Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Stumbling Upon Jeanne d'Arc

Road thru the Loire Valley
Leaving the autostrade or freeways behind, we traveled from the Cinque Terra (Italy), through the alps, and into the Loire Valley (France) on small country roads.  Roads leading to historic sites are dotted throughout the countryside.
Loire Valley
Little old French truck
One such road lead us into the town of Domremy-la-Pucelle, where Joan of Arc or Jeanne D'Arc was born.  Of course, we hadn't done our research so we had no idea this little treasure was here.  Matt and I were delighted to find it.  The kids, on the other hand...  well, they didn't even want to get out of the car. Their horrible parents made them get out of the car and endure the story of Jeanne D'Arc.  
Statue near her home
Jeanne D'Arc was a peasant girl born in 1412.  Six hundred years ago!  When she was 12 (Melena is 12!) she had visions telling her to drive the English from France.  As a wee 16 year old, disguised as a page, she lead the French army to victories that would ensure Frances victory over England.  She was captured and tried for heresy, and eventually burned at the stake when she was only 19.
The house were Jeanne D'Arc was born

It was interesting to walk around the town and think of this young woman - girl really - who I had heard of as a kid, and that she wan't just a story, but a real life person in real life history.  We just don't have  that kind of history in the United States, especially on the west coast.
Melena and Keenan near Jeanne D'Arc's home
Street view in Domremy-la-Pucelle 
Domremy-la-Pucelle
Beautiful old stone barn in Domremy-la-Pucelle  
Home in Domremy-la-Pucelle

1 comment:

Lynn Cohen said...

What an exciting find! Your photos of the buildings are all paintings in my mind! Just beautiful. Glad we don't have any burning at the stake on the west coast! ;-) But yes, very exciting history to stumble upon. How I'd love to be doing this with you.