Joan of Arc Turns.... 600

The French city of Orleans is preparing for festivities over the next two weeks to mark the 600th birthday of one of France's best cultural exports: Joan of Arc.

It was quite a sight on Tuesday, as the Loire River swarmed with wooden boats filled with locals dressed in medieval garb — re-enacting Joan of Arc's legendary entry into the city in 1429.

It's an event that liberated Orleans from English invaders, and sealed her place in the history books. It has inspired, over the centuries, myriad novels, poems, rock songs, operas, plays — and even a blockbuster Hollywood feature film with Milla Jovovich.

"It's marvelous to see the children dressing up and learning about this great French heroine who's known all over the world," said Jacques Dubarre, dressed in a velvet mantel. "Of course we're also having fun."

In a testament to her international appeal, some 600 contemporary artists — from as far as the U.S., Japan and Russia — have made portraits of Joan of Arc through the ages that will be projected on the City Hall this Friday.

Should be quite a celebration.