Capital of the Centre region, Orléans boasts an important heritage in the form of historic civil and religious buildings. From the top of its towers and its spire, the Sainte-Croix Gothic cathedral looks over the roofs of the city. Built from the 13th to the 19th centuries, it contains magnificent wooden panelling, as well as stained glass windows illustrating the epic of Joan of Arc.
Near the cathedral, Groslot mansion is a magnificent 16th-century Renaissance building that today houses the town hall. Inside, the Hall of Honour, Wedding Hall and former Town Council Hall are designed in Gothic troubadour style.
Also not to be missed, the Fine art museum exhibits remarkable collections of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and objets d'art dating from the 15th to the 20th century.
La Maison de Jeanne d'Arc, the former residence of the treasurer of the Duke of Orléans, where Joan of Arc stayed in 1429, was rebuilt after the Second World War and now houses a museum dedicated to Joan of Arc and the lifting of the siege of Orléans.
Other places to visit include the very lively Place du Martroi square, where there is an equestrian statue of Joan of Arc, Rue Royale street and its arcades, the narrow streets of the old town and the banks of the Loire River.
Those who love green spaces should head to the town's various parks and gardens like the Parc Floral de la Source, the botanical garden and the Parc Pasteur.
The town of Orléans has celebrated its liberator every year since 1430 at the Fêtes de Jeanne d'Arc which take place on 7 and 8 May.
Every other year (odd years), a festival dedicated to the Loire River and to the river marina brings together a magnificent gathering of over 100 boats!
Capital of the region Center-Loire Valley, Orléans is in the department of Loiret, a hundred kilometers from Paris. The town of Art and History, the town is located at the gates of the Sologne and the plains of the Beauce, in a region inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage.
Founded during Antiquity, the ancient Cenabum was one of the main cities of the Carnute tribe before being destroyed by Julius Caesar and becoming Roman. Strategic crossing point of the Loire, Orléans knew many invasions and other battles over the centuries. Considered one of the three richest communes of France in the Middle Ages, behind Rouen and Paris, she saw at this time the coronation of several kings of France. For a long time it was oriented towards agriculture, and it became even more important with the arrival of the railway in the 19th century.
Over time, Orléans has combined with great talent modern infrastructure and historical heritage to unveil a unique look. The site is ideal to spend a few days of holidays in the heart of a region rich in heritage and traditions.
