Curator’s statement
Lucky for me, my husband hails from this fantastic and underrated French city, allowing me to experience its charms regularly! Tucked gracefully along the northern banks of the Loire River, Orléans' cobbled streets echo centuries of heritage and offer a magnetic blend of medieval and modern life. Orléans is often overlooked as a launchpad to France’s most captivating region, the historic Loire Valley.
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Where to stay in Orléans, France
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At the heart of Orléans' identity is its most iconic heroine: Joan of Arc. Known as “La Pucelle d’Orléans,” she famously liberated the city from English siege in 1429, and her legacy is everywhere. From the majestic Maison de Jeanne d’Arc, a museum dedicated to her life and myth, to the impressive Cathédrale Sainte-Croix, where her story is immortalized in stained glass, the city honors her with pride.
Each May, the Fêtes de Jeanne d’Arc transforms Orléans into a medieval celebration of history, pageantry and local spirit!
Photo Credit - Doug Crawford
Despite its deep historical roots, Orléans pulses with youthful energy. The Place du Martroi, crowned by a statue of Joan of Arc on horseback, is the city’s social heart. Cafés and bistros spill onto sidewalks, offering everything from flaky croissants to Loire Valley wines. Wander the Rue de Bourgogne, lined with half-timbered houses and indie boutiques, and you’ll feel the gentle collision of past and present.
Don’t miss the Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of France’s richest provincial art collections, where works by Velázquez, Delacroix and Corot mingle with French masters of the 19th century.
Photo Credit - Doug Crawford
Orléans’ riverside offers great biking trails for those who prefer to see the region on two wheels. The Loire à Vélo cycle route, stretching more than 900 kilometers, passes right through the city, making it a perfect starting point for cycling adventures through vineyard-covered hills, fairy-tale châteaux and sleepy riverside towns.
Photo Credit - Doug Crawford
A launchpad to the Loire Valley
Just beyond Orléans lies the Valley of Kings. The region is home to more than 300 châteaux (castles). Within easy reach are:
Château de Chambord: a jaw-dropping Renaissance masterpiece with 440 rooms and Leonardo da Vinci's fingerprints on its design.
Château de Blois and Château de Cheverny: steeped in royal drama and architectural splendor.
Château de Sully-sur-Loire: less crowded and just 45 minutes away, this moated castle offers a more intimate glimpse of the region’s feudal past.
Day trips by train or car are effortless, making Orléans an ideal base for travelers who crave both convenience and charm. If you are looking for a guided tour, Odyssée en Val de Loire offers personalized guided tours of sites in the region for small groups. Our guide, Stéphanie, provided a curated tour leaving from Orléans for members of our wedding party ahead of our ceremony!
Photo Credit - Doug Crawford
Need to know
Where to eat in Orléans
La Parenthese - La Parenthèse is a charming French restaurant nestled in the heart of Orléans, offering a refined dining experience that celebrates traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist. This intimate eatery is renowned for its commitment to fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a menu that evolves every two months to reflect the best of the region's produce.
Studio 16 - Studio 16 is a vibrant brasserie located at 16 Place du Martroi in Orléans, France, offering a blend of traditional French cuisine and modern dishes in a chic, vintage 1950s ambiance.
Brin de Zinc - Known for its eclectic decor reminiscent of a vintage flea market, the restaurant offers a warm and convivial atmosphere, enhanced by jazzy tunes and a collection of quirky artifacts adorning its walls. This unique setting provides a charming backdrop for diners seeking a relaxed and enjoyable meal.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our France page.
Travel Advisor
Kelsey Kirgo
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