Historial Jeanne DarcHistorial Jeanne Darc
©Historial Jeanne Darc|Thomas Boivin

Festivities at the Historial Jeanne d'Arc

10 years of beating hearts

From March to December, the Historial Jeanne d’Arc celebrates its 10ᵉ anniversary with a series of events highlighting the values that have animated it since its opening. Immerse yourself in a rich and varied program throughout the year, and discover never-before-seen events that will delight young and old alike.

Historial Jeanne d'Arc

A place steeped in history and commitment

Located at the foot of Rouen cathedral, the Historial Jeanne d’Arc is housed in the archiepiscopal palace, a medieval edifice where key moments in the history of Joan of Arc took place . It was here that her condemnation trial was held in 1431, and her rehabilitation trial in 1456. Inaugurated in 2015, the Historial offers an immersive experience thanks to a modern scenography that retraces Joan’s journey, from her childhood in Domrémy to her decisive role in the reconquest of the French throne. Ten years after its opening, the Historial is much more than just a museum: it’s a living space, a place for reflection and dialogue, inspired by the strength of the woman it honors. While Joan of Arc’s epic has spanned the centuries and fed many historical, political and ideological narratives, the Historial affirms a clear commitment: Joan of Arc belongs to no one, but her story belongs to everyone. Under the banner “10 ans à cœurs battants” (10 years with beating hearts), the Historial celebrates this decade of existence with a special program, from March to December 2025. Faithful to the values that have animated it since its opening, it will honor accessibility, gender equality, environmental emergencies, as well as mental health and well-being. Each month will be an invitation to discover, reflect and act together, confirming the Historial as a place of history resolutely turned towards the future.

Program

April
Visit by candlelight

Friday April 11 Discover the architectural treasures of the former archbishop’s palace by candlelight (dubbed in LSF).

Sensory tour

Friday, April 18 A surprising visit that uses the senses of smell, hearing and touch to unlock the secrets of the archiepiscopal palace (accessible to the blind and visually impaired).

Theatrical tour

Friday, April 25 La Belle Envolée company offers an offbeat and humorous exploration of the site (accessible in LSF). In partnership with Association Cultures du Cœur, workshops for children are also scheduled:

  • Historial des tout-petits (April 12 and 19): Activities from age 3.
  • Apprentice alchemists (April 10 and 17): Fun workshops for children aged 7 and over.
  • En-quête à l’Historial (April 9 and 16): Investigation trail for children aged 7 and over.
May and June
L’Arbre-Soleil

May 24 to June 11 Conceived by the Onyo company, this immersive, sensory experience invites the public on a poetic journey to the heart of a Mongolian yurt. Equipped with headphones, participants are immersed in a lush forest and take part in a ritual aimed at regenerating a thousand-year-old tree. Each session lasts 20 minutes and is open to all. Saturday, May 24, 2:30 pm to 7:30 pmConference on the work with Gwennyn Tanguy, who will trace feminist actions since the 70s, exposing the diversity and complexity of the movement.

Françoise ! by Cie Noésis Françoise !

Friday, May 23 at 7:30 pm Join two sisters as they set out to meet Françoise D’Eaubonne, writer and pioneer of the ecofeminist movement in France. Both actresses and dancers, they translate Françoise’s committed writings with their bodies and ebullient energy, as she transformed her anger into a lifelong struggle.

Il était une fois… il n’était pas, by Cie EssentiELLES

Thursday, June 12, 7:30pm Halfway between theater and reading, this show for four female voices, accompanied by a trumpet, invites us on a journey to the heart of the world’s tales and legends. It celebrates strong, indomitable, free and adventurous female figures. Immersed in a poetic, immersive universe, it explores the richness and complexity of feminine nature, in resonance with the living world and natural elements.

July
Fairground masquerade

Saturday, July 5 As summer approaches, the masquerade fair takes over the courtyard of the Aître Saint-Maclou for a memorable evening. The fruit of a collaborative project carried out in advance at the Historial Jeanne d’Arc with local residents and associations, this event will come to life in the form of a festive village where young and old alike will don their finest costumes. In a warm, intergenerational atmosphere, visitors can enjoy game stalls, a lively refreshment bar, Madame Irma’s enigmatic cabin and a flamboyant concert stage. Musicians and circus performers will punctuate this festive occasion, which is all about sharing and conviviality. The evening concludes with a grand ball!

August and November
Guerrières” exhibition

August The walls of the Historial Jeanne d’Arc are transformed into a gallery, paying tribute to women warriors past and present, raising their courage and resilience as an example. Discover a series of photo portraits paying tribute to these women who, despite the taboos of their time, donned the garb of a man to go into battle.

When the Historial becomes a refuge

November The Historial puts the spotlight on health and well-being through a unique program. Thanks to its unique architecture, it offers a soothing setting conducive to contemplation and tranquillity. Protected by its high walls, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is transformed into a veritable haven of peace, inviting everyone to slow down, refocus on their emotions and relax. In addition to the digital tour, a series of activities dedicated to well-being allows visitors to explore the palace and its treasures from a new angle, promoting an immersive and rejuvenating experience.

December
Theatrical creation by high school students

In September, a group of students will explore the story of Joan of Arc, its reinterpretations and its legacy. Through this work, they will question her place in our time, share their vision on stage and make their voices heard through an original, contemporary play.

Closing charity concert

To round off this “10 years of beating hearts” program, marked by sharing and emotion, the Historial Jeanne d’Arc wishes to make a commitment to an association by organizing a major charity concert, in the magnificent Salle des Etats. All profits will be donated to support a local cause, bringing artists and audiences together in a spirit of generosity and fraternity.

Practical information

Dates : March to December Location: Historial Jeanne d’Arc, 7 rue Saint-Romain 76000 Rouen Access:

  • Public transport: Cathédrale stops T1, T2, T3. République stop: F1, F7, line 11 (timetables on www.myastuce.fr)
  • Free parking: Boulingrin parking lot, P+R Mont-Riboudet, P+R Plaine de La Ronce – Isneauville, Zénith – Avenue des Canadiens Grand-Quevilly
  • Pay parking nearby: Palais de Justice parking lot, Opéra parking lot, Cathédrale parking lot, Hôtel de Ville parking lot, Place Saint-Marc parking lot(more info here).

To find out more about the program, visit the Historial Jeanne d’Arc website.