Orléans Travel Guide

Explore Orléans, France and its natural and cultural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodations, local customs, safety and health tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations and excursions.


Introduction to Orléans

Orléans is a charming city located on the Loire River and is the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region in France. Known as a city of Joan of Arc’s victory, Orléans boasts fascinating historical landmarks and cultural attractions for tourists around the world.

List of Places to Visit in Orléans

Below is a list of top places to visit in Orléans:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sainte-Croix Cathedral: A stunning Gothic cathedral that took nearly three centuries to build and is celebrated for its marvelous stained-glass windows.
  • Maison de Jeanne d’Arc: A museum that commemorates Joan of Arc’s achievements and life with a series of captivating exhibits.
  • Musée des Beaux-Arts: The Fine Arts Museum that showcases works by local and international artists from the 14th century to the present day.

Natural Attractions of Orléans: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parc Floral de la Source: A breathtaking park featuring exotic gardens, peaceful lakes, and impressive waterfalls, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
  • Loire River bike paths: Enjoy the scenic beauty of this picturesque region while cycling along the Loire’s banks.
  • Domaine du Ciran: An idyllic nature reserve consisting of marshlands, woodlands, and meadows that offers fantastic hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Orléans

Orléans is an excellent destination for both hiking and biking enthusiasts. Apart from the Loire River bike paths, the city has numerous other bike routes that run through forests, vineyards, and beautiful countryside.

Best Things to Do in Orléans: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Orléans:

  • Take a wine tasting tour: Being in the heart of the Loire Valley, Orléans offers excellent opportunities to savor some of the best wines in France.
  • Follow Joan of Arc’s footsteps: Visit her statues, monuments, and churches dedicated to her memory around the city.
  • Join a guided boat tour of the Loire River: Watch the stunning Loire’s scenery and castles while navigating on one of the many boat tours available.

Week-Long Itinerary for Orléans

If you want to spend a week in Orléans, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Explore the historical city center
2 Visit the Maison de Jeanne d’Arc and the Loire quays
3 Take a wine tasting tour and visit Château de Chambord
4 Discover the beautiful Parc Floral de la Source and rent a bike
5 Visit the Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire and hike at Domaine du Ciran
6 Take a guided boat tour on the Loire River
7 Relax, shop and dine in the city center

Food and Drink Scene of Orléans

Orléans is a food lover’s paradise, with excellent regional cuisine combined with creative culinary influences. Be sure to try the following dishes and beverages while visiting Orléans:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Andouillette: A traditional French dish of pork sausage with a strong flavor.
  • Tarte Tatin: A delicious apple tart served with whipped cream.
  • Coq au Vin: A classic French dish of chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, and bacon.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: The region is famous for its red wines and offers many varieties, including fruity Pinot Noir and earthy Cabernet Franc.
  • Cider: A refreshing sparkling beverage produced locally with apples.

Where to Stay in Orléans: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Orléans has many accommodation options suitable for all budgets and preferences. It is recommended to book your stay in the city center as it is close to many famous attractions and public transport links.

Some of the best options are:

  • Royal Hotel: A lavish 4-star hotel situated in the city center, with stylish rooms and a restaurant serving traditional French cuisine.
  • Orléans Hostel: A friendly hostel with shared rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a fully equipped kitchen ideal for backpackers on a budget.
  • Empreinte Hôtel et Spa: A luxurious hotel boasting elegant rooms, a spa, and an excellent restaurant with a terrace overlooking the city.

What to Buy in Orléans: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Orléans has a rich artistic heritage and offers many unique souvenirs and local products to take home. Some of the best options include:

  • Orléans porcelain: Locally made hand-painted ceramics are highly valued worldwide for their high quality and uniqueness.
  • Macarons: Tasty biscuits with various flavors, like pistachio, chocolate, and lavender. A perfect gift to share with family and friends.
  • Wine: The Loire Valley is renowned for its wines, so don’t forget to bring home a bottle or two of your favorite variety.

Local Culture and Customs of Orléans

The city is proud to commemorate Joan of Arc’s life; thus, Joan of Arc’s Festival is celebrated annually in May, featuring many parades, music shows, and a spectacular firework display. The locals love to engage with visitors and are typically friendly and welcoming. French is the primary language spoken in the city, so it might be useful to learn a few basic phrases before arriving.

Best Time to Visit Orléans

The best time to visit Orléans is during Spring and early summer (April to June), when temperatures are mild and pleasant, and the gardens and parks are in full bloom. Alternatively, Autumn (September to November) can be a good choice because the weather is still relatively mild, and the fall foliage season is stunning.

Do’s and Don’ts of Orléans

Here are some helpful Do’s and Don’ts to consider when visiting Orléans:

Do:

  • Do learn a few basic French phrases. The effort is appreciated, and it might help with communication.
  • Do visit the city center, where many famous attractions are located.
  • Do try some regional cuisine and wines.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to bring an umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable.
  • Don’t be too noisy or litter in the city’s public areas.
  • Don’t forget to tip when tipping is customary, usually 10% of the total bill.

Safety and Health

Safety in Orléans

Orléans is a safe city regarding violent crime. However, visitors should still take precautions against theft, particularly in crowded areas and transport hubs, and avoid walking alone late at night. It is recommended to carry only the essential items and never to leave valuables in the car.

Health in Orléans

France has an excellent healthcare system with modern facilities and well-trained medical personnel. Visitors should obtain health insurance coverage before traveling and bring any necessary medical documentation. Pharmacies are readily available, and most medications are available over the counter.

Getting to Orléans: Transportation Options and Logistics

Orléans can be reached by different means of transportation, such as train, bus, and car.

Airports Near Orléans

The nearest international airport is Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, approximately 130 km away from Orléans. Alternatively, several trains and buses connect Paris airports to Orléans.

Bus Stations Near Orléans

Several bus companies, including Ouibus and Flixbus, operate from Orléans Central Bus Station, providing connections to multiple destinations in France and Europe.

Other Options

Orléans has excellent rail connections to Paris and other major cities in France, making the train a convenient and reliable way to get around. Additionally, car rentals are available at Orléans train station and airport.

How to Get Around in Orléans

The city has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams, that provide services between the city center and surrounding areas. Cycling and walking are also popular ways to explore the city and its many attractions.

Where to Go Next from Orléans: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Orléans is an excellent starting point for exploring the enchanting Loire Valley, famous for its magnificent castles and wineries. Some notable nearby destinations and excursions include:

  • Château de Chambord: One of the most iconic chateaus in the Loire Valley, known for its unique architecture and vast gardens.
  • Chartres: A stunning medieval city with an impressive cathedral that boasts beautiful stained-glass windows and exceptional architecture.
  • Tours: A charming city in the Loire Valley where visitors can enjoy picturesque scenery, historical landmarks, and local cuisine.

Conclusion

Orléans offers a perfect mix of history, culture, nature, and modern life. Its fascinating landmarks, natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals make it a must-visit destination that won’t disappoint.

Pont Georges V Pont Georges V A view of Place du Martroi, showing the equestrian statue of Joan of Arc A view of Place du Martroi, showing the equestrian statue of Joan of Arc Orléans Cathedral Orléans Cathedral Rue Royale Rue Royale Hotel Groslot, the City Hall of Orléans Hotel Groslot, the City Hall of Orléans