Orléans, France: A Fascinating Glimpse Into France’s History
Orléans, France is the home of the Loire Valley, which is packed to the gills with historical spots, botanical gardens and châteaux that will catch the eye of culture hounds and travelers. Visit this quaint, rustic spot via the Tours Val de Loire Airport (117 km) in Tours, France.
Best Time to Visit
Perfect sightseeing seasons in Orléans include late spring and summer. Early May till the end of summer is festival season, which can also mean higher tourist traffic. Festivities like the Johannic Feasts, Orléans'jazz, the annual carnival and the Feast of Saint-Fiacre are the events to go. If you want to stay away from the tourist rush, you can visit Orléans in the fall instead. Book your accommodations in mid-September in these great Orléans, France hotels like the Grand Hôtel, Best Western Hotel d'Arc and the Campanile Orleans Centre-Gare. These plush digs come with traditional architecture but blessed with the comforts of modern hotels.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Start your itinerary at the Place du Martroi, which provides an initial glimpse of the city’s thriving cultural offers. Located smack dab in the middle of the square are fountains and a looming 19th century Joan of Arc statue. Follow with a visit to the Cathedral Sainte-Croix, an imposing cathedral with Gothic influences then head off to the Place Charles de Gaulle to see the famed House of Joan of Arc. Other places of interest include the Museum of Fine Arts and the Cinema Pathe Orleans Place de Loire.