When Joan Collins's lover Robin Hurlstone first discovered the Spanish-style hacienda in the village of La Croix Valmer 12 years ago, he was convinced it would be theirs to share for ever.

Joan of Arc Museum, Orléans Photograph by Bridgeman/ACI In 1415 Henry won the Battle of Agincourt over ... In June French troops crushed the English at Patay, and in July Charles VII was crowned ...