Overview
Orléans is the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region, sitting on the Loire River about 120 km southwest of Paris. With just over 100,000 residents in the city proper and 400,000 in the metropolitan area, it offers a manageable French city experience without Paris crowds.
Architecture · Day Trips · Festivals · History · Museums
Before you go
Accommodation
Hôtel de l'Abeille (€85 single with breakfast) and Youth Hostel Orléans offer the best budget options near the train station and city centre.
Festivals
The Joan of Arc festival in the first week of May is the city's biggest celebration, featuring parades, medieval markets, and sound-and-light shows.
Food
Orléans has diverse restaurants along Rue de Bourgogne. Many bakeries close in August during the holiday season; supermarkets like Carrefour remain open.
Language
French is the local language. The université d'Orléans offers French classes for foreigners through semester, year, or summer programs (univ-orleans.fr).
Money
France uses the Euro (€). Most stores accept credit cards. ATM networks are widely available throughout the city centre.
Safety
Orléans is generally a safe city for travellers. Standard urban precautions apply in less-travelled areas at night.
Transport
TAO Orléans operates trams, buses, and bike rentals (reseau-tao.fr). Google Maps does not show Orléans transit routes; use the TAO website journey planner instead.