Things to do in Orleans

Best known for its wide range of Chateaux, Orleans is the capital of the Loire Valley and the former residence of Joan of Arc. A small city with just under 115,000 inhabitants and only one hour away from Paris by car, it is an ideal destination for a short excursion. At least three days are needed to explore all the impressive and fascinating Chateaux of the city.

Campo Santo

Campo Santo has been Orleans main cemetery since the 12th century. Stunning arches were added in the 15th century and 200 years later, the amount of corpses increased so drastically that it became hazardous. In the 1800s the site was used to host a corn market. The area was renovated in the 1970s, resulting in some buildings being demolished and the completion of the Visual Arts Institute. Today, this area is used for cultural fairs.

Place du Martroi

One of the main squares in the city, Place Martroi consists of three large avenues: rue Bannier, rue Royale, and rue de la Republique. In the centre of the square stands a large statue of Joan of Arc, the local heroine. A popular Christmas market takes up the square between December 7th and 24th, selling traditional French Christmas delicacies, gifts, decorations and all things Christmassy.

The White Tower

Towers were built to protect Orleans from foreign invaders, Tour Blanche used to be one of the towers along the city walls. With the extension of the city in the 1500s, the city walls were moved accordingly. Since then, the towers have been renovated as expensive residential properties.

Halles Chatelet

The Pont des Tourelles, which is the main bridge in town, used to lie behind the Chatelet fortress. The fortress was built to protect and control the bridge, however, very little of the fortress is left standing today. The area where the fortress once stood became the towns industrial centre and was a thriving trading hub. Today, despite no markets being held here, relics still remain and it is easy to imagine what life was like when it was centred around the fortress and busy markets. A large covered market was built in the 20th century close to the fortress, called the Halles Chatelet.

Sainte Croix Cathedral

One of the biggest and most beautiful cathedrals in France, Sainte-Croix Cathedral was built in the 16th century, under the order of Henry IV. He wanted to reconstruct the old cathedral that was destroyed by war. It was constructed to replace the one that was built in the 13th century. This was, however, not the first cathedral to be built on this site as one had been built in the 7th century but was destroyed in the 10th century.

Hotel Groslot

Jacques Groslot donated the Hotel Groslot to house the City Hall after the revolution. This was, and still is, one of Orleans main landmarks. The interior of the building can be explored and will reveal displays of beautiful renaissance furniture, as well as unique paintings and pictures. In front of the building stands a statue of Joan of Arc, which dates back to the 19th century. Behind the hotel is a small, beautiful garden displaying ruins from the Saint Jacques Chapel. The ruins were moved here from the Chatelet quarter in the 16th century to create a romantic atmosphere.

Joan of Arcs House

Though it is now noted as being Joan of Arcs house, the previous tenant was Jacques Boucher, the Treasurer General to the Duke of Orleans. In 1429, the towns heroine resided here as a guest. The house standing there now is actually a scale reproduction, since the original house was destroyed by fire in 1940.