I’m continuing my Loire Valley series to tell you the rest of our little journey along the Loire with my favorite photographer. Today, we’re stopping in one of the major cities in this region: Orléans. It is also the prefecture of the Loiret department and the Centre-Val de Loire region. For those tempted by a quick weekend getaway, I’ll remind you that Orléans is only 1 hour from Paris by train.
Before my first visit to this city, where I had spent a lovely weekend back in 2013, Orléans mostly evoked the city of Joan of Arc for me, and the city itself constantly likes to remind visitors of this. I found the city very pretty (especially the historic district), the restaurants were delicious, and most importantly, the people were very welcoming. Unfortunately, this time we didn’t get to see much of Orléans because of a silly bit of clumsiness that caused me to hurt my foot quite badly. Our sightseeing had to be canceled because I wasn’t able to walk. But then again, it’s just another excuse to come back…
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Sightseeing ideas in Orléans
As usual, here are some ideas for visits (obviously not exhaustive) to check out during your time in Orléans. The city is also known as the “cradle of horticulture” or the “rose capital” because in the 19th century, Orléans nurserymen created new plant varieties that were unknown at the time.
The Hôtel Groslot
I recommend a visit (which is free, by the way!) to the Hôtel Groslot, a beautiful 16th-century mansion that later became the City Hall. You can see some photos I took of it during my 2013 visit. At the back of the building, there is also a beautiful 2,850 m² garden, created in the 19th century.
L'Hôtel Groslot 2 Place de l'Étape, 45000 Orléans free admission
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The Orléans Museum of Fine Arts
Another tip: take a tour of the city’s museum of fine arts, which is definitely worth a visit if you are a museum lover. Founded in 1797, it is one of the oldest provincial French museums. It features 700 works of art on display, covering a period from the 15th to the 20th century.
Alongside Italian, Flemish, and Dutch paintings, the French collections include a significant number of works from the 17th and 18th centuries, including the unmissable pastels room. Temporary exhibitions are also organized regularly, along with presentations of drawings and engravings.
Orléans Museum of Fine Arts 1 Rue Fernand Rabier, 45000 Orléans Admission: €6 / reduced €3 Tip: admission is free for everyone on the first Sunday of every month
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Where to eat in Orléans? Au Bord de la Loire
This lovely spot by the Loire offers healthy, tasty, homemade cuisine made with only good fresh, local products selected by Nathalie, served in bowls, boxes, and jars. Enjoy it inside, on the quays, or, like us, on the establishment’s rooftop terrace. The house is also associated with La Loire en bateau, which offers river trips aboard the Sterne to discover the flora and fauna of the Loire and the history of the Loire navy.
Price: from €6.50 for a salad or soup / from €8.50 for meat, charcuterie, and cheese
Au Bord de la Loire 14 quai du Châtelet 45000 Orléans open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM and Sunday from 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM (summer hours)
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Where to sleep in Orléans? L’Empreinte Hôtel
Here is a great place to stay in Orléans with this 4-star hotel located right on the banks of the Loire, next to the restaurant I mentioned above.
Our room
We took advantage of this short stay to continue our series of jumping-on-hotel-bed photos (you know we’ve already done a few photos like this here, there, and even here) and I must say that I think this one is the most successful one we’ve done!
Room rates: between €130 and €505 depending on the room category, its size, and the view
Breakfast
A well-stocked breakfast buffet (price €19 / person) with plenty of choices and quality products—we definitely approve!
The Spa
The establishment has a superb 70 m² spa in the basement with a sauna, hammam, and hot tub—everything you need to have a great time and relax (as we did, as you might guess…).
Bonus: you can privatize the spa in the evening for 1 hour 30 minutes (to be all alone and peaceful) with a package for 2 people called “EMPREINTE SPA by Night” (price €125).
L’Empreinte Hôtel 4 stars 80 quai du Châtelet 45000 Orléans Room rates: between €122 and €320 per night (depending on room size)
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Thanks to the Centre Loire Valley Tourism Board and Orléans Tourism for their hospitality.
I hope that with all this, I’ve made you want to discover or rediscover Orléans! And if you also have your own recommendations and great spots for this area, don’t hesitate to share them in the comments!
Find all my articles on the Loire Valley in the Centre-Val de Loire region below:
⇒ All my articles on the Loire Valley
⇒ All my articles on the Centre-Val de Loire
MY ARTICLES ON THE LOIRE VALLEY
⇒ The Castles of the Loire
⇒ Visit Orléans
⇒ Visit Blois
⇒ Visit Tours
Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez and Melle Bon Plan Photos are not royalty-free; the photographer's authorization is mandatory before any use
