All tours in Orléans

Orléans

The Maid and the River: Orléans 1429

3.2 km111 min7 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step into the claustrophobic, desperate, and ultimately triumphant atmosphere of May 1429. This immersive audio journey strips away the myth to reveal the gritty, tactical, and deeply human reality of the Siege of Orléans. You will walk the very streets where a starving city made its last stand, trace the tactical geography of the Loire River, and discover how a seventeen-year-old visionary shattered the invincible English war machine in just ten days.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Quai du Châtelet (Porte Bourgogne)

The riverside entry point where Joan of Arc secretly arrived, bringing hope to a starving city.

Quai du Châtelet (Porte Bourgogne)

Image by Croquant on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.71 km • 11 min
2

STOP 2

Maison de Jeanne d'Arc

A faithful reconstruction of the medieval house where Joan stayed, planned her battles, and clashed with French commanders.

Maison de Jeanne d'Arc

Image by Pymouss on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.37 km • 6 min
3

STOP 3

Place du Martroi

The monumental heart of the city, featuring the iconic 1855 equestrian statue of Joan of Arc.

Place du Martroi

Image by Croquant on Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

0.72 km • 11 min
4

STOP 4

Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans

The soaring Gothic cathedral where Joan prayed and where the city celebrated the lifting of the siege.

Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans

Image by Mazzhe on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.49 km • 8 min
5

STOP 5

Place de la Loire

The riverbanks offering a view of the tactical geography and the immense barrier the Loire presented.

0.57 km • 9 min
6

STOP 6

Pont George V

Crossing the modern bridge that replaces the heavily fortified medieval Pont des Tourelles.

0.33 km • 5 min
7

END

Croix de la Pucelle

The monument marking the site of the Fort des Tourelles, where Joan was wounded and achieved her greatest victory.

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, military strategy enthusiasts, lovers of medieval architecture, and anyone fascinated by the psychology of leadership and myth-making.
  • Best time Late afternoon, when the light hits the Loire River and the cathedral's stained glass glows, ideally ending near sunset.
  • Footwear Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you will be crossing the river and navigating cobblestone squares.
  • Weather The wind off the Loire can be brisk; bring a light jacket even in summer.
  • Pacing Take your time on the bridge crossing to truly visualize the medieval structures that once stood there.
  • Audio Use noise-canceling headphones to fully immerse yourself in the soundscape of the narrative.
  • Mindset Prepare to look past the modern city and imagine the ashes and earthworks of the 15th century.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Ian MacLeod
Audio sample
0:000:00

Ian MacLeod

  • Power, Protest & Civic Spaces
  • Scotland

Connoisseur of political movements. Traces the routes of protests and explains the power of public spaces.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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