Vaucouleurs, an ancient stronghold mentioned as early as the 9th century, played a key role in the history of France. In 1235, the city obtained a charter of franchise under Gautier de Joinville, which marked its administrative and economic development. In 1365, it was attached to the Kingdom of France by Charles V.
The most emblematic moment in the history of Vaucouleurs occurred at the beginning of 1429, when Joan of Arc, then aged 17, went there. She met Robert de Baudricourt, captain of the city, to ask him for an escort to join the Dauphin Charles in Chinon. After several refusals, she finally convinced him. On February 23, 1429, she left Vaucouleurs with a small troop, marking the beginning of her mission to liberate France. This event gave Vaucouleurs an important place in the Johannine epic.
After the epic of Joan of Arc, Vaucouleurs came under the sovereignty of the Dukes of Lorraine in 1465 following a cession by Louis XI. In the 18th century, the medieval fortifications were largely dismantled, although the Porte de France was rebuilt between 1733 and 1734.
