Campo Santo

To your left, you’ll see a large grassy cloister framed by elegant arcades — this is the Campo Santo. It was once the city’s main cemetery, dating all the way back to the 12th century, and it’s now listed as a historic monument. The arcades you see today were added in the 15th and 17th centuries. During the annual Joan of Arc festivities, local craftspeople set up shop under them for the medieval market. These celebrations — known as the Johannine festivals — have been held every year in Orléans for over five centuries, marking the city’s liberation on May 8, 1429. Back in the day, the festivities were mainly processions featuring various trades and guilds. Over time, the event evolved to reflect the times and the politics of the day. Today, it’s a vibrant mix of history and pageantry: you’ll find costume parades, historical reenactments, light and sound shows, medieval markets, and sacred music. One highlight is the selection of a young woman from Orléans to play Joan of Arc for the year. The celebrations are led by two guests of honor — one representing the civic side, the other the religious. In an election year, it’s tradition for the newly elected President of France to attend. Nearly every president of the Fifth Republic has taken part. Since 2018, the event has officially been recognized as part of France’s intangible cultural heritage.