In May 1428, Joan made her way Vaucouleurs, a nearby stronghold of those loyal to Charles. At first rejected by the local magistrate, Robert de Baudricourt, she persisted, attracting a small band of followers who believed her claims to be the virgin who was destined to save France. When Baudricort gave in, Joan cropped her hair and dressed in men's clothes to make the 11-day journey across enemy territory to Chinon, site of the crown prince's palace.
Joan promised Charles she would see him crowned king at Reims, the traditional site of French royal investiture, and asked him to give her an army to lead to Orleans, then under attack from the English. Against the guidance of most of his counsel and generals, Charles granted her request, and
Joan promised Charles she would see him crowned king at Reims, the traditional site of French royal investiture, and asked him to give her an army to lead to Orleans, then under attack from the English. Against the guidance of most of his counsel and generals, Charles granted her request, and