In the heart of France’s Centre-Val de Loire region, Orléans is a city of architectural wonders, and gastronomic delights. Just an hour by train from Paris, it’s a perfect base to discover the Loire Valley’s chateaux and charming villages. Disover the top things to do in Orléans and nearby – chateaux galore, glorious countryside, fabulous monuments, boats, castles and more… says Jeremy Flint.
Top things to do in Orléans and nearby 
Cathedral Saint-Croix © Jeremy FlintOrléans is an ideal city for weekend and short break escapes where wandering on foot is a real joy. My first stop is the Sainte-Croix Cathedral (Cathedral of the Holy Cross) whose spires dominate the skyline of the town. The gothic masterpiece is one of the largest cathedrals in France – building began in the 13th century, halted in the 16th century after being partly destroyed by protestants and carried on for several more centuries including in the early 1600s when King Louis XIV insisted that the transept be built in Gothic style. His architect installed a rose window with the Sun King’s symbol, likeness and motto “Nec Pluribus Impar” – no one compares to him.
I take a guided tour which provides a unique way to explore the cathedral from top to bottom. Descending to the crypts unveils the hidden history of the remarkable 11th century Romanesque crypt of Saint Avit. Through a hidden door at the back of the cathedral, we ascend 236 steps and cross a narrow open-air walkway to the top. It’s the only place you can see the city from above – and you certainly need a head for heights! You also get a stunning view of the cathedral’s impressive structure – an incredible feat of engineering, made from stone, iron, wood, slate, brick, and glass. From mid-May to the end of August there’s a dazzling free sound and light show on the Cathedral’s sculpted façade.
Don’t miss the elegant renaissance buildings including Hotel Groslot, a former royal residence, the museums of fine art and archaeology, and the bronze statue of Joan of Arc on horseback in the Place du Martroi central square. It’s one of city’s many tributes to Joan, Patron Saint of France, AKA the Maid of Orleans after she led the French army to victory when the English were forced to withdraw after laying siege to Orléans for almost 7 months.
Foodies will enjoy the fabulous restaurants in the town and gourmet shops such as the Martin-Pouret boutique. The company has been making vinegar since 1797. Renowned as among the finest in the world (they supply the Presidential Élysée Palace), the vinegars are made from wines and matured for up to 20 years (you can take a tasting here).
What to see near Orléans
Beyond the city, the best way to explore the enchanting villages and historic sites is by car. East of Orléans, on the banks of the Loire River, Saint-Jean-de-Braye is home to the Campanaire Bollée bell foundry museum showcasing the legacy of the Bollée family, master bellmakers since 1715. It was an honour to meet retired 8th generation master bellmaker Dominique Bollée who explained “we made 35,000 bells for cathedrals all over the world, including Notre Dame de Paris and the Ivory Coast.”
Nearby Combreux, a picturesque and wonderfully preserved old village that was a key transit port between the Loire river and the Orléans canal in the 19th century, is well worth visiting. Take a walk to discover the bargemen’s houses, the canal controller’s house, the 1841 lock keeper’s house, and quaint little bridges that criss-cross the canal. Take a break at the delicious Auberge de la Marine restaurant in an 18th century building, you’ll thank me for this top tip!
Around Orléans, other picturesque villages and towns worth exploring on leisurely walks or by bike include Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire (the historic port of Chambord), Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire with its Romanesque abbey, the medieval town of Beaugency, and the troglodyte village of Trôo.
You can’t go to the Loire Valley and not visit at least a few chateaux. Close to Orléans, the world-renowned Château de Chambord is a must-see. A crowning achievement of Renaissance architecture, King Francis I transformed what was a simple hunting lodge into an exquisite and very expensive masterpiece with a double-helix staircase said to have been designed by his friend Leonardo de Vinci.
But there are also many charming, less well-known castles to discover such as the Chateau de Beaugency whose origins date to the 11th century. Once home to the ‘Bâtard d’Orléans’ and companion of Joan of Arc (who stayed at the castle), it has been transformed by its current owners, Anne-Sophie Acomat and husband Jérémie Bellot, into a modern digital arts centre featuring a mesmerising, other-worldly light and sound show. L’idée restaurant in the village is worth seeking out.
Another under the radar visit is the Château de Meung-sur-Loire, one of the oldest and largest castles in the region. Built in the Middle Ages, this handsome monument was the prestigious residence of the bishops of Orléans for centuries until the French Revolution. It’s a great visit for the whole family with underground passages, animated dragons, furnished medieval and 18th century style rooms, and landscaped gardens.
Finally, the Château de Cheverney is one of the most sumptuously decorated châteaux in France with stunning paintings, tapestries and furniture. The “King’s bedroom” is lavishly opulent though no king ever slept there. But building a castle required the King’s permission – and with it came the requirement to always keep a bedroom available for his majesty at all times – the bedroom at Cheverney is still ready! Allow time to visit the gorgeous gardens which are in constant bloom – the 500,000 tulips in late spring are highly recommended!
For more information: tourisme-orleansmetropole.com/en/
Where to eat in Orleans: Le Brin de Zinc serves classic French food with a great atmosphere, the speciality of tender duck cooked in a pot is delicious! Chez Eugène serves modern French cuisine full of flavour. Dionyses – French gastronomy with fresh home-cooked products such as wild boar.
Where to stay: The Novotel Orleans Central Gare Hotel is the perfect base, just 4 minutes from the train station and an easy walk to the city centre.
Jeremy Flint is an award-winning professional photographer and writer specialising in travel, landscape and location photography.
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