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About Orléans

Including tips for the best time to visit Orléans

Orléans is one of the oldest cities in France, brimming with historic buildings and surrounded by enchanting Loire Valley chateaux. Its ancient centre is well worth a stroll around, with a large pedestrian zone, Renaissance palaces and half-timbered houses.

Orléans city centre is filled with reminders of its close association with Joan of Arc. Known as the ‘Maid of Orléans’, the heroine led the French army to a famous victory against the English in 1429, denting Henry VI’s plans to conquer France. Learn more about the soldier-turned-saint at the Maison de Jeanne d’Arc, a reconstruction of a small house she stayed in during the Siege of Orléans. It was during this siege that Joan of Arc attended mass at the beautiful Orléans Cathedral. Today, you can admire its wonderful stained-glass windows that depict key events in Joan’s life.

Many tourists use Orléans as a base for exploring some of the most beautiful chateaux of the Loire Valley. Located along the banks of the river is the Château de Chambord, arguably the most famous castle in the region due to its roof sprinkled with cupolas and chimneys. Inside, you’ll find the famous double-spiral staircase said to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci, while the exterior features formal gardens and over 5,000 hectares of pine forests. Other popular stops within this cluster of castles include Château de Chamerolles, Château de Sully-sur-Loire and Château de Gien.

Tonight

From £87 per night

This weekend

From per night

Next weekend

From per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency € 10 = £8.57
Language French
Average weekend price £67 per night
Average weekday price £68 per night
Typical stay 1 night

Orléans reviews

What other travellers say about Orléans

10

Plenty of good restaurants and pubs in a pedestrian area.

1 October 2023

Plenty of good restaurants and pubs in a pedestrian area. A lovely city. A lot of history, but absolutely not boring. Very clean as well. Romantic ballads along the Loire-river. Interesting castles as well (Sully).

Tanguy
Tanguy Belgium
10

Arrived during Festival of the Loire.

25 September 2023

Arrived during Festival of the Loire. City lively, but still found very good restaurant (Etage) and had enjoyable evening. Cathedral beautiful at night. Being on the river also great for walks with our dog.

Louise
Louise United Kingdom
10

The cathedral is so beautifull, Hotel Groslot also nice and...

11 September 2023

The cathedral is so beautifull, Hotel Groslot also nice and for my surprise free of charge to visit. I ate in Le Brin the Zinc restoran, If you be there ask Miss Aman to help you to choose. She was absolutely patient to us. We asked a lot!!!

Gábor
Gábor Hungary
8.0

We were only in Orleans for one night after flying...

26 August 2023

We were only in Orleans for one night after flying transatlantic into Paris. So we did not see much. We formed a positive impression though...the statue of Joan of Arc, the Cathedral, the shops and quaint, easily walkable historic district.

William
William Canada
8.0

Orléans is a surprising small city, packed with history and...

13 August 2023

Orléans is a surprising small city, packed with history and home to Jeanne d’Arc. Beautiful city centre, very beautifully planned and executed urban redevelopment putting on focus historical features and yes the cathedral is just stunning. We stayed only a short overnight and were lucky to witness the late night light show pinned to the facade of the cathedral: just stunning. Beautiful pedestrian areas with medieval timber framed houses as well as glamorous arcades and squares. Will go back again!

Barry
Barry Belgium
10

From the U.

14 June 2023

From the U. S. and first time visiting France. We were in Orleans for just one night. This hotel is in a great location to walk to the sights and pedestrian areas. The front desk staff were proactively helpful providing a map of the area and what is available. The parking was in a courtyard and very safe. As extra bonus for this hotel, we asked for a bucket of ice and actually got a wine bucket with ice. I say this because at a hotel stay with different chain a couple nights prior we got a cereal bowl of ice. Room was pristine and had AC. Temps have been about 80 and nights were not very cool to sleep at prior lodgings we were staying at. Should we visit Orleans again we will stay at this hotel.

Irish
Irish

Popular places to stay in Orléans

Stay in some of the best accommodation Orléans has to offer