Orleans

158klms. from the chateau.

Orléans is located on the river Loire nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, classified as a World Heritage Site, where the river curves south towards the Massif Central. In 2019, the city had 116,269 inhabitants within its municipal boundaries.Orléans is the center of Orléans Métropole that has a population of 288,229.[8] The larger metropolitan area has a population of 451,373, the 20th largest in France.

The city owes its development from antiquity to the commercial exchanges resulting from the river. An important river trade port, it was the headquarters of the community of merchants frequenting the Loire. It was the capital of the Kingdom of France during the Merovingian period and played an important role in the Hundred Years' War, particularly known for the role of Joan of Arc during the siege of Orléans. Every first week of May since 1432, the city pays homage to the "Maid of Orléans" during the Johannic Holidays which has been listed in the inventory of intangible cultural heritage in France. One of Europe's oldest universities was created in 1306 by Pope Clement V and re-founded in 1966 as the University of Orléans, hosting more than 20,000 students in 2019.

This city on the banks of the River Loire is dominated by the 13th Century Sainte Croix Cathedral and by the legacy of Joan of Arc, whose memory has been kept alive for 600 years with a parade that exudes medieval atmosphere. Its historic city centre abounds with half-timbered houses, Renaissance façades and stunning mansion houses, whilst the banks of the UNESCO listed River Loire provide the perfect escapade by bike or on foot.

Orléans in central France is a perfect central starting point for trips around the gorgeous Loire Valley, with its famous châteaux, gardens, and historic attractions. The city is best known for being the location of France's victorious battle against England in the 100 Years War, thanks to the indispensable help of Joan of Arc.

The Loire Valley is one of the most-visited parts of France, especially since it's so easy to reach from Paris. While you could make it a day trip, Orléans is a city worth staying in with an attractive old quarter that transports visitors back to a bygone time.

Most visitors come to Orléans to learn more about the famous heroine Joan of Arc, whose history is inextricably tied to the city. Her story is fascinating even if you aren't interested in historical events, but there's plenty more to explore like art museums, wineries, and the French countryside. For true outdoor enthusiasts, the Loire à Vélo is a well-maintained bicycle route that's 500 miles long and passes through Orléans on the way to the Atlantic coast.

Maison de Jeanne-d'Arc: This half-timbered building is a reconstruction of the house of the Treasurer of Orléans, Jacques Boucher, where Joan stayed in 1429 during her watershed battle. An audiovisual exhibit tells the story of the lifting of the siege by Joan on May 8, 1429.

Cathedrale Ste-Croix: For a superb view, approach the city from the other side of the Loire River and you'll see the cathedral standing out on the skyline. It's the place where Joan celebrated her first victory and the stained glass windows inside depict the story of her efforts. Other highlights inside include the 17th-century organ and the 18th-century woodwork.

Musee des Beaux-Arts: Right next door to the cathedral is the Muse des Beaux-Arts, with an impressive collection of paintings by renowned artists like Picasso, Van Dyck, Correggio, Velazquez, and Gauguin. Apart from the permanent exhibits, there's also some interesting temporary exhibition going on.

Hotel Groslot: A huge Renaissance house built 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 Charles IX, Henri III, and Henri IV. You can see the interior and the garden.

Le Parc Floral de la Source: This large botanical garden around the Loiret River—which runs into the Loire—offers plenty to do including free croquet and badminton among the different gardens. Don't miss the dahlia and iris gardens that fill the place with color, plus a delightful vegetable garden.

WHAT TO SEE

• 17th Century Place du Martroi and rue Royale with its shopping arcades
• The Hôtel Groslot, a 16th Century mansion house
• The stained-glass and Gothic arch of Sainte Croix Cathedral

• Orleans Botanical Gardens - Enduring 1834 botanical garden featuring a 19th-century greenhouse & a rose garden.
• Parc Floral de la Source - is the most visited site in Loiret with the source of the Loiret river at the centre of the park.
• The old town centre from the cathedral to the banks of the Loire• Cycling trails and walking paths along the banks of the River Loire

WHAT TO DO

• Five centuries of works by the great masters at the Museum of Fine-Arts
• The contemporary Les Turbulences building, housing the Centre-Val de Loire contemporary art fund
• The 35ha Parc Floral gardens boasting a little train and the source of the Loirette River
• Relive the story of Joan of Arc
• Watch 200 traditional boats parade during the Festival de Loire

 

 

Joan of Arc

 

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