Just an hour from Paris, Orléans is a surprising city that enchants with its historic cobblestone streets and its lovely living environment between city and nature. As the iconic capital of the Loire Valley, it has managed to reinvent itself while
1. Nature at the heart of the city
With the return of beautiful days, Orléans and its region transform into a true green paradise! It’s simple—this is THE nature city you can’t miss. And the good news is that you won’t have to go far to enjoy the lush nature. For a charming getaway, head to ...
the Promenade of the Mills in Olivet, where you'll encounter a multitude of old mills, charming bourgeois properties with their typical boat docks, not to mention the surrounding wildlife! Also, head to the village of Combleux, a delightful little slice of paradise between the canal and the banks of the Loire. Finally, the Floral Park of La Source, a true haven of biodiversity, is definitely worth a visit with its exotic greenhouses (including a butterfly house), its iris garden, and its pink flamingos.
Promenade des Moulins à Olivet © Ludovic Letot
Just thirty minutes by car from Orléans, botany lovers can also explore the Jardins de Roquelin, famous for their hundreds of varieties of historic roses. And don't miss the Arboretum des Grandes Bruyères, located in the heart of the Orléans Forest. For a unique experience, why not soar high with a hot air balloon ride? Les Ballons de Loire will take you on a flight above the beautiful landscapes!
and the wild river flowing through the heart of the city. A breathtaking journey!
2. Tasty local cuisine
Orléans is a top spot for food lovers. Sweet tooth enthusiasts can step into the local chocolatiers, like Sébastien Papion (and his famous Papionella® that everyone envies who has had the chance to taste it) or la Chocolaterie Royale, which has been gracing the arcades of rue Royale since 1760. You can also discover the famous Cotignac, a quince jelly candy made for centuries in Orléans, available at the Tourism Office shop.
Chocolaterie Royale à Orléans © Ludovic Letot
When it comes to restaurants, you'll have plenty to indulge in: for example, there are refined tables like le Lift, a restaurant perched on the heights of the Charpenterie garden with a panoramic view of the Loire, or le Pavillon Bleu in Olivet; but also more accessible spots like Gioia or Gric, winner of the 2024 world egg mayo championship. For those ready to venture a bit further, La Table d'à Côté in Ardon.
(1 Michelin star) is worth the detour. On the menu: refined, seasonal cuisine that highlights local products like game from Sologne and fish from the Loire, as well as its own vegetables from the garden.
Martin Pouret's factory shop in Boigny-sur-Bionne © Ludovic Letot
And while Orléans may not have its own signature dish like Marseille has its bouillabaisse, it does have a specialty that brings it fame: Orléans vinegar. You can actually visit the Martin Pouret house, a true institution that carries on a unique know-how, thanks to tours organized by the tourist office every month. After discovering all the history and secrets of producing this delicious nectar, you can enjoya tasting of emblematic products from Martin Pouret and even take home some souvenirs from the shop !
3. A rich and fascinating heritage
Orléans is a city of art and history where every street unveils a piece of the past. The half-timbered houses in the historic center, especially around the Place du Châtelet, offer a stunning journey back in time. If you want to learn more about the heritage history of Orléans, the Tourist Office also offers must-see guided tours like « Orléans from Top to Bottom » will let you explore the city in all its glory. After climbing the secret stairs of the Cathedral of Sainte-Croix, illuminated by the knowledge of an infallible guide who knows all about the history of this Johannine city, you'll be able to admire the city and its surroundings from over 80 km away before heading down into the depths of Orléans with a visit to a crypt that's over 1000 years old.
Visit to the roof of the Saint-Cross Cathedral in Orléans © Ludovic Letot
But that’s not all! If urban art interests you, you can stroll through the streets of the city discovering the Orléans street art with the guided tour « Street Art in Orléans », or treat yourself to a true artistic immersion at the >Museum of Fine Arts, which showcases an impressive collection of over 2000 paintings and 700 sculptures, from the 15th to the 20th century.
4. Explore the Loire in a new way
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Boat trip with Escapades Ligeriennes in Combleux © Ludovic Letot
Cycling enthusiasts can explore La Loire à Vélo, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. On the agenda: over 900 km of cycling paths along the Loire, along with a selection of activities and spots to stop for a bite to eat and enjoy. Finally, for a more festive atmosphere, check out the guinguettes in the metropolis like Le Ponton in Orléans or La Bamboche in Olivet, not to mention ..." target="_blank">l'Inexplosible, a floating bar on the Loire, promises wonderful evenings by the water.
5. Orléans, gateway to the châteaux of the Loire
Did you know that right on the doorstep of Orléans lie the first châteaux of the Loire? For a trip less than 30 minutes from the city, the Château de la Ferté Saint-Aubin delights young and old with its escape games and tasty, enchanting activities. Not far from there, the Château de Meung-sur-Loire invites you to explore its cellars to meet the Dragon of St Liphard, while the Chamerolles takes you on a journey through the history of fragrance with a unique scent walk.
Château de La Ferté Saint-Aubin seen from the sky © Lezbroz
For an immersive experience, the Beaugency castle has been hosting a digital art center since 2021, providing a journey through both digital and physical artworks that showcase the medieval and Renaissance architecture of the castle. Lastly, to learn more about the region's resilient history, head over to Cléry-Saint-André for an amazing 2-hour sound and light show about the unsung heroes who made the l...ibérati on of France.
Practical Information
Where to stay ?
For a comfortable stay, head to the Villa Dunois, a charming guest room and table right in the heart of Orléans, or the Château du Rondon in Olivet, with its period architecture and a direct view of the banks of the Loiret. Looking for a more unusual experience ? Try the Tiny House Parenthèse located right in the heart of the Orléans forest.cute; and offer an immersion in nature, and even a private spa to relax under the beautiful stars.
Tiny house Parenthèse © Bestjobers
Where to book your activities?
Have a question? A guided tour? Want to buy a souvenir? Head over to the Tourist Office of Orléans, located at the famous place du Martroi (where the statue of Joan of Arc stands), or check out their website. Here, you can book a guided tour, rent a bike, get information about the various sites to visit, or even take a stroll through the Office's shop, which is full of local treasures.
Orléans Val de Loire Tourist Office © Ludovic Letot
The Tourist Office also offers a CitypassCitypass starting at 24€ for 24 to 72 hours, which allows you to easily discover all the must-see attractions of the metropolis. Museums, guided tours, access to the floral park, a walk on the Loire… it's all included! And for a total immersion in the world of the castles of the Loire Valley, choose the Castle Pass which gives you access to various monuments like the Chambord estate, the Ch…the royal castle of Blois starting from €28.50 per person.
How to get there ?
Orléans is easily accessible by train from Paris in 1h, with about twenty trains a day. If you plan to visit the nearby castles, driving is definitely the best option for more flexibility. Expect 1h30 to 2h from Paris via the A10 highway.
More info on the Orléans Val de Loire Tourism - Orléans Métropole Tourist Office website
