France fetes Joan of Arc's 600th birthday with pageantry and festivities

By Associated Press, Published: May 2 AP

ORLEANS, France — The normally tranquil city of Orleans is buzzing with festivities over the next two weeks to mark the 600th birthday of one of France’s best cultural exports: Joan of Arc.

Looking appropriately cinematic, the Loire River swarmed with wooden boats carrying locals in medieval garb on Tuesday, reenacting Joan of Arc’s famous entry into the city in 1429.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/france-fetes-joan-of-arcs-600th-birthday-with-pageantry-and-festivities/2012/05/02/gIQAhmGnwT_story.html