Orléans, FranceChillTrip

City guideFrance

Orléans

Orléans travel guide · Europe

ContinentEuropeLanguageFrenchCurrencyEURLocal specialtyChocolaterie Royale chocolatesFree to read

Orléans is a historic city in north-central France, deeply tied to the legend of Joan of Arc who liberated it in medieval times. Located along the Loire River, it blends Gothic architecture, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene. Just 1 hour from Paris, it serves as an excellent gateway to the famous Loire Valley châteaux.

01

Best time to visit Orléans

aprilmayjune

Spring is ideal for visiting Orléans, with the famous Joan of Arc festival in early May featuring parades and medieval markets, and pleasant weather for exploring the Loire riverbanks and nearby châteaux.

02

What to see in Orléans

Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'OrléansChillTrip
Must-see
01church

Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans

A stunning Catholic cathedral and impressive example of Gothic architecture, comparable in design to Notre Dame in Paris. Its spires are visible from most of the city and it is the defining landmark of Orléans.

FreeAbout 60 minculturehistory

AddressPl. Sainte-Croix, 45000 Orléans, France

4.7/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday9 am–6 pm
  • Friday9 am–6 pm
  • Saturday9 am–6 pm
  • Sunday9 am–6 pm
  • Monday9 am–6 pm
  • Tuesday9 am–6 pm
  • Wednesday9 am–6 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Maison de Jeanne d'ArcChillTrip
Must-see
02museum

Maison de Jeanne d'Arc

A museum dedicated to Joan of Arc, the heroine who liberated Orléans in medieval times. The city is deeply devoted to her memory and this house is a key stop for understanding her legacy.

Paid entryAbout 60 minculturehistory

Address3 Pl. du Général de Gaulle, 45000 Orléans, France

3.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday2–6 pm
  • Friday2–6 pm
  • Saturday2–6 pm
  • Sunday2–6 pm
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday2–6 pm
  • Wednesday2–6 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Place du MartroiChillTrip
Must-see
03monument

Place du Martroi

The central square of Orléans featuring the iconic equestrian statue of Joan of Arc. A lively hub and the symbolic heart of the city.

FreeAbout 20 minculturehistory

Address45000 Orléans, France

Open in Google Maps

Hôtel GroslotChillTrip
04monument

Hôtel Groslot

A magnificently decorated Renaissance mansion that served as City Hall until the 1980s. Features rooms of carved wood and gold leaf with original furniture. Free entry with an English guidebook available for €3.

FreeAbout 45 minculturehistory

Address2 Pl. de l'Étape, 45000 Orléans, France

4.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday10 am–6 pm
  • Friday10 am–6 pm
  • Saturday10 am–7 pm
  • Sunday10 am–6 pm
  • Monday10 am–6 pm
  • Tuesday10 am–6 pm
  • Wednesday10 am–6 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Musée des Beaux-Arts d'OrléansChillTrip
05museum

Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans

Orléans' Museum of Fine Arts housing an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures spanning several centuries of European art.

Paid entryAbout 90 minculturehistory

Address1 Rue Fernand Rabier, 45000 Orléans, France

4.5/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday10 am–7:50 pm
  • Friday10 am–5:50 pm
  • Saturday10 am–5:50 pm
  • Sunday1–5:50 pm
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday10 am–5:50 pm
  • Wednesday10 am–5:50 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

03

Where to eat in Orléans

Le Brin de ZincChillTrip
01French

Le Brin de Zinc

A welcoming French bistro on Rue Sainte-Catherine serving local favourites and classic dishes. Features a varied menu with daily specials, an outdoor terrace, and English-speaking staff.

Price $$

Address62-64 Rue Sainte-Catherine, 45000 Orléans, France

4.3/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Monday11:45 am–2:30 pm, 6:45–10:30 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

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04

Things to do in Orléans

L'Astrolabe

showFreeAbout 120 min

A concert hall dedicated to modern music genres including Reggae, Techno, and French Song. Also houses an ice-skating rink and a Dojo. Free entry.

Étang de l'Île Charlemagne

otherFreeAbout 120 min

A peaceful lake about 10 minutes by car from the city centre where swimming is safe. A great free outdoor escape from the city.

Fêtes de Jeanne d'Arc

showFreeAbout 180 min

The city's annual celebration of Joan of Arc during the first week of May, featuring parades, medieval market demonstrations, and sound and light shows throughout Orléans.

05

Where to go near Orléans

Paris

Train 1hCar 1h30

The French capital, just 1 hour away by train from Orléans, offering world-class museums, monuments, and cuisine.

Chambord

Car 45min

Home to the magnificent Château de Chambord, one of the most iconic Renaissance châteaux in the Loire Valley and a must-see day trip from Orléans.

Blois

Car 45min

A charming Loire Valley town near Chambord with its own royal château and historic old town, ideal for a day trip.

Germigny-des-Prés

Car 30min

A small village housing a rare Carolingian church with stunning Byzantine mosaics, an excellent day trip or stopover on the way to the Loire châteaux.

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