Ten things to do in Orléans

A city rich in history and events, Orléans is among the unmissable destinations in Central France and a gateway to the charming Loire Valley. Located only one hour from Paris, the capital of the Loiret department owes part of its fame to its links with Joan of Arc, as attested by the numerous statues, monuments, and tributes to the French heroine you will find all over the town. Although many travellers visiting the Loire châteaux and vineyards do not add Orléans to their itinerary, the city offers many varied attractions to unveil. From admiring the picturesque half-timbered houses and Renaissance buildings in the Old Town to cycling along the Loire quaysides and exploring the surrounding idyllic nature, prepare to discover the best this fascinating city has to offer. Read further and learn more about our favourite things to do and see in Orléans.

Located in the Bourgogne district and near the River Loire banks, Orléans’s picturesque Old Town is the perfect starting point to begin exploring the city. Home to most of the city’s landmarks and monuments, such as the Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans, the Fine Arts Museum and the Hôtel Groslot, the city centre is characterized by the contrasting architecture of Renaissance historical buildings and quaint half-timbered houses. Stroll along the cobblestone pedestrian alleys and discover local boutiques, cafés and restaurants. The whole old town and the Bourgogne neighbourhood are permeated by the presence of Joan d’Arc, who liberated Orléans from the English siege in 1429: from the Maison de Jeanne d’Arc to the equestrian statue in Place du Martroi, you will come across countless tributes to the Pucelle d'Orléans.

One of the most renowned landmarks of Orléans’ Old Town, the central square Place du Martroi is among the most characteristic historical sites in the city. A bronze equestrian statue of Joan of Arc overlooks the square, paying homage to the French heroin and Catholic saint who liberated the city from the English siege in 1429. The statue was inaugurated in 1855 during the festivities for the liberation anniversary, which is still celebrated every year from the end of April to the first week of May. Place du Martroi hosts numerous beautifully reconstructed historical buildings such as the Bourse du Commerce palace and the Maison de la Chancellerie, an original fountain with jets coming through the paving, and an old-fashioned carousel for children. Take a break from your city tour at one of the many typical cafes lining the square and relax while admiring the surrounding Neoclassical and Belle Époque architecture.

Among Orléans’ most impressive architectural treasures, the beautiful Sainte Croix Cathedral is a Gothic and Baroque masterpiece with immense historical value. Originally built in the 13th century, the basilica was destroyed in the 16th century and reconstructed between 1601 and 1829. The cathedral plays a central role in Orléans’ history, as Joan of Arc frequently visited it to pray during the siege of the city. You can find a tribute to the Maid of Orléans in the decorations of the cathedral’s magnificent stained-glass windows, depicting the life and deeds of the French martyr. The Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans stands in the homonymous square Place Sainte-Croix and is an unmissable stop when exploring Orléans’s centre.

After visiting Orléans Cathedral, head to the nearby Place de l’Etape and admire one of Orléans’ most iconic palaces. Hôtel Groslot is a majestic Neo-Renaissance building constructed between 1549 and 1558 upon the will of the town’s bailiff, which in time served as a mansion for illustrious guests and, from the 18th century, as the city’s town hall. Today its lavishly decorated interiors are open to visitors, who can appreciate the sumptuous lounge, the council chamber and mayor’s office, and the wedding hall and learn about the history of the palace. Hôtel Groslot’s rooms feature invaluable artworks and historical objects, such as Aubusson tapestries, a wooden chest offered by Louis XI to the canons of Saint-Aignan, and a painting depicting the death of King François II in the wedding hall.

Orléans’ location on the eastern limit of the Loire Valley makes it an ideal gateway to the region’s natural wealth. If you are a sports and outdoors enthusiast, you can enjoy the cycling path along the river and ride through the charming Loiret countryside. All along the route, which is 314 kilometres in total to the coastal town of Saint-Nazaire, you will find countless châteaux and some of the finest vineyards in France- together with the Bordeaux region, the Loire Valley is among the top three national wine producers- and numerous bike-friendly places where you stay overnight and enjoy breakfast in the morning.

The River Loire is a fundamental part of Orléans’s history and economy; once the leading port supplying Paris during the 19th century, the city still displays a sizzling activity on the Loire quaysides. You can experience the charm of the riverbanks by enjoying a stroll from the Old Town along the Loire promenade (Bords de Loire) and taking in beautiful views of the city and the water from there. The Loire quaysides are among the locals’ favourite spots for hiking, jogging and cycling and, especially with good weather, make for a perfect destination to discover Orléans from a different perspective. Along both the tree-lined banks, you will find several seats and benches where you can rest and take picturesque shots. After checking out the old port, dating back to the 19th century, and the Pont George V bridge (formally known as Pont Royal), proceed west and admire some of Orléans’ most impressive and varied architecture, including the historic Art Nouveau-style building 10, Quai Barentin and the Pont de l’Europe, designed by Calatrava. If you feel like extending your stroll along the riverbanks, reach the lovely fishing village of Combleaux or the beautiful La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin, located around 5 kilometres from Orléans.

Orléans is an excellent gateway to the Loire Valley and its natural and historical attractions. Renowned worldwide for its charming countryside dotted with vineyards and Renaissance castles, the region offers countless opportunities for enjoying nature and discovering fascinating towns and villages that seem to have come out of a storybook. Located only 43 kilometres from the Loiret capital, lovely Chambord makes a perfect destination for a one-day trip, especially when visiting Orléans with children. The town’s jewel is the magnificent Château de Chambord, among the most recognizable castles in the world thanks to its characteristic Renaissance architecture. The château, listed among France’s historical monuments and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, dates back to the 16th century and has been a unique example of European Renaissance mastery since. Once a hunting lodge built for art lover King François I, the castle houses a remarkable collection featuring over 4500 paintings, tapestries, furniture and art objects exhibited in the palace’s sumptuous apartments. The Château de Chambord estate includes a traditional 18th-century French garden and the 5400-hectare Chambord Forest, the largest enclosed park in Europe.

Not too far from the Parc Floreal de la Source, on the Sologne Plateau, you will come across the picturesque village of Saint Viâtre, home to the unique eco-museum Maison des Étangs. This peculiar land, characterized by ponds and marshes, differs profoundly from the Loire Valley’s territory and offers exceptional insight into the life, customs and traditions of the Solognot inhabitants. Less than a one-hour drive from Orléans, the Maison des Étangs de Saint Viâtre is a one-of-a-kind attraction attesting to the Loiret cultural, ecological, historical, and economic heritage. The Maison offers several guided tours, ideal for the youngest visitors, and hosts different ornithological observatories where you can watch and learn about the local fauna species.