With its historic charm and spellbinding views of the Loire river, Orléans is a great place to spend time or start a trip to the wider valley. Renting a car means you can travel to nearby cities and charming villages, with Paris and other destinations within easy reach.
Historic culture
Perhaps the most famous monument in Orléans is its cathedral, Sainte-Croix. Enjoy excellent views of this 17th-century gothic structure as you approach from Rue Jeanne d’Arc, and as you get closer, admire its impressive stained glass windows.
Not far away, you’ll find the Hotel Groslot, a former private mansion built in the 19th century. Now open to the public, you can explore its extravagant bedrooms, and lust over the luxurious décor.
One of the city’s main squares, Place du Martroi is home to a statue of Orléans’ most famous heroine, Joan of Arc. The story of how Joan defeated the English at the Battle of Orléans is treasured in France, and you can uncover a vast array of monuments and tributes to her throughout the city.
The Maison de Jeanne d’Arc – found on the Place du Général de Gaulle – is a museum dedicated to her and originally the house where she stayed in 1429. The building was reconstructed after it was flattened during World War II.
If you’re visiting Orléans in the springtime you might even witness its annual Joan of Arc festival, which has been taking place in the city for hundreds of years. Each year, a girl from one of the local schools is chosen to play the role of Joan, leading the parade while visitors enjoy a medieval-style carnival complete with falconry and fencing displays and battle re-enactments.
Parks and gardens
As a former horticultural center, the city of Orléans is home to an array of parks and green spaces, many of which lie on the south side of the river. These include the botanical garden Jardin des Plantes and the Parc Floral de la Source – so-called because it contains the source of the Loiret, a tributary of the river Loire.
With a rental car, it’s also possible to visit the Arboretum des Grandes Bruyères, just a short drive to the north-east of the city. Here you’ll find many fascinating trees and plants from across Europe, the Far East and Africa. The arboretum is open to the public most weeks between March and November and tickets can be reserved online in advance.
Exploring the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley region is host to many châteaux – castles that were once home to French nobility, many of which can now be explored by the public. Some of the best-known include the Château de Chambord, just a short drive outside Orléans, and Château de Chenonceau, a few miles beyond.
Traveling to these castles involves a scenic drive with plenty to explore along the way, including some really quaint villages. In the local restaurants, you’ll be able to relax with some classic Loire Valley cuisine, including its famous freshwater fish. All this and more is possible with a rental car from Orléans.