Compiègne:
Capture of Joan of Arc
Compiègne : Capture of Joan of Arc
Step back in time to the historic town of Compiègne, where one of the most pivotal events in French history unfolded — the capture of Joan of Arc. This immersive walking tour takes you through the streets, fortresses, and landmarks associated with the brave young heroine who shaped France’s destiny. Discover the stories of courage, betrayal, and devotion as you explore the sites where Joan was taken prisoner and learn about the lasting impact of her legacy on French history and culture. Perfect for history enthusiasts, pilgrims, and anyone inspired by tales of heroism, this tour brings the story of Joan of Arc to life.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the key sites in Compiègne associated with the capture of Joan of Arc, one of France’s most legendary heroines.
- Explore the historic streets and buildings where she was taken prisoner, and gain insight into the political and military events surrounding her capture.
- Discover the fortresses, squares, and landmarks that tell the story of her bravery, faith, and sacrifice.
- Pause at important memorials and monuments commemorating her life, and reflect on her enduring legacy in French history.
- Conclude your tour with a moment of reflection at sites that honor her courage and contribution to the nation.
More Information
Duration : 2 Hours
Language : 
English | 
French | 
Spanish | 
German | 
Italian | 
Portuguese | 
Polish
Tour Inclusions: Experienced tour guide, Entrance to key historic sites, Small group experience
Tour Exclusions: Personal expenses, hotel pickup, Food and drinks, Transportation to/from Compiègne, optional donations, Entrance Fees
Distance: Approximately 1.5 km
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Meeting Point: Please arrive 10 minutes early at the main entrance of Compiègne Town Hall (Place de l’Hôtel de Ville). Your guide will meet you there to start the walking tour of the sites related to Joan of Arc’s capture. See the Google map for exact location.
Compiègne : Capture of Joan of Arc
Step into the historic streets of Compiègne on this immersive walking tour, where history, heroism, and medieval France come alive. Your journey begins at the Compiègne Town Hall and nearby landmarks, where Joan of Arc was famously captured during the Hundred Years’ War. Learn about her courage, her unwavering faith, and the dramatic events that led to her imprisonment.
Explore key sites associated with Joan’s last days in Compiègne, including the sites of the former castle walls and the forest paths where pivotal moments unfolded. Hear the stories of local citizens, soldiers, and witnesses, gaining insight into the political and military tensions of 15th-century France.
Stroll through the charming medieval streets of Compiègne, where each corner echoes the legacy of one of France’s greatest heroines. Admire historic architecture, quaint squares, and centuries-old landmarks that frame the story of Joan’s capture and its impact on French history.
Pause at memorials and plaques dedicated to Joan of Arc, reflecting on her enduring influence on French culture, national identity, and the global perception of courage and faith.
Conclude your tour in the heart of Compiègne, leaving with a deeper understanding of Joan of Arc’s remarkable story, her heroic sacrifice, and the historical significance of the city where her fate changed forever.
Compiègne : Capture of Joan of Arc
Compiègne, a historic town in northern France, is renowned as the site where Joan of Arc, the heroic French heroine, was captured during the Hundred Years’ War. Steeped in medieval charm and rich historical significance, the town draws visitors eager to explore its pivotal role in French history. Key landmarks include the Compiègne Town Hall, the former castle grounds, and nearby forest paths where Joan’s dramatic capture took place, as well as memorials honoring her courage and legacy.
The Capture of Joan of Arc (1430)
In 1430, during the height of the Hundred Years’ War, Joan of Arc was betrayed and seized by Burgundian forces allied with the English in Compiègne. Her capture marked a turning point in her journey, leading to her trial and eventual martyrdom. Today, Compiègne commemorates this moment with historical markers, guided tours, and educational exhibitions that bring her story to life for modern visitors.
Joan of Arc: Legacy and Heroism
Joan of Arc, canonized as a saint in 1920, remains one of France’s most iconic figures. Her bravery, faith, and unwavering devotion to her country and God continue to inspire people worldwide. Visiting Compiègne offers a unique opportunity to walk in her footsteps, reflect on her extraordinary courage, and understand the historical context of her capture.
Exploring Compiègne
Stroll through Compiègne’s medieval streets and discover historic architecture, quaint squares, and sites tied to the events of the Hundred Years’ War. Key highlights include:
Town Hall and Castle Grounds – Learn about Joan’s capture and the local history surrounding the siege.
Compiègne Forest – Walk the paths where critical events unfolded during her final hours in the town.
Memorials and Plaques – Pay tribute to Joan’s courage and legacy in French history.
Compiègne and the Pilgrim Tradition
Just as pilgrims once journeyed through medieval France, modern visitors can experience Compiègne as a site of reflection, courage, and inspiration. The town’s streets, historic landmarks, and serene surroundings offer a living connection to one of history’s most remarkable heroines. Whether visiting for historical interest, educational purposes, or personal reflection, Compiègne tells the unforgettable story of Joan of Arc’s bravery and sacrifice.
- Dress Code: Dress with an appropriate dress code for religious sites
- Walking & Terrain: The tour involves walking approximately 1.2–1.5 km over cobblestone streets, some gentle slopes, and uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
- Weather & Clothing: Bolsena’s weather can vary—dress in layers and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially in warmer months.
- Respectful Conduct: Many stops include sacred sites like the Basilica, catacombs, and chapels. Please maintain respectful silence and follow the guide’s instructions.
- Photography: Photos are welcome except where restricted inside sacred areas. Please respect local customs and signage.
- Accessibility: If you have mobility concerns, please inform us before booking so we can assist or recommend alternatives.
- Language: The tour is conducted in the selected at the reservation stage. Private or multilingual guide options are available upon request.
- Health & Safety: Please follow any current health protocols. Inform your guide of allergies or medical needs.
- Local Etiquette: Bolsena is a living community with religious traditions—please be courteous to locals and worshippers.
- Kids: Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
- Minimum Participants: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon.
- Weather Conditions: Our tours operate in all weather conditions; however, in the event of adverse or unsafe weather, the tour may be cancelled, rescheduled, or modified for safety reasons. In such cases, suitable alternative arrangements or remedies will be considered depending on the circumstances.
Personal Items: Carry light; a small bag or backpack for water, camera, and essentials is recommended.
- Full Refund: The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund
- Time Zone: Local time is applied in the event of cancellation.
- Changes: Any changes to be made before 24 hours to the departure
- No Refund: Any changes or cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time will not be eligible for a refund.
- Group Size: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon. A full refund will be provided if the tour is cancelled due to the minimum number of participants.
- Tour Guide Availability & Language Limitations: We specialize in tours to uncommon and unique religious destinations that are often unavailable on standard tours. Due to limited local guide availability, the requested language may not always be available. In such cases, we will offer alternative options before rescheduling or cancelling the tour. If no alternatives are feasible, the tour may be rescheduled or cancelled, with a full refund provided.
- Pricing Considerations: We strive to offer competitive pricing, but in some cases, limited supplier availability may affect costs.
- Our Mission: As a Catholic tour operator, our primary goal is to provide a meaningful spiritual experience. We focus on destinations that are rarely included in standard tours, ensuring your journey is both unique and spiritually enriching.
Plan Your Visit to Compiègne
Discover the easiest ways to reach, stay, and explore Compiègne — a historic French town rich in medieval charm, history, and the legacy of Joan of Arc. Travel times are approximate and may vary depending on schedules and traffic.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.
Airport Meet & Assist Services
Ensure a smooth arrival or departure by using airport Meet & Assist services at major airports such as Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris Orly (ORY), and Lille Airport. A dedicated assistant will help with luggage, check-in, and security, providing a stress-free start or end to your trip.
By Air
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – ~80 km to Compiègne (~1–1.5 hours by car)
Paris Orly (ORY) – ~120 km to Compiègne (~1.5–2 hours by car)
From either airport, you can rent a car, take a train, or book a private transfer.
Find the Best Flights – Book your flights with Expedia
By Train
Nearest Station: Compiègne Station (direct connections from Paris Gare du Nord)
From Paris: ~50–60 minutes by direct train
Find the Best Trains – Book your Trains with Omio
By Car
Drive via the A1 motorway connecting Paris, Lille, and northern France.
From Paris: ~80 km (~1–1.5 hours)
Parking available near Compiègne historic center and major landmarks
Find the Best Rent a Car – Rent your car with Centauto
By Bus
Regional buses connect Compiègne with surrounding towns and cities.
Check local schedules in advance.
Find the Best Buses – Book your Buses with Omio
By Taxi / Private Transfer
Enjoy a direct, comfortable ride from airports or nearby cities. Ideal for small groups or travelers with luggage.
Private Transfers – Book your private transfer with Welcome Pickups
On Foot / Locally
Compiègne is compact and walkable. Most main attractions — including the Joan of Arc capture sites, Town Hall, and Compiègne Forest — can be explored on foot.
Where to Stay in Compiègne
Find accommodations within walking distance of the historic center. Options include boutique hotels, guesthouses, and family-run B&Bs.
Hotels & B&Bs| 
Unique Local Stays
Find the Best Hotels – Book your Hotels with Expedia or Agoda
Find the Best Local Stays – Book your unique local stays with Homestay 
Experiences & Activities
Make your visit unforgettable — explore Compiègne’s historical sites, museums, and surrounding forest trails, or take day trips to nearby Chantilly or Paris.
Book Tours & Activities
Find the Best Tours & Activities
Find tours & day trips on GetYourGuide
Explore cultural & religious tours on Viator
Travel Essentials
Be prepared for your visit with the right gear and services.
Find the Best Travel Essentials
Find your travel accessories on Amazon
Find your Travel Insurance on Safty Wings
Find your local luggage storage on LuggageHero
Religious & Devotional Items
Even if you cannot visit in person, bring Compiègne’s history into your home with books, maps, and souvenirs related to Joan of Arc and medieval France.
Find the Best Religious & Devotional Items
Find your Religious & Devotional Items on Amazon
Note:
All times, prices, and details are approximate and may vary depending on schedules, seasons, or providers. Always check current travel information before booking.
Travel Tip
Combining train + local taxi or rental car from Paris offers a comfortable and flexible way to reach Compiègne.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.
Discover the places that matter most to you, even if you’re staying only a short time.
We create fully personalised pilgrimage routes and custom tours designed around your faith, interests and schedule. Whether you want to visit a sacred shrine, a historic basilica, a monastery on a hilltop, or a lesser-known religious site that few travellers reach, we’ll make it possible.
To help you save time, we can arrange private pickup from the airports, ports, Rail Stations or directly from your accommodation. Our team ensures you have direct, stress-free access to the religious destinations you may not have another chance to visit again.
Every itinerary is crafted with care: Private transfers to and from holy sites, Flexible schedules for prayer, reflection, and guided visits, Local experts to share history, spirituality, and traditions, Tailor-made tours for individuals, couples, families, or parish groups
If there’s a special tour or pilgrimage tied to a destination close to your heart, let us know — we’ll create a meaningful journey crafted just for you. Contact us to get a quotation for your personalised tour request.
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- List also other tours near the tour location ( Orvieto, Rome…etc )
Work With Us as a Tour Guide in Compiègne
Join our team of passionate guides in Compiègne and help visitors discover the rich history, culture, and legacy of Joan of Arc. We are looking for licensed tour guides who can share the stories of Compiègne’s historic sites, including the location of Joan of Arc’s capture, the Château de Compiègne, and the surrounding medieval landmarks.
If you enjoy guiding visitors through these iconic historical sites and bringing France’s fascinating past to life, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us.Partner with Us
We’re always looking to collaborate with travel agencies, pilgrimage organizers, and Catholic organizations to bring faith-based tours to more pilgrims. Partner with us to offer authentic Catholic pilgrimage experiences, expand your offerings, and deliver unforgettable journeys to sacred sites.