Orleans

Introduction

Located in north-central France, Orléans sits southwest of Paris. You can explore this city as the prefecture of the Loiret department within the Centre-Val de Loire region.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by familiarizing yourself with local customs and safety protocols to ensure a smooth experience while exploring the city.

Getting there

You can reach Orleans by plane by flying into either of the two Paris airports. While most international carriers fly into Charles De Gaulle, low-cost carriers typically service Orly. Neither airport offers direct flights to the city, meaning you will likely need to transfer in Paris. If you choose to drive from Orly, you will find it slightly closer to your destination.

Train travel provides several options for your journey. Intercity services depart from Paris, Nantes, and Toulouse. While most long-distance trains arrive at Les Aubrais station north of the city center, some regional trains and a few direct lines from Paris Austerlitz stop at both Les Aubrais and the central Orléans railway station. From Les Aubrais, you can reach the heart of the city via tramway.

If you prefer to travel by car, you can take the A10 motorway southwest from Paris for a quicker trip or choose the N20 toll-free road, which takes you through various villages on a longer route. While the Loire river flows through the city and was navigable in the early 20th century, it is not listed as a current mode of transport.

Getting around

Because the historic centre of Orléans is compact and largely pedestrianised, you will find that walking is the best way to explore the area. If you prefer to cycle, numerous bike rental stations are available throughout the city for point-to-point journeys. For reaching outlying attractions like Parc Floral or staying at hotels outside the main tourist zone, the tram and bus networks operated by TAO Orléans provide convenient connections.

The tram system features two lines that cross in the heart of the city, while the bus network serves residential areas and locations further from the centre. You can use the same tickets for both modes of transport; these can be purchased at machines located at every tram stop or with cash on board the buses. To plan your journey, rely on the official TAO website for route maps and a journey planner, as Google Maps does not reliably provide information for local trams and buses. If you choose to travel by car, avoid the historic centre where parking is nearly impossible, and instead utilize large parking garages or park-and-ride facilities located on the outskirts.

Where to stay

You can choose from various accommodations depending on your preferred style of stay. For those seeking a rustic retreat, the Parc des Alicourts offers a holiday center featuring camping pitches, chalets, cottages, and treehouses suitable for both families and couples. This site includes amenities such as a fishing lake, an aqua park with multiple pools, and a health spa with a hydrotherapy center.

If you prefer to stay closer to the city's activity, your options include:

• A youth hostel located on rue Croix Péchée.
• Hôtel de l'Abeille, situated near the central railway and tramway stations, which features a charming old building with a wooden interior and floral wallpapers.

Food & drink

Savor a wide variety of international flavors throughout the city. You can enjoy traditional Italian pizza and pasta at Pizzeria Capri or La Tavola, where you enter through the kitchen to experience authentic dishes. For those seeking Spanish cuisine, El Tio offers a selection of food, wines, and specialty products like spices and ham. If you prefer Asian flavors, visit Angkor for Cambodian dishes served with a house-made yellow curry sauce, or head to Sushi Ninja or Tokyo for high-quality sushi.

For a taste of local culture, dine at Le Brin de Zinc, where the menu features French cuisine and local favorites. You can also cool off with high-quality ice cream and sorbet from Glaces Moustache Orléans near the cathedral square. When it is time for a drink, head to Rue de Bourgogne, which hosts the majority of the city's bars and nightlife. You can relax with friends at Le Petit Barcelone or Havana Cafe, enjoy rock music and snacks like cheese or charcuterie at Antidote, or experience an energetic atmosphere at L'Amazone.

• Le bord de la Loire is a popular spot for weekend drinks along the river bank.
• Le Paxton's Head on Rue de Bourgogne offers karaoke.

What to see and do

You can explore the historic center of the city to admire the Gothic architecture of La Cathédrale Sainte-Croix, which towers above the surrounding buildings. The town is deeply connected to Joan of Arc, and you will encounter numerous tributes to her throughout your walk, including her house and a statue in Martroi plaza. For a deeper look into local culture, visit the Musée des Beaux Arts or the Musée historique et archéologique de l'Orléanais. You can also explore the lavishly decorated Hôtel Groslot, where you can see rooms featuring gold leaf and carved wood.

Experience the outdoors by walking along the banks of the river Loire or taking a stroll along the water of Le Loiret. If you prefer to venture further from the center, visit Parc Floral or swim in the safe waters of Étang de l'Île Charlemagne. Other notable sites include Campo Santo and Collégiale Saint-Pierre-le-Puellier. For entertainment, you can unwind at a local pool salon or visit L'Astrolabe to experience modern music, ice skating, or a dojo.

Three days in Orleans

Day one, you can begin your journey by arriving at the station and settling into the local atmosphere. You can find a place to stay in a nearby hotel before heading out to explore the area.

Day two, you can visit Parc Floral or head toward the Croix Péchée. If you are looking for a meal, you can savor Italian cuisine at Pizzeria Capri.

Day three, you can spend your final day exploring more of the surroundings. You can use Google Maps to navigate your way through the local sights.