Orlean is a French town along the Loire River. In 1428, the Siege of Orleans took place, which is known as the turning point in the Hundred Years War. English forces had been attempting to seize, or trying to take over towns, in the north eastern part of France, and England had begun to lay siege on Orleans . By February of 1429, Joan of Arc, who had been claimed to have been persuaded by saints, then persuaded Charles VII to take back the city. Joan and the troops entered Orleans through Chezy, five miles upstream, and stormed forts, which eventually caused the English to abandon the siege. She went on to lead other battles trying to stop the English. Joan never actually took fought in battles, she acted as a symbol, kind of like a school