves “Basque Country’ tour then spend solo time in Spain before I head back home to Dallas. But for now, here’s just a small look at Paris as I say Au revoir to Alice and John until our next adventure.

On the RER train with Alice and John as we head from the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to our hotel, the Hotel Observatoire Luxembourg just across from both the RER train and the Luxembourg Garden. We flew on Turkish Airlines and besides my passport, the only thing I had to show at the airport was my vaccination card with my two vaccines and one booster shot. (May 11, 2022)

Istanbul in the morning, Paris in the afternoon and enjoying a beautiful Spring day at the Luxembourg Garden, the beautiful public backyard of the Parisians. (May 11, 2022)

Enjoying the beautiful weather and shade at the Luxembourg Garden in Paris. (May 11, 2022)

The Luxembourg Garden in Paris. (May 11, 2022)

A Statue of Liberty by an American oak tree in the Luxembourg Garden in Paris. The tree is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack in the U.S. (May 11, 2022)

The Luxembourg Palace was originally built in 1615 to 1645 but was refashioned around 1799 to 1805 by Jean Chalgrin into a legislative building and subsequently greatly enlarged and remodeled in 1835 to 1856. (May 11, 2022)

The Luxembourg Palace and the Grand Bassin of the Luxembourg Garden in Paris. We took an early evening saunter thru the gardens to get a bite to eat before heading back to the hotel. I was rather tired and ready to just rest. Still have a full day to enjoy Paris, a city I’ve been to three times before and can see myself coming back to spend more time here getting to know this beautiful city even better. But for now, two nights will do. (May 11, 2022)

It’s spring in Paris and the Luxembourg Gardens are full of people enjoying the warmer weather and beautiful day. (May 11, 2022)

Views of the metro station and the St. Michel Boulevard from my room at the Hotel Observatoire Luxembourg in Paris. (May 11, 2022)

My room in Paris at the Hotel Observatoire Luxembourg. (May 11, 2022)

With a good night’s rest under our belt, we began our lovely day in Paris at the Musée Rodin or Rodin Museum in Paris, opened in 1919 and is primarily dedicated to the works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. This was basically our last day together so spending it checking out just a little of Paris was fun. (May 12, 2022)

The Thinker, from 1906, in the garden of the Rodin Museum, is one of Auguste Rodin’s most significant creations. (May 12, 2022)

The Rodin Museum in Paris is primarily dedicated to the works of French sculptor Augusta Rodin’s significant creations. The museum contains most of Rodin’s significant creations, including The Thinker, The Kiss and The Gates of Hell.
The Hôtel Biron in the 7th arrondissement of Paris was built from 1727 to 1732 and has housed the the Musée Rodin, dedicated to the work of sculptor Auguste Rodin since 1919. (May 12, 2022)

The Gates of Hell in the garden of the Rodin Museum is considered another one of Auguste Rodin’s significant works. This monument sculptural group depicts scenes from Dante’s Inferno in high relief. And, to the left of this sculpture is Adam and to the right is Eve. (May 12, 2022)

A close-up of Auguste Rodin’s “The Gates of Hell”, a monumental sculptural group depicting scenes from Dante’s Inferno in high relief, in the garden of the Rodin Museum. (May 12, 2022)

The Three Shades, a Bronze sculptural group by Auguste Rodin in 1886 for his The Gates of Hell, in the garden of the Rodin Museum. And in the distance is the top of the Eiffel Tower. (May 12, 2022)

The Monument to the Burghers, in the garden of the Rodin Museum, was commissioned by the city of Calais in 1884 to commemorate an episode from the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453): six dignitaries sacrificed themselves for their fellow citizens by surrendering to the King of England. The figures are shown in individualized poses, wearing the tunics of condemned prisoners and nooses around their necks. (May 12, 2022)

A view of the Rodin Museum and garden (left) and the glimmering, golden Dôme Les Invalides, underneath of which is Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb. (May 12, 2022)

Inside one of the sculpture rooms of the Rodin Museum with a bronze sculpture of Saint John the Baptist (to the right) by Auguste Rodin. (May 12, 2022)

The Kiss by Auguste Rodin in 1889 inside the Rodin Museum in Paris. (May 12, 2022)

The interior of the Rodin Museum in Paris. (May 12, 2022)

The staircase leading to the second floor inside the Rodin Museum in Paris. (May 12, 2022)

This sculpture of Mrs. Russell called Pallas with Parthenon, is from around 1910 inside the Rodin Museum. Rodin admired the beauty of Marianna Mattiocco, wife of the painter John Russell, seeing in her face the perfection of a classical masterpiece. “He made several portraits of the young woman, including this marble bust topped by a plaster Parthenon – a reference to the most famous temple of antiquity. With this addition to the sculpture, the model’s identity became less important than the evocation of a Greek goddess, crowned with the architectural symbols of her city,” from a plaque description. (May 12, 2022)

Auguste Rodin was also an art collector. This Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) piece, “The Harvesters,” from 1888 is a part of Rodin’s collection and is displayed inside the Rodin Museum in Paris. (May 12, 2022)

This Vincent Van Gogh piece, “View of the Viaduct in Arles or the Blue Train,” from 1888 is also a part of Rodin’s collection and is displayed inside the Rodin Museum in Paris. (May 12, 2022)

And, this stunning Vincent Van Gogh piece, also a part of Auguste Rodin’s collection at the Rodin Museum is called “Pere Tanguy,” from 1887. Vincent Van Gogh painted three portraits of his paint supplier Julien Tanguy, called “Père Tanguy” by his artist friends. “In the version acquired by Rodin, Tanguy is shown wearing Breton costume and sitting in front of a wall of easily identifiable Japanese prints. The bright colors, flat perspective and treatment of light are characteristic of Van Gogh, whom Rodin saw as “an admirable demolisher of academic formulae,” from a plaque description. (May 12, 2022)

Views of the Rodin Museum garden from inside the museum. (May 12, 2022)

A painting of Auguste Rodin Rodin (1840-1917) in his studio circa 1897 to 1898 by René Avigdor at the Rodin Museum. (May 12, 2022)

The Walking Man bronze statue inside the Rodin Museum in Paris. bronze Auguste Rodin from 1913. (May 12, 2022)

Me in the Rodin Museum garden in Paris at the famous “Thinking Man” sculpture by Auguste Rodin. (May 12, 2022)

The doors, the red doors of Paris! (May 12, 2022)

We took an afternoon walking tour that began with a view of the July Column commemorating the Revolution of 1830 in the center of the Place de la Bastille. I’ve seen quite a bit in my previous trips to Paris, but there’s always so much more to see and learn. And, today’s walk was about the secret gardens of the former furniture shops of the 17th century along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, one of the oldest streets in Paris. (May 12, 2022)

The Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, in the 11th Arrondissement, is one of the oldest streets in Paris and where a number of secret gardens of the former 17th century furniture shops were located. An arrondissement, is an administrative district or area of the city. As the city grew out from the center, these administrative districts or areas were added expanding the city. (May 12, 2022)

These large oak doors along the sidewalk on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine actually hides a very distinct courtyard. (May 12, 2022)

Hidden behind the large oak doors along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine is this courtyard called the Passage of Innovation where the former Hermès workshops were located. It now houses five structures responsible for supervising and/or promoting the projects of innovative companies, particularly in the field of digital technologies. (May 12, 2022)

Here’s another passageway, along Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, somewhat darker and grittier, is the Passage du Chantier. (May 12, 2022)

The Passage du Chantier, along Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, revealed a variety of furniture maker shops along the narrow cobblestone street. (May 12, 2022)

Here we are entering another passageway, the Cour Damoye. (May 12, 2022)

The Cour Damoye passageway. (May 12, 2022)

The Cour Damoye passageway revealed this delightful cobblestoned street with little shops along the way. (May 12, 2022)

We continued our walk beyond the Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine and entered into the Hotel de Sully which was built between 1624 and 1630 for a wealthy financier. (May 12, 2022)

The courtyard of the Hotel de Sully in Paris with its garden and former orangery of the Hotel de Sully in Paris. An orangery is where orange and other fruit trees were protected during the winter, like a very large greenhouse. (May 12, 2022)

From the Hotel de Sully we crossed over into the Arches of Des Vosges Square in Le Marais District. (May 12, 2022)

The Place des Vosges or Des Vosges Square in the Le Marais District was originally known as Place Royale and was built by Henri IV from 1605 to 1612 as a fashionable and expensive square to live in, and it still is expensive. (May 12, 2022)

We continued our walk through the Jewish Quarter in the Marais district of Paris with its melting pot of Jewish, Chinese and LGBT communities. (May 12, 2022)

The Jewish Quarter in Paris. (May 12, 2022)

Our last night of dinners together…at least for now. Thank you John and Alice for always being such wonderful travel partners. (May 12, 2022)

Just what I wanted, steak, salad and fries for dinner. And, my steak was just how I like it, well done. (May 12, 2022)

Dear Alice, I have so enjoyed planning and taking the Istanbul and Paris trips. And, I truly will miss your wonderful companionship. Thankfully there are more trips to take and more trip planning to do…all of which I look forward to. Til then, Au revoir for now my friend! (May 12, 2022)

Rouen

I came to Rouen to learn more about Joan of Arc. She was a peasant girl who believed she was acting under divine guidance. A national heroine of France and beyond, Joan of Arc led the French army to victory over the English at Orléans in 1429 at the mere age of 18.

Rouen marks Joan of Arc’s memory from the Place du Vieux-Marché, where she was burned at the stake for heresy on May 30, 1431 to the Archiepiscopal Palace where a posthumous trial in 1456 declared Joan of Arc innocent of the charges that had condemned her to death. And, some 464 years later, she was canonized as a Roman Catholic saint on May 16, 1920. And, it’s also where the contemporary and highly unusual Church of Saint Joan of Arc is located.

Rouen is also considered the capital of the Normandy region of France and a great place to wander around the streets of Old Rouen’s city center with its Renaissance-era timbered buildings and cobblestone streets.

Let’s explore the city where Joan of Arc was both executed and redeemed. Next stop is more about Joan as the Maiden of Orléans in Orléans, France.

Me among the Renaissance-era timbered buildings in the city center of old Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

A beautiful bronze bust, inside the Saint Joan of Arc Church in Rouen, of who we know as Joan of Arc, or Jeanne d’Arc in French however, she called herself Jehanne la Pucelle, or Joan the Maid (1412-1431). (May 14, 2022)

In the centre of the Place du Vieux Marché (the site of Joan of Arc’s funeral-pyre is the modern church of St Joan of Arc in Rouen. It’s an odd shaped building that dominates the square and is said to represent an upturned viking boat and the shape of a fish. (May 14, 2022)

The exterior of the Church of Saint Joan of Arc in Rouen. The contemporary church was built according to the plans of the architect, Louis Arretche in 1979. (May 14, 2022)

The exterior of the Church of Saint Joan of Arc in Rouen and the large cross in the small garden, Le Boucher, that marks the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431. The contemporary church was built according to the plans of the architect, Louis Arretche in 1979. (May 14, 2022)

Inside the Church of Saint Joan of Arc, a Catholic church completed in 1979 in the ancient market square center, known as the Place du Vieux-Marché, the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for heresy in 1431. The sweeping curves of the structure are meant to evoke both the flames that consumed Joan of Arc and an overturned longship. (May 14, 2022)

The stained glass windows come from the 16th century master glaziers of the Church of Saint Vincent, which was almost completely destroyed in 1944 during World War II, but the windows had been removed and stored in a safe location during the war. They were then incorporated into the Church of Saint Joan of Arc. The 13 window panels depict Christ’s childhood, Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection, and life events of St.Peter, St. Anne and Saint Anthony of Padua. (May 14, 2022)

The beautiful stained glass of the life of Saint Peter inside the Church of Saint Joan of Arc in Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

The beautiful stained glass of Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, the parents of the Virgin Mary inside the Church of Saint Joan of Arc in Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

The Life of Saint John the Baptist stained glass inside the Church of Saint Joan of Arc in Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

The Crucifixion of Christ stained glass inside the Church of Saint Joan of Arc in Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

The resurrection and the apparitions of Christ stained glass panels inside the Church of Saint Joan of Arc in Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

The modern Church of Saint Joan of Arc (left) and the adjacent small market halls were designed by the architect Louis Arretche, who was commissioned in 1969. The market halls simultaneously resemble smaller overturned boats and fish with gaping mouths, supposedly rich Christian symbols. The tiled roof echoes this theme and forms a covered walkway over the square. (May 14, 2022)

Inside the small thriving market located under a hall within view of the Church of Saint Joan of Arc is reminiscent of the waves of an ocean and whose roof is covered with slate like the adjacent church. (May 14, 2022)

Another angle of what could possibly be the fish tail of the Church of Saint Joan of Arc and In the centre of the Place du Vieux Marché (the site of Joan of Arc’s funeral-pyre is the modern church of St Joan of Arc in Rouen. It’s an odd shaped building that dominates the square and is said to represent an upturned viking boat and the shape of a fish. (May 14, 2022

Also on the exterior entryway of the Church of Saint Joan of Arc is this “Joan at the stake” stone statue sculpted by Maxime Real del Sarte with the collaboration of Roger de Villiers in 1927 and erected in Rouen at the exterior of the Church of Saint Joan of Arc. (May 14, 2022)

A close-up of the statue “Joan at the stake” by entry of the church named in her honor and by the now garden area where she was said to have been burned at the stake on May 30, 1431. (May 14, 2022)

The half-timbered houses, now restaurants, in the Place du Vieux-Marché or Old Market Square by the Church of Joan of Arc in Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

The Place du Vieux-Marché or Old Market Square by the Church of Joan of Arc in Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

This Renaissance street, along the busy pedestrian Gros Horloge street leads to the beautifully decorated astronomical clock known as Le Gros Horloge in Rouen. (May 13, 2022)

This Renaissance street arch along the busy pedestrian Gros Horloge street leads to this beautifully decorated astronomical clock known as Le Gros Horloge in Rouen. The mechanism was made in 1389 and that makes it one of the oldest, working clocks in Europe. The famous Great Clock was fully restored in 2006. (May 13, 2022)

The carved archway under the beautifully decorated astronomical block, the Gros Horloge in Rouen, is this elaborate bas-relief of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. (May 13, 2022)

A shopping street in Rouen with a variety of colorful half-timbered homes dating from the 16th century to the 18th. It is estimated that some 2,000 of these half-timbered houses still exist despite the devastation of World War II. (May 13, 2022)

The Rouen Cathedral, officially named the Cathédrale Primatiale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption de Rouen, is in the heart of the city center. The Gothic 12th century cathedral was built on the foundations of a 4th century basilica. It was destroyed during the Viking invasions in 841 and, partially in 1944 by allied bombardments, the cathedral is a living structure, perpetually evolving. Its currently undergoing restorations to the interior of the cathedral. (May 13, 2022)

The main entry portal of the Rouen Cathedral with its many carvings. (May 13, 2022)

Inside the Rouen Cathedral where unfortunately the choir, altar and high altar were closed off due to renovations. The cathedral’s choir is said to house the tombs of the dukes of Normandy, including Rollo, who founded the duchy or dukedom in 911, as well as the recumbent statue of Richard the Lionheart, King of England and Duke of Normandy. (May 13, 2022)

The altar area inside the Rouen Cathedral, which is under renovation. (May 13, 2022)

The Chapel of Saint Joan of Arc inside the Rouen Cathedral with her statue on the altar and stained glass in the background. (May 13, 2022)

A close-up of the Joan of Arc statue inside the Rouen Cathedral. (May 13, 2022)

A side chapel inside the Rouen Cathedral. (May 13, 2022)

A 15th-century stairway to the medieval library, in the northwest corner of the transept of the Rouen Cathedral. (May 13, 2022)

Inside the Rouen Cathedral. (May 13, 2022)

This portion of the Rouen Cathedral was closed off while restoration work is being conducted. (May 13, 2022)

The rather medieval-looking street of the Joan of Arc Museum, the former Archbishop’s Palace where Joan of Arc’s trials took place in Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

From inside courtyard of the Historial Jeanne d’Arc or Joan of Arc Museum located in the former Archbishop’s Palace in Rouen. This is the courtyard of the building where Joan of Arc was condemned to death (1431) and where the second trial took place (1456) to restore her innocence. (May 14, 2022)

This begins the multimedia production of Joan of Arc’s story, her epic tale at the Joan of Arc Museum in Rouen. We are guided by Juvenal, the jurist who presided over the second trial, inside the building where Joan of Arc was condemned to death (1431) and where the second trial took place (1456) to restore her innocence. This intriguing audiovisual effect provided historical content thru testimonies of those who had met Joan the Maid and who would play a part in both her final days when she was found guilty of heresy and then 25 years later in the nullification of that verdict at her rehabilitation trial. (May 14, 2022)

Witnesses, reconstructions and audiovisual effects tell the story of Joan of Arc at the Joan of Arc Museum in Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

A stained glass “The Voices of Joan of Arc” inside the Joan of Arc Museum in Rouen as a the young shepherdess, Joan, her hands clasped, raises her eyes up to the sky from where Saint Michael, Saint Marguerite and Saint Catherine urge her to deliver France from the English and to bear the sword and standard. (May 14, 2022)

Views into Rouen from the tower inside the Joan of Arc Museum and former Archbishop’s Palace in Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

Joan of Arc’s story was popularized in books, movies and posters as seen inside the Joan of Arc Museum in Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

A room inside the Joan of Arc Museum of movie posters and a variety of items depicting Joan of Arc. (May 14, 2022)

The Aubigné Chapel of the former Archbishop’s Palace inside the Joan of Arc Museum in Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

A close-up of the Aubigné Chapel altar of the Archbishop’s Palace inside the Joan of Arc Museum in Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

The Salle des Etats of the former Archbishop’s Palace inside the Joan of Arch Museum in Rouen with a statue of Joan of Arc at the entryway. (May 14, 2022)

The Joan of Arc statue in the entryway of the Salle des Etats of the former Archbishop’s Palace inside the Joan of Arc Museum in Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

A close-up of the Joan of Arc statue in the entryway of the Salle des Etats of the former Archbishop’s Palace inside the Joan of Arc Museum in Rouen. (May 14, 2022)

My very simple hotel, Les Inities in the heart of the old town center of Rouen. The little restaurant belonged to the hotel, but the only thing I ate was their breakfast. The staff was helpful and polite but climbing the more than 50 spiral steps to my room was a bit exhausting. (May 14, 2022)

My very simple room at the Les Inities hotel in the heart of Rouen’s old town. (May 13, 2022)

The window views from my third floor simple room at the Les Inities hotel in the heart of Rouen’s old town. It’s the west facade of the Palais de Justice, once the seat of the Parliament (French court of law) of Normandy. (May 13, 2022)

And, this was the view from my third floor simple room at the Les Inities hotel in the heart of Rouen’s old town. It’s the west facade of the Palais de Justice, once the seat of the Parliament (French court of law) of Normandy. (May 13, 2022)

The west facade of the Gothic styled Palais de Justice, which was largely built from 1499 to 1507 in Rouen, features ornately carved arches over windows and doorways, along with its distinctly pointed spires. (May 14, 2022)

Orléans

I came to Orléans, as I did Rouen, in search of Joan of Arc and how this city in France and the New Orleans in the U.S. state of Louisiana are bound. I found little historical indication of the two cities but I did find links to Joan of Arc. Other than the city names, the French connection feel of New Orleans is evident. Founded as a French colony in 1718, New Orleans was christened in honor of Philippe, Duke of Orleans.

And as for the “Maid of Orléans,” the first thing you see upon entering the major square of the Place du Martroi in Orléans is the enormous statue of Joan of Arc on horseback. It bares repeating, especially here in Orléans, that Joan of Arc is a national heroine of France. She was a peasant girl who, believing that she was acting under divine guidance, led the French army in a momentous victory at Orléans in 1429 that against an English attempt to conquer France during the Hundred Years’ War.

I found Orléans to have a small town historical elegance to it. Quiet and much less crowded than Rouen, I enjoyed relaxing and reflecting on the years and stories these ancient cities have evolved into.

I just took my time wandering thru the beautiful Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d’Orléans or simply Orléans Cathedral where the most gorgeous stained glass story of Joan of Arc comes to life. I would have enjoyed seeing the Centre Jeanne d’Arc or Joan of Arc Centre, but it was closed while I was in Orléans.

Take a quiet step with me as I come to the end of my Joan of Arc quest in Orléans and then move on to Bordeaux.

A close-up of the bronze equestrian statue of Joan of Arc with sword in hand made by Denis Foyatier in 1855 at the Place du Martroi in Orléans. (May 16, 2022)

The equestrian bronze statue of Joan of Arc with sword in hand at the Place du Martroi in Orléans. (May 16, 2022)

Another view of the equestrian bronze statue of Joan of Arc with sword in hand at the Place du Martroi in Orléans. (May 16, 2022)

The bronze equestrian statue of Joan of Arc made by Denis Foyatier in 1855 atop a granite base with ten reliefs at the Place du Martroi in Orléans. (May 16, 2022)

The large Place du Martroi in Orléans. (May 16, 2022)

The Jules Verne merry-go-round at the Place du Martroi in Orléans. (May 16, 2022)

The tram passing by the Place du Martroi in Orléans. (May 16, 2022)

The Rue Jeanne d’Arc street, that leads to the Sainte-Croix Cathedral or Cathedral of the Holy Cross of Orléans or for short, Orléans Cathedral, is one of the most iconic streets in Orléans. Originally planned to be called Rue Bourbon, it was renamed after the city’s legendary liberator shortly before completion. Also notice all the yellow and blue flags in support of Ukraine and the war initiated by Russia. (May 16, 2022)

The Sainte-Croix Cathedral or Cathedral of the Holy Cross of Orléans or for short, Orléans Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic church originally built from 1278 to 1329. It was partially destroyed in 1568 by the Huguenots during the French Wars of Religion, but was rebuilt between 1601 and 1829. During the Siege of Orléans, the cathedral was visited frequently by Joan of Arc, however, it did not look like this during the time of her visits. The cathedral’s stained glass windows now depict the story of Joan’s actions that contributed to the lifting of the siege. (May 16, 2022)

The nave and choir inside the Orléans Cathedral. (May 16, 2022)

The choir inside the Orléans Cathedral. (May 16, 2022)

The organ and entryway inside the Orléans Cathedral. (May 16, 2022)

A side column view of the Orléans Cathedral with a slight view of the stained glass windows depicting the story of Joan’s actions that contributed to the lifting of the siege in Orléans. (May 16, 2022)

The side chapels of the Orléans Cathedral. (May 16, 2022)

The epic story of Joan of Arc is this notion behind stained glass windows assembled from 1893 to 1897 and designed by J. Galland and E. Gibelin for the Orléans Cathedral. And, below the stained glass windows are the incredibly carved stone Stations of the Cross carved by Clovis Monceau, a sculptor from Orléans, starting from 1873. (May 16, 2022)

The stone carved Stations of the Cross inside the Orléans Cathedral carved by Clovis Monceau, a sculptor from Orléans, starting from 1873. (May 16, 2022)

The #1 stained glass inside the Orléans Cathedral’s epic illustration of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans: In Domrémy, Joan of Arc is hears a heavenly voice.
St. Michael, the Archangel, appears to the 13-year-old shepherdess born in Lorraine, France, in 1412, and tells her: “You must go and help the French King to get rid of the English invaders, because GOD wants this long, awful War to cease. He has chosen you for that purpose.” (May 16, 2022)

The #2 stained glass inside the Orléans Cathedral’s epic illustration of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans: Joan leaves Vaucouleurs.
Joan receives some support from a local nobleman and is given a small army. She sets out for Chinon, near the river Loire, where she knows her duty is to deliver the Divine Message to King Charles VII not acknowledged by all as the true French King in that divided Kingdom. Everyone is amazed by her determination and fortitude. (May 16, 2022)

The #3 stained glass inside the Orléans Cathedral’s epic illustration of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans: In Chinon, Joan recognizes Charles VIl as King.
The holy Maid manages to recognize the shy, hesitating King. In front of the Court she asserts that she has been sent to him by God, who spoke to her through what she calls, Her Voices. The French monarch, who has recently dedicated his kingdom to St. Michael, does believe her words and soon entrusts her with military responsibilities. Thanks to Joan, he is now convinced that he is the only lawful King in France which he had been doubting so far. (May 16, 2022)

The #4 stained glass inside the Orléans Cathedral’s epic illustration of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans: Joan’s arrival in Orléans.
Joan’s plan to set Orléans free from an English army besieging the city was met by tremendous hope when she arrived carrying her famous banner, the symbol of her calling with the words “Jhesus et Maria,” meaning Jesus and Mary in French, inscribed on it and which would two years later be her dying words. Joan arrived in Orléans on a Friday, April 29th, 1429. (May 16, 2022)

The #5 stained glass inside the Orléans Cathedral’s epic illustration of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans: Capture of Fort des Tourelles leading Orléans to freedom.
The Battle waged on the Bridge, over the river Loire. There she displays her outstanding leadership, although she never killed or injured any man. In spite of a serious wound, she finally wins a victory, which she attributes to God only. The 10 days Joan spent in Orléans and the importance of this battle, she became known as caused her to THE MAID OF ORLEANS. (May 16, 2022)

The #6 stained glass inside the Orléans Cathedral’s epic illustration of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans: Joan gives thanks to God in the Cathédrale Sainte-Croix (Orléans Cathedral).
On the 8th of May, 1429, the English troops having fled, the
holy Maid comes to Cathédrale Sainte-Croix (Orléans Cathedral) and kneels in prayer during a solemn service of Thanksgiving for the happy end of the long siege. Every Year, on that date, the City of Orléans lovingly keeps the anniversary of that occasion, as a token of gratitude towards Joan, a poor girl who could neither read nor write, but lived in a close union with God. (May 16, 2022)

The #7 stained glass inside the Orléans Cathedral’s epic illustration of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans: Coronation of Charles VIl in Reims.
Two months later, Joan accompanies Charles VII to Reims, Champagne, the traditional Place for French King’s Coronation. While attending the ceremony, she makes a point of holding her beloved banner “Jhesus et Maria,” because it deserved honor on that day. From that day, the newly anointed Monarch earnestly became the rebuilder of French freedom and unity. (May 16, 2022)

The #8 stained glass inside the Orléans Cathedral’s epic illustration of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans: Joan is captured by the English in Compiègne.
Joan unsuccessfully besieged Paris and during the following spring she went to relieve Compiègne, she was badly wounded, captured by the Burgundians and sold to the English, who were eager to destroy her influence. (May 16, 2022)

The #9 stained glass inside the Orléans Cathedral’s epic illustration of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans: Joan of Arc in her prison cell.
Now in a dungeon, Joan was put on trial by the pro-English bishop, Pierre Cauchon. For months and months, Joan was forced to answer nasty, ensnaring questions put to her by Cauchon, and the Jurymen he summoned. (May 16, 2022)

The #10 stained glass inside the Orléans Cathedral’s epic illustration of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans: Joan of Are burning at the stake.
In Rouen, an English-controlled Normandy at the time, after an endless period of suffering and trials, Joan of Arc is charged with heresy, disobedience and of course, witchcraft. On May 30, 1431 at the age of 19, Joan is burnt at the stake. (May 16, 2022)

Along with the beautiful stained glass depicting Joan of Arc’s life inside the Orléans Cathedral, is this chapel dedicated to Joan of Arc by Monseigneur Touchet, bishop of Orléans, whose statue is featured in the chapel and where he is buried. (May 16, 2022)

This chapel inside the Orléans Cathedral was dedicated to Joan of Arc by Monseigneur Touchet, bishop of Orléans, whose statue is also featured in the chapel. The bishop, who died in 1926, is buried here. André Vermare, a sculptor from Lyon, created both the bishop’s statue and the one of Joan. And, the stain glass window, in the chapel, of Joan of Are on a horse was created by Pierre Carron. (May 16, 2022)

The Joan of Arc chapel inside the Orléans Cathedral features this sculpture of Joan by sculptor André Vermare from Lyon. And, the low-relief carving decorating the altar depicts Joan of Arc after her victory at the Fort des Tourelles. (May 16, 2022)

A view of Orléans, France. (May 17, 2022)

A view of Orléans, France. (May 16, 2022)

An outdoor mural in Orléans, France. (May 16, 2022)

Cobblestone alleyway leading to my apartment in Orléans, France. (May 16, 2022)

Front door of the building to my ground floor apartment in Orléans, France. (May 15, 2022)

My ground floor apartment in Orléans, France. (May 17, 2022)

The kitchenette inside my ground floor apartment in Orléans, France. There was also a washer/dryer combo in the shower room (the toilet and shower were in separate next door room) so I was able to wash a load of clothes. (May 17, 2022)

Bordeaux

I came to Bordeaux for the wine and not Joan of Arc, and I ended up finding a little of a both along with the heat and some needed rest. Let me explain.

Bordeaux is known for its wine-making and it even has a wine museum, which I had all the intentions in the world of going to but the only thing I really wanted to do was get in a morning walk of sites and spend the heat of the day resting and chilling out in my hotel room at the Hotel Majestic while catching up on some writing. And, with the temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and more can 32 degrees Celcius, resting in my room was a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Bordeaux absolutely deserves complete attention and when I did escape my hotel room to journey out, I came across a few interesting things to share, including an unexpected statue of Joan of Arc is the Bordeaux Cathedral. Here’s what I found.