Orléans, France: Gateway to the Charming and Historic Loire Valley
- Kelsey Kirgo
- Apr 20
- 3 min read
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.
A City of Saints and Stories
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!
Historic Streets & Squares
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.
The Loire at Your Feet
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. Whether you rent a bike for the day or set off on a multi-day trek, the scenery feels like something from a watercolor painting.
A Launchpad to the Loire Valley
Just beyond Orléans lies the Valley of Kings. The region is home to more than 300 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.
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.
Why Orléans?
Because it gives you everything you’d want from France—history, beauty, wine, culture. And from its cozy hotels to its riverside strolls, Orléans is a charming alternative to the crowds of Paris!
To inquire about your next trip to France, please reach out to discuss your interests and travel style!
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