Orléans, a town of authentic tourism

Nestled on the banks of the Loire, Orléans is one of the oldest cities in France and offers authentic tourism, where history, Joan of Arc and the river Loire occupy a central role.
 

Orléans, a "Ville d’Art et d’Histoire" ('City of art and history') with plenty of attractions

The mention of Orléans immediately brings to mind Joan of Arc, and the town's reputation would not be the same without the famous Maid of Orléans, who liberated it on 8 May, 1429! 

The Maison de Jeanne d’Arc pays tribute to the fammous figure and there is naturally also a road named after her. And what a road! It is the one that leads straight to the cathedral of Sainte-Croix, a marvel of Gothic architecture which by itself reveals city's great wealth of heritage.

Admire its facade (which is lit up in the evening) and two imposing towers. Inside, the splendid organs orginally came from the Abbey of Saint-Benoît sur Loire, and its bells were made at the Bollée bell foundry just outside the city centre. Still in business today, the foundry houses an interesting museum.

Three other museums are well worth a visit. At the Musée Historique et Archéologique de l’Orléanais (Historical and Archaeological museum of the Orléans region), you can admire a rare collection of Gallo-Roman bronze statues, and at the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine arts museum), see the finest collection of pastels, after the one in the Musée du Louvre. Contemporary art is also celebrated in the FRAC Centre, a leading centre of contemporary art. Nicknamed  “Les Turbulences”, the building alone is worth seeing.

And finally, don't overlook the Hôtel Groslot, (and its statue of Joan of Arc), a charming red-brick town house. 
 

The Loire, Orléans' home port

Take a stroll through the town centre. Entirely refurbished, it now includes a large, newly-paved pedestrian district and creative lighting which effectively showcases the artisans' and artists' shops.

The redeveloped banks of the Loire are another attractive location, offering pleasant nature excursions... In summer, the “La Sardine” open-air cafe enlivens the area with lively musical performances. An ideal location in which to relax and enjoy a glass of Loire wine...

The town has always had close ties with the river. Its rich commercial past is a direct result of the river's presence: fabrics and canvas, Anjou slate, salt and dried Atlantic fish all used to pass through here, as well as the famous Orléans vinegar, which was made from wines that were spoiled on arrival after long voyages.