Joan of France, Duchess of Brittany

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Joan of Valois, also known as Joan of France, was born on 24 January 1391 at Melun in France. She was the daughter of King Charles VI of France and Queen Isabeau of Bavaria. In 1396 she married John V, Duke of Brittany, becoming Duchess of Brittany when he became duke in 1399. She ruled Brittany in 1420 when her husband was captured and held prisoner during a long feud with the Counts of Penthièvre, who still claimed the duchy after earlier conflicts.

In 1420 John V was invited to a festival at Châtoneaux (Châtonceaux) and was captured. Rumors of his death spread as he was moved to new prisons. Joan called on the Breton nobles to act. They besieged the Penthièvre castles, and Joan seized Margaret of Clisson, the dowager countess, forcing the release of John V. She remained duchess until her death in 1433.

Joan died on 27 September 1433 in Vannes, at age 42, and was buried in Vannes Cathedral. A Book of Hours by the Bedford Master was dedicated to her. She and John V had seven children, including Anne Isabelle, Margaret, Francis I, Catherine, Peter II, and Gilles.