Orleans (Loiret) mini guide

Guide point Details
Department: Central France > Loire Valley > Loiret >
Location: situated in the heart of France. Just an hour from Paris.
Public Transport:

Orléans and the 22 towns of the suburbs are served by 33 bus lines.

The tram links the North to the South and is 18km

There are two train stations, which will take you to Paris within 1 hour.
Tourist information website: www.tourisme-orleans.com
Tourist information contact email: infos@tourisme-orleans.com
Tourist information switch board number: 33 (0) 2 38 24 05 05
Tourist information address: 2, place de l'Etape - BP 95632, 45000 ORLEANS
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Orléans is the the largest town in the middle Loire valley after Tours. It is the capital town of the Loiret department. It is an ancient Roman town dating back to the third century and lies in a fertile plain at the most northerly point in the course of the River Loire.

Orléans is a good base for exploring the Châteaux of the Loire Valley and the surrounding vineyards of Sancerre which produces the region's white wine.

Its name is forever associated with that of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans. During the Hundred Years' War between the French and the English, in 1428-1429, it was the last French stronghold, then under siege by the English, but was relieved on May 8, 1429 by a French army led by her. This marked a turning point in French fortunes. A festival in her memory is held annually on May 7 and 8 when the city is filled with parades, fireworks and a medieval fair. There is a small museum devoted to her at 3 Place du General de Gaulle in a restored 15th century house.

To the east of the Place du Martroi in Orléans is the Cathedral of Ste-Croix which is situated on the site of an earlier 10th C. church, part of the foundations of which have been preserved. The building of the cathedral commenced in 1278 but it was not finished until the 16th C. It was badly damaged during the 16th C. religious wars  but was rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries on the model of earlier Gothic churches. The west front, flanked by twin towers, has five doorways and much Baroque decoration.

The cathedral is an impressive size being some 136 metres long. Nine chapels behind the high altar date from the late 13th Century.Look out for the fine 17th Century organ and the beautiful early eighth Century carved woodwork in the choir.

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