A Sacred Journey of Love and Awakening: Celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the canonization of St. Joan of Arc.
This tour is available for private groups of 8 or more. Contact Jennifer for further information.
Itinerary
Our story begins here…
In 1337 King Edward III went to war with French King Philip VI for control of France and thus, the Hundred Years’ War began. At the age of 13, Joan claims to have heard messages and received visions from St. Michael, St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Margaret of Antioch. She was being urged to go visit the rightful King of France, Charles of Valois son of Charles VI. Charles had to leave deeply entrenched Paris and set up court at Chinon on the Loire River.
The rest of the journey we share with you.
Day 1
Welcome to France! Please arrive in Paris at our hotel between 3 and 5 PM.
Get settled in, we will rendezvous at 6 PM to meet our fellow travelers, have an orientation and a classic French dinner at 7:30.
A short after dinner walk takes us to the Place de Pyramids to see the famous statue / sculpture by Emmanuel Fremiet, “Jeanne d’ Arc”.
“Paris is always a good idea.”
Audrey Hepburn
Day 2
Enjoy breakfast and the morning in Paris. Our bus departs at 11 AM for a two-hour ride to Chalons en Champagne, located in the famous Champagne region of France and nicknamed, “The Sparkling Venice” because of its many lovely waterways. The afternoon is free to explore this picturesque city.
We will meet at a local restaurant for dinner at 8 PM, with champagne, of course!
After dinner, we are offering an optional one hour boat tour with a magical light show showcasing the city and its monuments.
“I am not afraid. I was born to do this.”
Joan of Arc
Day 3
After breakfast, we will journey to the birthplace of Joan, originally named Domremy. In 1578 this village was renamed, in honor of Joan, Domremy-la-Pucelle (of the maiden).
We will visit the house where Joan grew up, the church where she prayed and the site where she saw her first visions.
Our journey then takes us to the nearby town of Vaucouleurs where Joan began her mission, as instructed by her voices, by asking the military captain for an escort to take her to Chinon to meet with the Dauphin Charles. We will be recounting Joan’s life more as we travel. Lunch is included today. We make our way back to Châlons late afternoon with the evening and dinner on your own with many fine choices.
“God has great pity for the people of France. Go to Vaucouleurs and thou wilt find there a captain who will conduct thee safely to France and to the King. Be without fear.”
Joan, at her trial, recounting one of her messages
Day 4
Today we drive to Chinon.
After getting permission in Vaucouleurs, 17-year-old Joan is given a convoy to escort her to see Charles the Dauphin, who was holed up here in Chinon, after losing most of his kingdom. The fact that Joan made this journey through enemy territory without being harmed is in itself seen as proof of divine protection.
Chinon is a medieval town located in the Loire Valley on the banks of the Vienne river just before it meets the Loire. Chinon is one of the better-known wine producing towns in this region and welcomes visitors to its tasting caves to taste the highly rated wines. There will be plenty of time this afternoon to explore the town, go wine tasting or simply relax. We will meet again for dinner at a local restaurant.
“Have you not heard this prophecy, that France would be destroyed by a woman, and that she would be restored by a maid from the Marches of Lorraine?”
Joan, to the Captain
Day 5
Day trip to Château Chenonceau
We are in the Loire Valley and a castle tour is a must do!
In continuing our Divine Feminine theme, we have chosen Château Chenonceau.
This gorgeous castle is also know as, “The Ladie’s Castle, “ due to the fact that it is the only castle in France which was built, decorated, inhabited and saved by women. There is much history here which we will learn as we tour this beautiful property. Lunch is included today.
We return to Chinon for a quiet evening on your own.
Day 6
After breakfast our first stop today is at the church of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois in the village of the same name. Buried behind the altar in this church was the sword meant for Joan, which she found after being told to go there by her voices.
After a short visit here we head to Orleans, a city on the Loire River and the capital of The Centre Val de Loire region. Joan’s presence is strongly felt and celebrated here, as it is here that the teenage peasant girl, with no military training, led the troops to a victory driving out the English and in return enabling the French to reclaim this land. The city lovingly nicknamed her “The Maid of Orleans.”
After checking into our hotel the day and evening are free for you to explore.
“No evil is to be found in her, only goodness, humility, virginity, devotion, honesty and simplicity.”
Cleric to Charles after the interrogation
Day 7
A free day in Orleans to stroll, rest, read and journal. See how many Joan references you can find!
A map will be given with points of interest, a must-see is the Orleans Cathedral where the stained glass windows tell the story of Joan.
“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.”
Mary Anne Radmacher
Day 8
We leave this morning and head to Reims, where Charles, after the victory at Orleans, was crowned King of France with Joan at his side.
We are back in the Champagne region and Reims has been declared the unofficial capital of the region. As you can imagine this is quite the foodie town where you can quite literally eat like a royal. We will be offering a 2 hour afternoon walking tour of this historical city. Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant, savoring the cuisine of the region.
“Come quickly I am tasting the stars.”
Dom Perignon, on the moment he discovered champagne.
Day 9
Today we have options, you get to choose. One option is a half-day champagne tasting tour with lunch. Another option is to stroll the city, rest, relax, meditate in one of the cathedrals, journal and just do as you please soaking in the energy of this vibrant city. How about a foodie tour?
Note: Champagne tour, tasting and lunch is an extra add on cost.
“I only drink champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not.”
Coco Chanel
Day 10
Today we travel to Rouen, sadly this is where Joan’s life tragically ended where she was burned at the stake for heresy. Her legacy continues to leave its mark here and we will honor her and visit the historic sites that tell the tale of her last months.
On a lighter note Rouen is a charming city on the banks of the Seine river and one of the capitals of Normandy. Dinner included in a local restaurant. Fun fact for my fellow foodies, Julia Child had her first meal in France here.
“If I am not, may God put me there; if I am, may God keep me there. I would be the most miserable person in the world if I were not in God’s grace.”
Joan’s response at her trial when asked, Are you in a state of Grace?
Day 11
Once again the day is open to do as you would like. And once again there are many options including art museums, perusing the streets of old Rouen, exploring the beautiful Jardin des Plantes, visiting the many churches, and/or strolling along the Seine, just to name a few. Lunch and dinner on your own today with many delicious choices.
“God forgive us, we have burned a saint.”
Anonymous English soldier upon Joan’s death
Day 12
Our final day together. We will have a last lunch together in Rouen. After lunch we journey back to Paris where your final night includes a stay at an airport hotel. Book your flight home on June 14. Or continue on…What’s Included
- 12 nights’ accommodations in 3 and 4 star hotels
- All ground transportation
- Full breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per the itinerary
- All tours listed above
Note: The champagne tour with lunch out of Reims is an additional $195.00
What’s Not Included
- Airfare
- Meals not listed
- All beverages not listed
- Personal items needed on the trip
Price
Pricing is determined by time of year and number in the group.
This tour is available for private groups of 8 or more. Contact Jennifer for further information.
Cancellation Fees
31-45 days prior to trip: 75% of the trip price
0-30 days prior to trip: 100% of the trip price
Due to any unforeseen circumstances, Winn Journeys has the right to change the listed itinerary. If a substitution is needed, we will always substitute with something equal or better.
Travel insurance is highly recommended, we use Allianz.
Roommates
Responsibility Clause
Winn Journeys acts as a tour operator. The suppliers providing transportation, sightseeing arrangements and hotel accommodations for the tour program are independent contractors and are not agents or employees of Winn Journeys. All coupons, receipts, and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by suppliers. By utilizing the service of the suppliers, you agree that Winn Journeys will not be liable for any change in schedule, strikes, delay, acts of governments, fires, riots, theft, pilferage, epidemics, quarantine, medical or customs regulations, accident, loss, injury, or damage to you or to those traveling with you in connection with any accommodations, transportation or any other services or resulting directly or indirectly from any occurrence or conditions beyond its control, including defects in vehicles, breakdown in equipment, thefts, delay or cancellation of or changes in itinerary for any act, omission, or event during our time together.
Winn Journeys and suppliers contracted for services reserve the right to refuse to accept or retain any person whose behavior is deemed likely to affect the smooth operations of a tour or adversely affect the enjoyment or safety of other passengers. Winn Journeys shall be under no liability to any such person for refund, compensation, repatriation or any other matters arising. Winn Journeys is not responsible for circumstances beyond its control. Trip cancellations resulting from the inability for trip to depart as scheduled, such as cancellations due to acts of war and/or terrorism, war, God, or nature.
Tour Cancellation By Operator: Be clearly advised that from time to time a tour departure may be canceled due to lack of participation. In such a case, the operator’s sole responsibility is to provide a full refund.
Praise!
See what others are saying about journeys with Jennifer…
We loved every minute of our Camino with Winn Journeys and Jennifer. It was well organized and one of the best things we have ever done together as a couple. We have already highly recommended this to many of our friends and we can’t wait to go back and do another Camino!