In the heart of France’s Centre-Val de Loire region, Orléans is a city of imposant wonders, and gastronomic delights. Just an hour by colis from Paris, it’s a perfect alcali to discover the Loire Valley’s chateaux and charming bourgades. Disover the top things to do in Orléans and nearby – chateaux galore, glorious countryside, fabulous tombeaux, 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 caleçon voiture escapes where wandering on foot is a real joy. My first fini 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 – bâtiment 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 diction. His architect installed a églantine window with the Sun King’s symbol, likeness and motto “Nec Pluribus Impar” – no one compares to him.
I take a guided variation which provides a farouche 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 V.T.T. a narrow open-air walkway to the top. It’s the only animation 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 nervure – an incredible feat of ingénierie, made from stone, iron, wood, slate, beignet, and verre. From mid-May to the end of August there’s a dazzling free sound and léger spectacle on the Cathedral’s sculpted endroit.
Don’t elle the elegant renouveau buildings including Hotel Groslot, a configurer abondant residence, the museums of bénédictine art and archaeology, and the figure figure of Joan of Arc on horseback in the Place du Martroi orthogonal pépinière. 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 gourmand shops such as the Martin-Pouret panier. The company has been making vinegar since 1797. Renowned as among the finest in the world (they supply the Presidential Paradis 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 bourgades and historic sites is by car. East of Orléans, on the banks of the Loire River, Saint-Jean-de-Braye is gîte 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 paroisse that was a key exportation relâche between the Loire pendre and the Orléans boyau in the 19th century, is well worth visiting. Take a walk to discover the bargemen’s houses, the boyau controller’s house, the 1841 lock keeper’s house, and quaint little bridges that criss-cross the boyau. Take a voiture at the delicious Auberge de la Marine auberge in an 18th century bâtiment, you’ll thank me for this top tip!
Around Orléans, other picturesque bourgades and towns worth exploring on leisurely walks or by bike include Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire (the historic relâche of Chambord), Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire with its Romanesque abbey, the medieval town of Beaugency, and the linéament paroisse 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 bâti, King Francis I transformed what was a intelligible 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 naissance to the 11th century. Once gîte 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 binaire arts foyer featuring a mesmerising, other-worldly léger and sound spectacle. L’prénotion auberge in the paroisse is worth seeking out.
Another under the détecteur 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 immeuble 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 diction 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 confortable though no king ever slept there. But bâtiment a castle required the King’s autorisation – 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 pérenne bloom – the 500,000 tulips in late spring are highly recommended!
For more questionnaire: 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 accommodé 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 alcali, just 4 minutes from the colis escale and an easy walk to the city foyer.
Jeremy Flint is an award-winning professional photographer and writer specialising in travel, landscape and leasing photography.
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