Fêtes Johanniques - Fêtes de Jeanne d'Arc d'Orléans
Historical commemoration of the liberation of Orléans by Joan of Arc
About Fêtes Johanniques
The Fêtes Johanniques d'Orléans annually commemorate the liberation of the city by Joan of Arc on May 8, 1429. Celebrated continuously since 1431, they are one of the oldest festivals in France. Combining civil, military, and religious traditions, these festivities include the sword presentation ceremony, Joan's procession, a medieval market at Campo Santo, a sound and light show on the Sainte-Croix Cathedral, and an official procession. Listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2018, they attract tens of thousands of visitors.
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The Fêtes Johanniques: nearly six centuries of living tradition
The Fêtes Johanniques d'Orléans are a unique event in France, celebrated every year since 1431 to commemorate the liberation of the city by Joan of Arc on May 8, 1429, during the Hundred Years' War. This major historical event has been listed in the inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in France since March 2018.
A centuries-old history
On April 29, 1429, Joan of Arc entered Orléans at the head of her army. On May 7, her troops took the Tourelles fort, and the very next day, the English lifted the siege. The city was liberated. As early as 1431, the people of Orléans instituted annual celebrations to honor their liberator. This tradition has never ceased since, making the Fêtes Johanniques one of the oldest popular festivals in Europe.
The highlights of the festivities
The Fêtes de Jeanne d'Arc take place every year from April 29 to May 8 (sometimes extended to May 10 or 11) and are structured around several emblematic highlights:
- Sword presentation ceremony: on April 29, on the parvis of the Sainte-Croix Cathedral, a young Orléanaise chosen to embody Joan of Arc symbolically receives the sword.
- Joan's procession: on May 1, in armor and on horseback, Joan travels through the streets of Orléans from Place du Martroi, retracing the historical journey of the Maid.
- Medieval market: held at Campo Santo, it brings together nearly a hundred artisans, reenactment groups, and medieval entertainment (fights, juggling, shows).
- Sound and light show: projected onto the facade of the Sainte-Croix Cathedral, this nocturnal show recounts the epic of Joan of Arc through the centuries.
- Official procession and May 8th tribute: a day of commemoration combining a religious ceremony in the cathedral, a military parade, and a civic procession through the city center.
A popular and unifying event
The Fêtes Johanniques are co-organized by the City of Orléans, the Diocese of Orléans, the military garrison of Orléans, and the Orléans Jeanne d'Arc Association. They mobilize the entire city and attract tens of thousands of visitors each year, including families, history enthusiasts, and curious individuals from all over France.
Beyond the traditional ceremonies, the program is enriched year after year: concerts, conferences, medieval days for families, guided tours of the cathedral, neighborhood events, and street performances make this event a festive, cultural, and intergenerational gathering.
Joan of Arc, a universal figure
Joan of Arc, national heroine and patron saint of France, remains a universal symbol of courage, determination, and freedom. The Fêtes Johanniques perpetuate her memory and transmit to new generations the values of peace, unity, and historical pride that form the identity of Orléans.
Fêtes Johanniques — edition 2026
The 597th edition of the Fêtes Johanniques will be held from April 29 to May 10, 2026. Clémence Miot will embody Joan of Arc, accompanied by her pages Martin Paillat and Alexis Horstmann. The program will include the sword presentation ceremony, the procession, the sound and light show, the medieval market at Campo Santo, the official ceremonies on May 8, and numerous other events.
597th edition - April 29 to May 10, 2026
The Fêtes Johanniques return for their 597th edition, from April 29 to May 10, 2026. Clémence Miot has been chosen to embody Joan of Arc for this new edition, accompanied by her pages Martin Paillat and Alexis Horstmann.
The program will revolve around the traditional highlights: the sword presentation ceremony on April 29 at the Sainte-Croix Cathedral, the procession on May 1 starting from Place du Martroi, the medieval market at Campo Santo from May 7 to 10, the sound and light show on the cathedral on May 7, and the official ceremonies on May 8 (solemn mass, military parade, commemorative procession).
The 2026 edition will also feature the event "L'Argonne fête Jeanne d'Arc" on May 2 and 3 at Plaine du Belneuf, a peace concert, conferences, guided tours of the cathedral, and numerous medieval activities for the whole family.
Programme Fêtes Johanniques 2026
2026 Program
- April 29: Sword presentation ceremony (7 PM, Sainte-Croix Cathedral), Scottish concert (8:15 PM), commemoration of Joan's entry (10 PM, Porte Bourgogne)
- April 30: Religious tribute (6:30 PM, Notre-Dame des Miracles)
- May 1: Joan of Arc's procession (10 AM, Place du Martroi)
- May 2-3: L'Argonne fête Jeanne d'Arc (Plaine du Belneuf)
- May 4: Peace concert (6:30 PM, city center)
- May 5: Conference (8:30 PM, Orléans Conservatory)
- May 7-10: Medieval market at Campo Santo
- May 7: Sound and light show (10:30 PM, Sainte-Croix Cathedral)
- May 8: Victory commemoration (9 AM), religious service (10 AM), official tribute and procession (2:30 PM - 3:20 PM)
Highlights Fêtes Johanniques 2026
To remember for 2026
- Dates: April 29 to May 10, 2026
- Joan 2026: Clémence Miot, accompanied by Martin Paillat and Alexis Horstmann
- 597th edition of one of France's oldest festivals
- Medieval market at Campo Santo from May 7 to 10
- Sound and light show on the Sainte-Croix Cathedral
- L'Argonne fête Jeanne d'Arc: May 2 and 3 at Plaine du Belneuf
Prices Fêtes Johanniques 2026
Practical information — Fêtes Johanniques
Practical Information
Access and transport
By car: Orléans is accessible via the A10 motorway (Paris-Bordeaux, Orléans Centre exit), the A71 (Orléans-Clermont-Ferrand), and the RN20. Free park-and-ride facilities are available on the outskirts with shuttle services to the city center.
By train: Orléans station is served by TER Centre-Val de Loire and Intercités from Paris-Austerlitz (approx. 1h10). Les Aubrais station, nearby, is served by TGV high-speed trains.
By tram and bus: The TAO network serves the city center with tram lines A and B. The Cathédrale-Hôtel de Ville stop (line A) is at the heart of the festivities.
Main venues
- Sainte-Croix Cathedral: official ceremonies, sound and light show
- Place du Martroi: start of the procession, events
- Campo Santo: medieval market
- Porte Bourgogne: commemoration of Joan's entry
Prices
The vast majority of events are free to access. Some specific activities (guided tours, shows) may be subject to a fee.
Practical advice
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking in the historic center.
- The sound and light show at the cathedral takes place in the evening: remember to bring warm clothing.
- Consult the detailed program on the official website of the City of Orléans before your visit.
- All main sites are accessible to people with reduced mobility.
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Fêtes Johanniques
Centre-ville d'Orléans - Cathédrale Sainte-Croix
Place Sainte-Croix, 45000 Orléans