Orléans
Opulent Orléans

All the advantages of a city... and quality of life in the bargain!
Orléans – a former royal city and regional capital – is a comfortably sized town with all the ingredients of a major city, to charm and surprise you. Just follow your guide...

Why you must go there?

Perhaps you have already heard people say, 'Orléans?... We've passed by but never stopped.'

Yet, with all due respect, let me tell you that it is high time you all took the time to take a closer look at Orléans, over a lovely little weekend!

Shall I tell you why? First of all, because Orléans has, over recent years, engaged in major conservation projects aimed at once more revealing all its former splendour. And what splendour!... Not only have these projects unveiled old half-timbering that had disappeared under roughcast façades, but they have also been revamped to don their original colours. The old town, for a long time rather gloomy, has literally been metamorphosed: into a spruce, sparkling and lively place... Did you say terrace?

Secondly, to come and see for yourself that the finest success story in this vast renovation programme was the rediscovery of the charms of the River Loire and its banks: Orléans was born and bred amidst the bustling activity of the Loire quaysides (in the 18th century it was the leading port supplying Paris). However, with the advent of rail transport, the town's activity moved away from the river, only to recently return there. Today, miles and miles of quayside welcome walkers, cyclists and events. Thirdly, because Orléans is the perfect base for you to set off and discover the entire Loire Valley and its famous châteaux - Chambord, Blois, Sully-sur-Loire (to name but a few!) are less than an hour from the town. To the west - Orléans Forest; to the south - Sologne... and between them - the Loire, Loiret and the Orléans canal. The town has more than one string to its bow to attract and charm nature lovers!

Make sure you don't miss...

To discover the town

The Tourist Office organises tours throughout the year: city discovery tour, 11th century crypts, the cathedral heights, etc... but also boat trips along the Loire aboard a traditional boat.

What to bring home?

How to get here?