Joan of Arc Statue, Reims

Statue in Reims

Statue de Jeanne dArc
Statue de Jeanne dArc
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Clelie Mascaret

The Statue de Jeanne d'Arc is one of the things to see in Reims if you want a quick but genuinely evocative stop right beside the city's most famous landmark. Set near Reims Cathedral, this bronze equestrian monument captures Joan of Arc at a turning point in French history, and it's hard not to feel the symbolism as you look from the statue up to the cathedral's towers.

Even if you're not planning a deep dive into medieval history, it's often visited on walking tours of Reims because it's so well placed and so easy to understand at a glance. You can arrive with no context and still read the scene: Joan on horseback, poised and purposeful, framed by the cathedral she helped reclaim for the coronation of Charles VII.

History and Significance of the Statue de Jeanne d’Arc

This monument belongs to the era of the French Third Republic, when public statues were often used to express national identity through heroic figures. Joan of Arc was a natural symbol: warrior, mystic, martyr, and eventually saint, she embodied courage under pressure and the idea of France enduring through crisis. In Reims, her story carries particular weight because the city's cathedral was the coronation site of French kings, and Joan's campaign helped make Charles VII's coronation possible.

The statue is closely associated with the sculptor Paul Dubois, whose interpretation balances reverence with realism. Rather than presenting Joan as an untouchable icon, the figure feels alert and human, with a steady intensity that reads as both spiritual resolve and battlefield readiness. That duality is what makes this monument so compelling: it doesn’t flatten her into a single trait.

Its location is part of the message. Placing Joan in the shadow of the cathedral ties her directly to the political and religious stakes of the Hundred Years' War and to the “March to Reims” that culminated in a coronation that reshaped French legitimacy. It's a reminder that Reims is not only beautiful; it's historically consequential.

Things to See and Do in the Statue de Jeanne d’Arc

Start by taking in the statue from a distance so you can see how it relates to the cathedral skyline. The composition works best when you treat the monument and the cathedral as a single scene: bronze resolve in the foreground, Gothic grandeur behind. It's a small moment of urban theatre that Reims does exceptionally well.

Move closer and look at the contrasts in the sculpting. Joan’s posture and expression are calm but intense, while the horse feels coiled with energy, giving the whole piece a sense of controlled momentum. This is not a soft, decorative monument; it’s meant to read as readiness, the quiet second before action.

If you enjoy photography, circle the statue and try a few angles that include cathedral details in the background. Early and late light can bring out the bronze’s texture and make the figure stand out more clearly, especially when the square is quieter.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Statue de Jeanne d’Arc

  • Suggested tips: Combine it with the cathedral: Treat this as a short stop before or after your cathedral visit so the historical link feels immediate.
  • Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon: Fewer crowds and softer light make the statue and cathedral backdrop feel more dramatic.
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Open access at all times.
  • How long to spend: How long to spend: 10-20 minutes, longer if you’re photographing or reading nearby context panels.
  • Accessibility: Accessibility: Flat, open area near the cathedral, generally easy to reach, with typical city paving underfoot.
  • Facilities: Facilities: Nearby cafés and public amenities are easiest to find around the cathedral and central streets.
  • Photography tip: Photography tip: Step back to frame Joan and the cathedral spires together, then take one close-up focusing on face, sword, and reins.
  • Guided tours: Guided tours: Worth it if you want the Joan-of-Arc narrative tied into Reims’ coronation history in a coherent way.
  • Nearby food options: Nearby food options: The cathedral quarter has plenty of cafés for a quick coffee break right after your visit.

Where to Stay close to the Statue de Jeanne d’Arc

Staying near the cathedral makes this monument an effortless part of your morning or evening strolls, and it keeps most central Reims sights walkable. La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection puts you right by the cathedral, ideal for early starts before the day crowds arrive. Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix is a comfortable central base with easy walks to major squares and restaurants. Holiday Inn Reims - Centre is a practical option if you want straightforward logistics and a central location for walking-led sightseeing.

Add a Is the Statue de Jeanne d’Arc Worth Visiting?

Yes, because it’s a high-impact sight that takes very little time and adds meaning to the cathedral area. Even if you only stop briefly, it anchors Reims’ medieval narrative in a single, readable image: Joan, the cathedral, and the idea of legitimacy reclaimed.

It’s also worth it as a pacing tool. Big monuments can be overwhelming, but this statue gives you a focused historical moment you can absorb in minutes, then carry with you as you explore the cathedral, the squares, and the rest of the city centre.

FAQs for Visiting Statue de Jeanne d’Arc

It is located beside Reims Cathedral in the city centre, making it an easy stop on foot.
It depicts Joan of Arc, the medieval French heroine associated with the Hundred Years’ War and the coronation of Charles VII.
The bronze equestrian monument is associated with sculptor Paul Dubois.
The cathedral is where French kings were crowned, and Joan’s campaign helped enable Charles VII’s coronation in Reims.
No, it is outdoors and free to visit.
Most visitors spend 10-20 minutes, longer if they’re photographing or lingering in the square.
Yes, especially when you frame the statue with the cathedral spires behind it.
Yes, it is an easy outdoor stop that works well as part of a central walking day.
No, but a guided walk adds context about the March to Reims and the coronation story.
Early morning or late afternoon tends to be quieter and offers softer light on the bronze.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (2,886)

Statue de Jeanne d'Arc sits in a pleasant central square at 20 Pl. du Martroi in Orléans, surrounded by restaurants, bars and evening food stalls, making it an easy, popular spot to linger, photograph from multiple angles and use as a walking base to explore other nearby sights.

manucsn
2 months ago
"Very nice square to take a picture from different perspectives and also to spend some time in bars"
LuNA fS
5 months ago
"Nice landmark. Easy to visit other important sites in the city by walk 🚶‍♀️"
Andy Barnes
5 months ago
"Lovely city centre, has amazing buildings, and a famous citizen. Fabulous weather."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is a simple, family-friendly stop because it’s outdoors and easy to understand visually. Kids often respond to the basic story quickly: a hero on horseback, a sword, and a cathedral backdrop that looks like a castle from certain angles.

Keep it short and treat it as a narrative moment rather than a lecture. A few minutes pointing out the horse’s stance, Joan’s posture, and the cathedral behind can be enough before moving on to something more interactive.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the statue works beautifully as part of a slow cathedral-quarter stroll. It’s a calm, cinematic moment that adds drama without needing a long visit, and it can set the tone for a day of unhurried exploration.

Visit in softer light, then drift into nearby streets for coffee or a late aperitif. The combination of bronze, stone, and evening atmosphere can make this feel like one of those small travel memories that stays with you.

Budget Travelers

This is a strong budget-friendly sight because it’s free, central, and pairs naturally with other walkable highlights. It adds historical depth to your cathedral visit without adding any ticket costs.

Use it as a connector between free stops like Place Royale, the cryptoporticus area, and cathedral wandering, saving your budget for one paid experience such as a Champagne tour or a museum.

Nearby Attractions to the Statue de Jeanne d’Arc

  • Reims Cathedral: The city's essential Gothic landmark and coronation church, with extraordinary sculpture and stained glass.
  • Palais du Tau: The former archbishops' palace next to the cathedral, tied to coronation ceremonies and royal stays.
  • Carnegie Library of Reims: A refined Art Deco public library created through post-WWI philanthropy and civic rebuilding.
  • Place Royale: A classical square with Pigalle's bronze statue of Louis XV, layered over Reims' Roman-era centre.
  • Cryptoportique de Reims: A remarkably preserved Roman vaulted corridor that brings ancient Durocortorum to life beneath the city.

The Joan of Arc Statue appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Reims!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Open access at all times.

Price:

Free.

Address: Statue de Jeanne d'Arc Canton de Reims-1, 51100 Reims France
Reims: 1 km

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