Orleans is the northernmost city on the Loire River as at this point the river tends towards the south and the Massif Central. The historic and attractive city with its appealing old town stands approximately 130 kilometres almost due south of Paris, and is the capital of the Centre Region of France. Home to an estimated 110,000 residents, Orleans holds an important position in the history of France as it was here that Joan of Arc defeated the English in 1429 which later became a major turning point in the Hundred Years War. Today Joan of Arc, the patron Saint of France, is celebrated all over the city through monuments, museums and especially through the stained glass windows of the Saint Croix Cathedral.
Orleans is centred around the Place de Martroi, which was once a corn market and today is crowned by an imposing statue of Joan of Arc on horseback. From here the Rue Joan of Arc leads visitors to the dominating, twin towered Orleans Cathedral, or La Cathedrale Sainte Croix, in which can be seen the large stain glasses windows that depict the life of Joan of Arc. Moving from the Cathedral across the Place d’Etape stands one of the city’s main landmarks, the old Hotel de Ville which is today known as the Hotel Groslot. In front of the building stands another monument to Joan of Arc, this time standing, whilst behind the building can be found beautiful gardens and part of the ruins of a 15th century Chapel. The Hotel Groslot is one of the more beautiful examples of regional architecture and contains some lavishly decorated rooms which are furnished with period pieces. Located opposite the Hotel Groslot is the Museum of Fine Arts that contains several rooms displaying European artworks from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
As visitors explore this gracious city they will find many unique historical merchants houses such as the House of Jean Dalibert and the House Ducerceau, and many other attractions such as the Hotel Cabu which contains the Historical and Archaeological Museum which houses the Treasure of Neuvy-en-Sullias, a collection of bronze figures and animals of the early Celtic religions – the House of Joan of Arc, which is a reconstruction of a house she once stayed in, and includes the Joan of Arc Museum and a few models and displays representing the siege of Orleans – the Pont George V which straddles the Loire River and dates from the 18th century, and was built over an earlier 12th century structure – the White Tower, or the Tour Blanche, which was once one of the towers of the city’s fortifications – the 15th century Saint Aignan’s Church – the Saint Donatien Church – the 15th century Belfry, and the beautiful Church of Saint Paterne.
This well known university-city, provides visitors with a good range of cafes, bars and restaurants, and offers a broad range of retail opportunities. Orleans is a pleasant escape from the frenzy of Paris which lies only one hour away by car, and provides easy access to the astounding attractions of the Loire Valley, one of France’s major tourist attractions. These include above all the famous picturesque chateaux which dot the landscape and some of France’s best vineyards.
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