The church of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois, in the village of the same name makes our 'search for Joan'  here rather easy is as it plays a key role in the legend that is the 'Maid of Orleans'

It was behind the alter in this church that Joan found her sword after being told by 'her voices' that it was there. She had told the king that rather than accept the sword he offered, she was to use the ancient sword belonging to 'Charles Martel' (Charlemagne's grandfather) which was buried behind the alter. The site had become a place of pilgrimage for knights returning from battles, they would apparently leave one of their swords as a gesture to Saint Catherine because of her 'death by the sword' (she was beheaded)

The most famous pilgrim was Charles Martel, who visited the chapel that was on the site in 732 after a skirmish with an advancing Saracen army nearby. He dedicated his sword to her in thanks for his victory. He would eventually defeat the Saracens at the 'Battle of Poitiers'.

  

There is a shrine in one of the side chapels and it is here in 1420, Joan is claimed to have knelt in prayer in front of the statue of her beloved Saint Catherine. Here you will also find a skirted statue of Joan herself.

The other side chapel must be one of the busiest in the region - with wall to wall saints.

   

There is a rather ornate opening to the sacristy plus the ever-present pulpit.

 

   

These crests can be seen above the main alter.

 

The church we see today is from the19th century as the 15th century church had fallen into disrepair.