The play opens in the French castle, Vaucouleurs, on a river between Lorraine and Champagne in the year 1429. Robert de Baudricourt has no eggs for his breakfast. His steward says, the hens are not producing because of the presence of Maid Joan who is waiting at the door of the castle to see him. Robert receives Joan who is able to convince the officer to provide armour, a horse and the assistance of a few of his best men. The young girl is confident that she will be able to reach the Dauphin and raise a siege at Orleans to drive out the English