Orléans at Christmas

For Christmas this year, be transported away to the magical world of fairy tales with ‘Once upon a time Christmas in Orléans’. Explore the city illuminated with a thousand lights and cheerful attractions and soak up the glittering Christmas atmosphere. 

Explore Orléans Christmas market  

The Christmas market in Orléans takes place in several squares, including Le Martroi square. Take a stroll through the chalets showcasing local craftspeople and designers and their great gift ideas. Lovers of fine food will of course want to stop off and browse around the producers’ chalets.  A warm and welcoming atmosphere is guaranteed!

Our ideas for things to do during your stay in Orléans 

Illuminating the cathedral 

Marvel at the magic of Christmas at Sainte-Croix cathedral. As darkness falls, lights and projections combine to create a dazzling display of colour which transforms the façade into an enchanting, living work of art. The soft melodies which soar through the air add a magical quality to the experience. 

Get an aerial view of Orléans from the Ferris wheel 

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city. Take a seat in one of the Ferris wheel’s gondolas and marvel at the panoramic views. From up there, you will feel as if you can touch the cathedral’s towers! 

For children only 

Throughout December, children can have fun and give their creativity free rein. Watch their eyes sparkle with delight during workshops, on enchanting rides and while meeting Father Christmas. 

Orléans throughout the year 

Orléans is a blend of history and modernity, and its story is intertwined with that of the Loire and Joan of Arc. To discover its treasures, take a stroll through the narrow streets of the old districts, where the colourful façades of timber-framed and Renaissance houses tell the story of centuries of history. You will be enchanted by the craft shops, little squares and charming gardens…

The majestic Sainte-Croix cathedral, located opposite Rue Jeanne d’Arc, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The adjacent Museum of Fine Arts boasts a wealth of collections, including a major collection of pastels, the second largest in France after the Louvre. Contemporary art lovers will be amazed by the innovative and exciting exhibitions on offer at the FRAC. 

When the weather is fine, the quayside is full of lively open-air cafés — the perfect place to enjoy a break. Here, you can sit back and enjoy a drink while admiring the river. And, if the mood takes you, you can climb aboard a traditional boat for a trip on the Loire.