Battle of Orléans
Hundred Years' War · Orléans, Loire Valley (France)
Summary
From 12 October 1428 to 8 May 1429, the English besieged Orléans, the last major Loire valley city held by the 'King of Bourges.' Joan of Arc's arrival in April 1429 revived defenders' morale; a series of coordinated assaults on English bastions led to the lifting of the siege, the first major French success in decades.
Historical context
By late 1428, the English and Burgundian allies controlled almost all of northern France to the Loire. Taking Orléans would open the road south and threaten Charles VII's kingdom itself. The siege is the central element of the ensuing Loire campaign.
Tactics
Defenders under Jean de Dunois held the city despite encirclement. Joan of Arc galvanized assaults on English forts (Saint-Loup, Saint-Jean-le-Blanc, des Augustins, des Tourelles bastions). Coordination between urban militias, royal troops, and volunteers gradually broke the siege lines.
Consequences
Lifting the siege on 8 May 1429 changed the course of the Hundred Years' War and legitimized Joan of Arc's mission. It enabled the Patay campaign, the coronation at Reims, and gradual reconquest of French territory. Orléans became a national symbol commemorated annually (Joan of Arc festivals).