Set on the banks of the Orleans Loire River, Orleans is a vibrant city with tree-lined boulevards, elegant architecture and lively café culture. It’s the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region and boasts excellent museums and galleries, as well as a flourishing food and wine scene.

Things to do

There’s plenty of history to discover in Orleans, including the legacy of Joan of Arc, who led the French army to victory and freed the city from the English siege in the 1400s. Visit the fascinating Maison de Jeanne d’Arc to find out more about the French heroine.

The outstanding Musée des Beaux-Arts features five levels of masterpieces by French, Italian, Dutch and Flemish artists. Highlights include whimsical portraits by Léon Cogniet and colourful Post-Impressionist works by Paul Gauguin.

Bustling Place du Martroi is anchored by a beautiful bronze statue of Joan of Arc riding a battle horse. Stop for coffee at one of the al fresco cafes and take a spin on the merry-go-round. On Friday evenings, the plaza hosts a fantastic food market.

From white-tablecloth restaurants to casual wine bars, Orleans is brimming with places to drink and dine. Menus feature local dishes from Centre-Val de Loire, including duck with orange sauce, venison with chanterelle mushrooms and roast partridge. Compliment your meal with wine produced in the famous Loire Valley region. You can also visit the colourful Halles Châtelet food market to pick up fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread and other fresh produce.

Getting around

Orleans is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Rental bikes are a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city. Trams and local buses are a quick and easy mode of transport in Orleans. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 2.5-hour drive north.