Travel Guide to Orléans in the Loire Valley

Orléans in the Loire Valley has always held a special place in my heart. As a 16-year old I did a school exchange with a family who lived in the centre. They were kindness itself. I went back very often, and I am still in touch with them.

I hope you will enjoy Orléans as much as I do.

Renaissance houses in Orleans. Facade of three coloured, two grey on side of red half timbered houses — Renaissance houses © F. Delong – CRT Centre-Val de Loire

Orléans is the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region and the Loiret department.

It’s perfectly located where the mighty river Loire starts to turn southwest in its journey to the sea. An important city from Roman times on, Orléans in the Loire Valley was always a vital transport hub, the place where those who were travelling from the south, west and eat using the Loire as a highway, left the river and continued to Paris by coach.

It’s just 119 kms/74 miles from the capital. In the 18^th century, Orléans’ position in the Loire valley inevitably helped the city to becoming the leading port supplying Paris. Goods came up the river and were transported on north to satisfy the voracious city of Paris.

The medieval university was a centre of learning, attended by the likes of Erasmus, Rabelais and Calvin.

Where to Start

Walk through the Past

Nighttime in Orleans with Joabn of Arc statue klit up in front of neo-classical buildings — Joan of Arc Statue © Christophe Mouton

The old town beckons, an area bordering the river Loire where the pedestrianized streets are lined with stone and half-timbered Renaissance houses, reminders of the wealth of this town. In the main square, Place du Martroi, the bronze statue of Joan of Arc stands tall, very tall.

siege of Orléans in old manuscript with walls of city on left and Frenchon left with bows and arrows. — Siege of Orléans Public domain

During the Hundred Years War (1339-1453) she led the French troops who forced the English to quit the Siege of Orléans on May 8, 1429. There are plenty of reminders of the Maid of Orléans.

If you’re here at the end of April, beginning of May, catch the Joan of Arc Festival where the whole city goes medieval mad, particularly on May 8^th, officially Joan of Arc Day.

Go underground

Place Martroi in Orleans showing large square with fountains spouting out of the ground, children and families playing; carousel to left and old buildings behind — Place Martroi © A. Verger_CRT Centre-Val de Loire

For this you’ll need a guide (information and booking at the tourist office). Underneath the streets another Orléans exists. You climb down the steps into a subterranean world from a trapdoor in the Place du Martroi to the Porte Bannier. It’s a city gate built in the Middle Ages in the second wall that protected Orléans. You can also see it in the nearby car park, but it’s infinitely more romantic to walk the underground passage where you also see a 14^th century stone foot bridge and moat.

Must-See Attractions in Orléans

Cathédrale Sainte-Croix

Sound and light show on Orleans cathedral with multi colours on facade — Sound and Light show on Orleans cathedral © Christophe Mouton

It was here that Joan celebrated beating the English though this is a different cathedral from the one she would have entered in the 15^th century. In 1601 Henri IV celebrated the beginning of the cathedral building, which was completed in 1829. The Gothic façade is lovely. Inside 10 stained glass windows depict Joan of Arc. If you can make it, climb the 252 steps to the top of the cathedral for a panoramic view of the city (€7.50 with a tour of the Romanesque crypt of St Avit).

On the rooftop of Orleans cathedral © Val-de-Loire Tourisme

A Renaissance Masterpiece

Hôtel Groslot

Hotel Groslot view at E-shaped Renaissance building from outside. Building of red brick with iron gates covered in plants and baskets of flowers in front — Hotel Groslot © F. Delong – CRT Centre-Val de Loire

Jacques Groslot was an important figure; he was the bailiff of Orléans from 1521 to 1545. So he naturally needed a mansion to reflect his status. He succeeded; behind the red-brick façade, this is a magnificent dwelling.
Even the likes of Charles IX, Henry IV, Mary, Queen of Scots (wife of François II), and Catherine de’ Medici must have been impressed by the gilded, sumptuously furnished rooms with their gilded paneling, Aubusson tapestries, moulded ceilings and furniture covered with gold leather.

Cultural highlights

Musée des Beaux-Arts

The Musée des Beaux-Arts has a superb collection of 18^th century art, including an important series of pastel portraits. There’s more in the form of Flemish and Italian 16^th and 17^th century masterpieces, 20^th century works by the likes of Picasso and Gauguin, and sculptures by Henri Gaudier-Brzeska (1891-1915) who was born near Orléans.

Hôtel Cabu

Small bronze figurines in the Hotel Cabu treasures from the 1st century AD — Hôtel Cabu Treasures © Orléans TO

Hôtel Cabu is another Renaissance building that now houses a historic and archeological museum. It covers the story of Orléans, but the main exhibit is the Trésor de Neuvy-sur-Sullias. It’s an extraordinary collection of Celtic religious bronze animals and figures, buried in the second half of the third century AD.

Maison Jeanne d’Arc

The house where Joan of Arc stayed in May 1429 gives you a multi-media presentation of what living in the house would have been like in her day.

The Loire River banks

La Sardine cafe on the banks of the River Loire Orleans at dusk with bridge in background, trees and tables and chairs in outdoors — La Sardine on the Loire River Banks Orléans © C. Mouton

Part of the renovation of the city, this is now an attractive area, full of bars and restaurants. Walk down the Rue de Bourgogne, the Gallo-Roman high street to the river bank.

Where to Stay in Orléans

Sign for Hotel de l'Abeille, sign in old fashioned 9Lord of the Rings) style with name Hotel and bee on top of sign — Hotel de l’Abeille in Orleans

The 3-star Hôtel de l’Abeille is a popular choice. Traditional décor of luxurious wallpaper, chandeliers in good-sized rooms, plus good bathrooms. Add a terrace and central position just off the main shopping street to see why this a favorite with many.

Hôtel de l’Abeille
64 rue Alsace Lorraine
Tel: +33 (0)2 38 53 54 87
Website

Empreinte Hotel Orleans image of 3 store hotel pluys rooms in the roof. Pink building corner view — Empreinte Hotel Orleans

The 4-star Empreinte Hotel in central Orléans is chic and fun. It stands on the banks of the river, so book a room with a view. There’s a spa, bar; they do brunch and take breakfast on the terrace.

Empreinte Hotel
80 Quai du Châtelet.
Tel: +33 (0)2 38 75 10 52
Website

There are plenty of budget accommodation chains in Orléans. Check them out here.

Where to Eat in Orléans

Most of the restaurants are in the Rue de Bourgogne, so wander down and take your pick. Here are some recommendations.

Chez Jules. This cosy restaurant concentrates on regional specialties that changes with the seasons. The place is family run, with brick interiors and intimate atmosphere.
136 Rue de Bourgogne, Tel: +33 (0)2 38 54 30 80 (no website)

Le Lift Restaurant with tables outside and inside on top floor with view — Le Lift Restaurant

Le Lift. Take the glass-fronted life to the top of the huge Pathé cinema beside the Loire for a thoroughly modern experience. Philippe Bardau serves up local and regional foods in a funky atmosphere.
5 Rue Poterne. Tel: +33 (0)2 38 53 63 48

Eugene is tucked away near Place du Martroi and is known to the locals for its excellent regional cooking. This pretty little place offers the likes of guinea fowl with spices and plenty of fish dishes. Chef Alain Gérard comes from Brittany and it shows.
24, Rue Sainte Anne. Tel: +33 (0) 2 38 53 82 64

How to get to Orléans

Paris to Orléans by Train

Direct Intercity trains run from Paris to Orléans, leaving from Gare d’Austerlitz, 55 quai d’Austerlitz, Paris 13. There are frequent trains taking from 1hr 10 mins.

Paris to Orléans by Car

If you’re coming from the UK, check out Getting to France from the UK by ferry.
Calais to Orléans is 416 kms/258 miles and takes around 4 hrs 10 mins, going through Paris.
If you’re coming from Paris it’s 133 km/82 miles to Orléans, and the journey takes around 1 hr 40 mins depending on your speed. There are tolls on the Autoroutes.

Orléans Tourist Office

Outside Central Orléans in the Loire Valley

The Parc Floral de la Source du Loiret

Parc Floral in Orleans looking from shady river bank with chairs over water and to chateau in distance on a hill — Parc Floral in Orleans © Loiret Tourisme

The Loiret river starts within this 30-hectare Parc Floral, surrounded by an iris, rose, rock, vegetable, dahlia garden and many more. It’s a delightful place for families, particularly in the summer with an animal park, butterfly house and childrens adventure playground.

Loire à Vélo

Loire a Velo showing route of the Loire cycle route from cuffey in the Cher to the ocean — Loire a Velo map

Orléans is at the heart of the Loire Valley Cycle Route. The famous Loire à Vélo cycle route is 900 kms/560miles long. It runs from Cuffy in the Cher along the Loire, through Orléans to the Atlantic coast just outside Nantes.

Chateau de chambord Loire Valley from long distance with gardens with flower beds shaped like fleur de lys in front of huge Renaissance building — Château de Chambord © D Darrault/CRTCentreVdL

Orléans is perfectly placed for visits to the châteaux that run beside the river. Many of them can be reached by public transport. Check the routes and how to travel to them at the tourist office.