Orléans in central France is a perfect central starting point for trips through the Loire Valley, with its famous castles, gardens and historical attractions. The Loire Valley is one of the most visited parts of France, particularly easy to reach from Paris. Orléans is also a city worth staying in, with an attractive old town centering on 18th- and 19th-century streets with arched galleries that evoke a graceful and prosperous history.
Location
Orléans is located 119 km (74 miles) southwest of Paris and 72 km (45 miles) southeast of Chartres.
Fast facts
- Orléans is located in the Loire Valley on a great bend in the Loire River, nestled between the rich arable maize fields of the peaceful Beauce to the north and the dense forests of the Sologne to the south.
- In the past, the Loire was an important motorway, and Orleans was the natural stop to continue the bus journey to Paris.
- The population of central Orleans is around 113,000; Orléans Greater is around 264,000
- The Tourist Office is located at 2 place de L’Etape
Attractions
The history of Orleans is inextricably mixed with Joan of Arc, who during the Hundred Years War between the English and the French (1339-1453), inspired the French army to victory after a week-long siege. You can see the celebration of Joan and her liberation from the city throughout the town, particularly in the stained glass windows of the cathedral.
- True devotees should visit the Maison de Jeanne-d’Arc (3 pl du General-de-Gaulle). This half-timbered building is a reconstruction of the home of the Orléans Treasurer, Jacques Boucher, where Joan stayed in 1429. An audiovisual exhibition tells the story of Joan’s lifting of the siege on May 8, 1429.
- Cathedrale Ste-Croix ( Place Ste-Croix) – For a magnificent view, approach the city from the other side of the Loire and you will see the cathedral on the horizon. The place where Joan celebrated her victory, the cathedral has a checkered history and you see a building that has been massively altered over the centuries. While the cathedral may not have the impact of Chartres, its stained glass windows are interesting, particularly the windows that tell the story of the Orleans maid. Also look for the 17th century organ and 18th century woodwork.
- Musee des Beaux-Arts (Place Ste-Croix) – Good collection of French artists from Le Nain to Picasso. It also has paintings from the 15th to the 20th century, such as Tintoretto, Correggio, Van Dyck, and a large collection of French pastels.
- Hotel Groslot (Place de l’Etape) – A grand Renaissance house that began in 1550, the hotel was the home of Francois II, who married Mary, Queen of Scots. The mansion was also used as a residence by the French kings Carlos IX, Enrique III and Enrique IV. You can see the interior and the garden.
- Le Parc Floral de la Source – Large public park around the Fountain of the Loiret with plenty to do, including free croquet and badminton between the different gardens. The small Loiret, 212 km long, like many rivers in the area, meets the Loire as it heads towards the Atlantic coast. Don’t miss the dahlia and iris gardens that fill the place with color. And as the orchards progress, the one here is charming.
Where to stay
- Hotel de l’Abeille (64 rue Alsace-Lorraine) – Charming hotel in a city not overloaded with good hotels, the Hotel de l’Abeille is still owned by the family who started it in 1903. Comfortable and antique decoration with antique furniture and old prints and paintings and with a roof terrace for summer days. Good for Joan of Arc fans; There are many artifacts in the lady that decorates the rooms.
- Hotel des Cedres (17 rue du Marechal-Foch): in the center, but quiet and peaceful, with a conservatory for breakfast overlooking the garden. The rooms are comfortable and of a good size.
- Hotel Marguerite (14 pl du Vieux Marche) – In the center of Orléans, this is a reliable hotel that is continually updated. No special frills, but comfortable and friendly with good-sized family rooms.
Where to eat
- Le Lievre Gourmand (28 quai du Chatelet) – A 19th-century house with predominantly white decor is the setting for serious cuisine on dishes like truffle risotto, beef with polenta, and tantalizing desserts.
- La Veille Auberge (2 rue du Faubourg St-Vincent): traditional cuisine with local ingredients in this pretty restaurant. There is a garden for dining in the summer or eating in the dining room filled with antiques.
Wine
The Loire Valley produces some of the best wines in France, with more than 20 different appellations. So take advantage when you are in Orleans to taste the wines in the restaurants, but also to take trips to the vineyards. To the east, you can discover Sancerre with its white wines produced from the Sauvignon grape. To the west, the area around Nantes produces Muscadet.
Food
The Loire Valley is known for its game, hunted in the nearby Sologne forest. As Orleans is on the banks of the Loire, the fish is also a good bet, while the mushrooms come from the caves near Saumur.
What to see outside of Orleans
From Orléans, you can visit the castle of Sully-sur-Loire and the castle and park of Chateauneuf-sur-Loire to the east and in Meung-sur-Loire to the west, the Jardins du Roquelin.
Loire à Velo
For those with energy, you can rent a bike and ride the 800 km (500 mile) cycle route that takes you from Cuffy en Cher to the Atlantic coast. Part of the route goes through the Loire Valley, and there are several separate cycle routes that take you through the different castles that you can visit. Everything is extremely well organized, with hotels and guesthouses specially designed to deal with cyclists.
