Organised by the town of Orléans, this month long Christmas Market is located at the Place du Martroi. The market boasts 62 chalets which offer a large range of local produce. There is also an ice rink to enjoy!
About the Market
Organised by the town of Orléans the market is located at the Place du Martroi. It boasts 62 chalets which offer a large range of local produce for you to buy (christmas decorations, toys, food etc). A few feet from the market you will find a 465 square meter ice rink which will be divided into 2 sections, one area for beginners and the other for experts!
Christmas photos copyright: Ville d'Orléans
More About Orléans
Orléans 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. Its name is forever associated with that of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans.
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.
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.
Accommodation in Orléans
Accommodation in central Orléans gets booked fast during the Christmas market period, so search for a hotel in Orléans now. Alternatively you may want to try charming rural self catering accommodation near Orléans, as during the winter months many holiday property owners allow short stays.
Transport quick facts about the markets:
Free Parking: there are a few free parking areas
Pay Parking: Yes
Coach Parking: Yes next to the Mairie
Nearest Bus Route: Various
Nearest Railway Station: Gare d'Orléans is 5 minutes from the market
Nearest Tram Stop:
Nearest Tube Station: n/a
Nearest Airport: Paris
Nearest Ferry Port: Le Havre or Calais (see our route planner for driving directions)
Getting there
Suggested Travel Routes
Orléans is only an hour from Paris, and you can drive, or take a train or bus there. The SNCF provides 40 connections per day from Paris, taking 55 minutes.
Choosing to travel by train to France is a simple option. It’s fast and cost effective and also allows you to enjoy the beautiful French countryside. With a great rail network in place, it has never been easier to get to France by train. Book Eurostar and TGV tickets.
As a foot passenger from the UK to Orléans:
By Train: you can take Eurostar direct from St Pancras International in London to Paris. Connections can also be picked up from Ashford or Ebbsfleet. Orléans is then an hour from Paris. Book Eurostar and TGV tickets
By Plane: Saint Denis de Hôtel Airport, located 20kms to the east of Orléans, provides air access for light tourist and business aircraft. However, most visitors will fly to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports. Book cheap flights to France.
Taking your car from the UK to Orléans:
By Train: take your car on Eurotunnel from Folkstone, Kent direct to Calais in France. Journey time is about 35 minutes and the cost varies but is around £55 day trip return for a car and 5 passengers.
By Boat: It is usually cheaper to take a car over to France by boat, because the journey takes longer. Operators such as Seafrance and P&O offer regular ferry trips across the channel, with prices ranging from around £30 for a return day trip. Book a ferry to France
Orléans is ideally located on the junction of several major road routes, including: the A10 (Paris-Orléans-Bordeaux) and the RN20 (Paris-Orléans-Toulouse).
Driving from Calais to Orléans is 422km / 4hr approx.
Driving from Le Harve to Orléans is 325km / 3hr approx.
