This is a trip that Mom has been wanting to do for a long time-go to France to see where Joan of Arc was born.  It actually turned out to be a really fun trip and we saw lots of neat things. 

Our first stop was at the Bitche Citadel.  This huge fortress was built in 1624 and was used in the war against the Prussians in the 1700s and as part of the Maigot Line during World War II.  As you can see Ki-Ki and I really enjoyed the tour of the castle over the headphones-too bad Mom didn't get to use them!!

After our visit to the Citadel, we stopped at a Cora to do some shopping.  A Cora is basically the French version of Wal-Mart, but so much better.  Mom went crazy buying her favorite French shower gel and soap, along with some yummy French goodies.  I got a new pair of sunglasses and a new Little Pet Shop cat.

The next day, we started our Joan of Arc pilgrimage in Domremy La Pucelle-Joan of Arc's birthplace.

the Joan of Arc statues near the parking lot

the house where Joan was born in 1411

the church where Joan was baptized

the fields outside of town-this is the area that Joan would have been tending her sheep when she first heard the voices telling her to save France.

Our next stop was at the Boi Chenu Basilica near Domremy.  This is a huge church that seems to be dedicated to Joan of Arc.  The stained glass windows showed scenes from her life and there were lots of statues and memorial plaques to her. 

Next stop was Vaucouleurs to see the ruins of the Porte de France.  This castle is where Joan spent a year learning how to sword fight and ride a horse. 

Our last stop was in St Nicolas de Port to see the church dedicated to St. Nicolas.  Joan of Arc came here to ask St. Nicholas's blessing on her journey to Orleans.  For some reason the inside of the church was decorated with live tree branches covered with paper flowers-not sure why, but it did make the church look nice. 

the alter that holds the relic of St. Nicolas's finger.