The Fêtes Johanniques in Orléans are one of France's oldest continuous festivals, commemorating Joan of Arc's lifting of the English siege on May 8, 1429. Celebrated every year since 1431, the event blends civil, military, and religious traditions and has been listed as intangible cultural heritage since 2018.
A key point for budget-conscious visitors: the vast majority of events, including the main commemorative parade on May 8, are free and open to the public. You do not need a ticket for the spectacular outdoor moments that draw tens of thousands of spectators each year.
Still, some specific activities may require a fee, and ticketing details are confirmed by the organizer only as the program is released. The 2026 edition took place from April 29 to May 10; the dates and any charging policy for 2027 will be published by the City of Orléans in due course.
Understanding the Fêtes Johanniques
The Fêtes Johanniques in Orléans are co-organized by the City of Orléans, the Diocese of Orléans, the military garrison, and the Orléans Jeanne d'Arc Association. The mix of solemn ceremonies and popular entertainment makes the event unique in France and has earned it a place in the national inventory of intangible cultural heritage.
Each year since 1431, the city has honored its liberator with processions, masses, and civic tributes. The main venues are the Cathédrale Sainte-Croix, Place du Martroi, the Campo Santo, and Porte Bourgogne, all within the historic center that is easy to explore on foot.
Beyond the traditional ceremonies, the program has grown to include concerts, conferences, family-friendly medieval days, and street performances. For context on how this celebration fits into the wider calendar of events in the country, browse our selection of the best festivals in France.
Free Highlights of the 2026 Edition
The 597th edition, held from April 29 to May 10, 2026, opened with the sword presentation ceremony at the Cathédrale Sainte-Croix on April 29, followed by a Scottish concert and the commemoration of Joan's entry through Porte Bourgogne. All these events were free to attend.
On May 1, the traditional procession of Joan of Arc, this time portrayed by Clémence Miot, departed from Place du Martroi and retraced her historic journey through the streets of Orléans. The medieval market at Campo Santo ran from May 7 to 10 and gathered nearly a hundred artisans and reenactment groups, with no admission fee.
The sound and light show on the cathedral facade, held on the evening of May 7, was also open to everyone. On May 8, the commemorations included a victory commemoration in the morning, a solemn mass, and the official tribute and procession in the afternoon, all free and gathering a large crowd.
Which Events Might Charge a Fee
According to the program details published by the organizers, the vast majority of events have free access, but some specific activities may be subject to a fee. The festival webpage lists guided tours of the cathedral and certain shows as examples of activities where a charge can apply.
The program for 2026 included a peace concert, conferences, and the event 'L'Argonne fête Jeanne d'Arc' on May 2 and 3 at the Plaine du Belneuf. Whether any of these required tickets was not confirmed in the official announcements, so check the detailed program on the City of Orléans website before deciding.
No official ticket vendor has been named for paid events, as ticketing details are typically announced closer to the dates once the full program is fixed. As a rule of thumb, budget only for optional extras like a guided tour or a reserved seat at a concert if such options are confirmed.
Practical Tips for Attending
Getting to Orléans is straightforward from Paris by train, with a direct service from Paris-Austerlitz in about 1 hour and 10 minutes; the station is within walking distance of the main festival venues. If you drive, the A10 motorway (Orléans Centre exit) and the A71 lead into the city, and free park-and-ride facilities with shuttle services to the center are available on the outskirts.
Within the city, tram lines A and B stop at Cathédrale-Hôtel de Ville, right at the heart of the festivities. Multiple car parks in the city center are open 24/7, including the one under the cathedral, although access to that facility has special arrangements between May 5 and 9 during the festival period.
Wear comfortable shoes for the historic center and bring warm clothing for the evening sound and light show. The official practical page notes that all main festival sites are accessible to people with reduced mobility, and the TAO transit network usually announces special offers during the celebration days.
For the most accurate and current program, including any last-minute changes to ticketing, consult the official website of the City of Orléans. The site publishes the full schedule, transport information, and any announcements about paid seating well before each edition.
Budgeting for Your Visit
One of the best aspects of the Fêtes Johanniques is how affordable it is: your stay in Orléans can be focused on the free festivities, leaving room in the budget for accommodation and meals. The festival is a major draw for visitors interested in French history and culture.
If your schedule allows, consider extending your trip to explore the city's other attractions, such as its cathedral, museums, and the Loire à Vélo cycling route that passes through the center. For more ideas around the festival, you could look at what the city offers at other times of the year.
Plan Your Visit
The Fêtes Johanniques in Orléans offer a rich program that is almost entirely free, allowing you to experience a centuries-old tradition without spending on tickets. Plan your days around the free highlights and keep an eye on the official program for any optional paid activities.
Whether you come for the majestic cathedral, the medieval market, or the vibrant parades, the festival offers a deep immersion into French heritage at no cost. Check the City of Orléans website for the upcoming edition's dates and any updates on ticket policies, as these are only announced closer to the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are tickets for the Fêtes Johanniques?
Most events are free, including the main ceremonies and parades. Some optional activities such as guided tours or special performances may have a fee, but details are not published in advance. Check the official program for the current edition.
Are the Fêtes Johanniques free?
Yes, the vast majority of events are free and open to the public. This includes the sword presentation, the May 1 procession, the medieval market, and the May 8 commemorative parade. A few specific activities may charge a fee, but they are exceptions.
What is the price of the Fêtes Johanniques in Orléans?
There is no general admission price because most events are free. For any paid activity, such as certain guided tours or shows, the organizer announces the price in the official program, so consult the City of Orléans website for details.
Where can I buy tickets for the Fêtes de Jeanne d'Arc?
Since most events are free, no ticket purchase is needed. If the program includes a paid event, the official City of Orléans website will provide the ticketing information. No third-party vendor has been announced.
Is the Joan of Arc Festival in Orléans free?
Yes, the Joan of Arc Festival, also known as the Fêtes Johanniques, is free for nearly all events. The official ceremonies, parades, medieval market, and sound and light show are all accessible without a ticket.
