Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Orléans stood at the heart of the Hundred Years’ War. Protected by powerful ramparts, a fortified bridge across the Loire and one of the most advanced artillery forces of its time, the city became the key objective of an English campaign aimed at securing control of France south of the river.
As thousands of English troops surrounded the city in 1428, the defenders relied on their fortifications, militia and artillery to withstand a siege that would last nearly seven months. Around Orléans, both sides built, fought and adapted, turning the city into one of the most important battlegrounds of the war.
At a moment when Charles VII seemed increasingly isolated, a 17-year-old peasant from Lorraine arrived with a promise: the siege would be lifted. Joan of Arc entered Orléans in April 1429, bringing supplies, reinforcements and renewed confidence to a city under pressure.
Combining military strategy, siege warfare and the story of Joan of Arc, this film retraces the events that led to the liberation of Orléans and helped change the course of the Hundred Years’ War.
Documentary: Besieged Fortresses, Legendary Battles – The Siege of Orléans, Joan of Arc's Victory
Directed by: Stéphane Jacques
Production: ZED (2020)
#documentary #freedocumentary #joanofarc #siegeoforleans #orleans #hundredyearswar #medievalhistory #medievalwarfare #charlesvii #englandvsfrance #fortresscity #medievalsiege #frenchhistory #militaryhistory #battleoforleans #loirevalley #historydocumentary
Orléans stood at the heart of the Hundred Years’ War. Protected by powerful ramparts, a fortified bridge across the Loire and one of the most advanced artillery forces of its time, the city became the key objective of an English campaign aimed at securing control of France south of the river.
As thousands of English troops surrounded the city in 1428, the defenders relied on their fortifications, militia and artillery to withstand a siege that would last nearly seven months. Around Orléans, both sides built, fought and adapted, turning the city into one of the most important battlegrounds of the war.
At a moment when Charles VII seemed increasingly isolated, a 17-year-old peasant from Lorraine arrived with a promise: the siege would be lifted. Joan of Arc entered Orléans in April 1429, bringing supplies, reinforcements and renewed confidence to a city under pressure.
Combining military strategy, siege warfare and the story of Joan of Arc, this film retraces the events that led to the liberation of Orléans and helped change the course of the Hundred Years’ War.
Documentary: Besieged Fortresses, Legendary Battles – The Siege of Orléans, Joan of Arc's Victory
Directed by: Stéphane Jacques
Production: ZED (2020)
#documentary #freedocumentary #joanofarc #siegeoforleans #orleans #hundredyearswar #medievalhistory #medievalwarfare #charlesvii #englandvsfrance #fortresscity #medievalsiege #frenchhistory #militaryhistory #battleoforleans #loirevalley #historydocumentary
