Orléans, Regional capital in Centre-Val de Loire, France
Orléans is a city in central France stretching along the Loire River, roughly 120 kilometers southwest of Paris. A Gothic cathedral rises above the narrow lanes of the medieval core, while newer districts include flat residential areas and commercial zones.
A Roman trading center called Aurelianum developed into a significant river port during the Middle Ages. The city gained prominence through Jeanne d'Arc's victory in 1429, which ended an English siege.
Every spring, the streets fill with musicians, performers, and theater groups participating in medieval celebrations commemorating a 15th-century event. Local markets offer regional wines from the Loire Valley and specialties like cotignac, a thick quince paste made here for centuries.
A tram system connects all districts to the main train station, from which trains reach Paris-Austerlitz in under an hour. The historic center is compact and walkable, with most sights within a short stroll from the river.
Since 1432, an annual festival in May features medieval processions and ceremonies reenacting the lifting of the English siege. Residents dress in period costumes and perform battle scenes on public squares.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
