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If you have done the things to do in France, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Orleans.
Orleans is a jewel box of experiences, bursting with delights, hidden gems and unforgettable moments waiting to be discovered.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Orleans:
1. Orleans Cathedral
Orleans Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Sainte-Croix, is a Catholic cathedral located in Orleans, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning Gothic architecture and intricate stained glass windows that date back to the 13th century. The cathedral also houses beautiful artwork and sculptures, including one of Joan of Arc.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the grand organ, built in 1956, with over 5500 pipes and a stunning facade of gold leaf.
Insider travel tips: – The cathedral often hosts concerts and musical performances, so check the schedule to see if there is a show you can attend during your visit.
2. Place du Martroi
Place du Martroi is a large square located in the heart of Orleans, France.
What to see or do: The square is surrounded by beautiful architecture and is home to a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Take a stroll through the square to admire the statue of Joan of Arc, who liberated Orleans from the English during the Hundred Years War.
Don’t miss: The magnificent fountain in the center of the square is a must-see. It features a statue of Vercingetorix, a Gallic chieftain who fought against the Romans.
Insider travel tips: Visit Place du Martroi during the summer months to enjoy live music and other cultural events that take place on the square.
Consider stopping at one of the cafes for a drink or a meal, and take advantage of the outdoor seating to people-watch and soak up the ambiance of this vibrant French city.
3. Parc Floral de la Source
Parc Floral de la Source is a beautifully landscaped botanical garden located in the heart of the Loire Valley near Orleans, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore a vast collection of over 950 varieties of irises, hundreds of roses, and other rare plant species in the immaculately maintained gardens.
The park also features a butterfly house, a tropical greenhouse, and a cactus greenhouse, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into a range of different ecosystems.
Don’t miss: The Garden of Fragrances is a must-visit. It has plantings of more than 300 species of fragrant flowers and herbs, where visitors can smell amazing scents.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, visit Parc Floral de la Source in the early morning or just before closing time. The park is busiest in the middle of the day.
Additionally, guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks or picnic lunch to enjoy in the peaceful environs of the park.
4. Hotel Groslot
The Hotel Groslot is a magnificent Renaissance-style building in the heart of Orleans, France. Built in the 16th century, it served as the town hall for several centuries before becoming a museum.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the grand architecture and interior, which features ornate ceilings and stunning stained glass windows. The museum showcases fine art and historical artifacts from the region.
Don’t miss: Be sure to see the Salle des Etats, the former council room where Joan of Arc was officially recognized as the commander of the French army in 1429.
The museum also has a collection of works by artist Camille Claudel, who was born in nearby Fere-en-Tardenois.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the summer months to catch a concert or performance in the courtyard. Check the museum’s website for special events and exhibitions.
5. Musee des Beaux-Arts d’Orleans
The Musee des Beaux-Arts d’Orleans is a fine arts museum located in the beautiful city of Orleans, France.
What to see or do: The museum houses an impressive collection of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that span from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Visitors can admire the works of art from renowned artists such as Delacroix, Corot, and Picasso. The museum’s collection also includes a significant collection of works from the Orleans School of painting.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the beautiful 16th-century Dutch tapestries, which are displayed in the museum’s medieval hall. Also, be sure to check out the museum’s temporary exhibitions, which change frequently and often feature contemporary artworks.
Insider travel tips: If you’re traveling to Orleans on the first Sunday of the month, the museum’s admission is free. Additionally, don’t forget to check out the museum’s gift shop, which offers a great selection of art-related souvenirs.
The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
6. Saint-Croix Cathedral
Saint-Croix Cathedral is a Gothic-style cathedral located in the historic city center of Orleans, France. It was built in the 13th century and is renowned for its impressive stained glass windows.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning architecture of the cathedral both inside and out.
The Gothic façade features intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Bible, while the interior is characterized by soaring vaulted ceilings and a beautiful rose window.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the cathedral’s collection of stained glass windows, which date back to the 13th century. The windows include depictions of saints, biblical scenes, and intricate geometric patterns.
Insider travel tips: – Climb the tower for a breathtaking view of the city and river.
7. Hôtel de Ville d’Orléans
Hôtel de Ville d’Orléans is a historic building that serves as the city hall of Orleans, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the Renaissance-style architecture of the building, which features intricate details and a bell tower. The interior houses a grand staircase and ornate reception rooms that are occasionally open to the public.
Don’t miss: Be sure to look for the Joan of Arc statue located on the front façade of the building. The statue pays tribute to the city’s most famous historical figure, who liberated the city from English siege in 1429.
Insider travel tips: Visitors can join a guided tour of the building in French, but English audio guides are available as well.
8. Maison de Jeanne d’Arc
Historical house museum dedicated to Joan of Arc.
What to see or do: Visit the recreated 15th-century house where Joan of Arc stayed during the Siege of Orleans in 1429. The museum showcases period furniture, artifacts, and artwork, telling the story of Joan’s life and the medieval city of Orleans.
Don’t miss: The multimedia exhibit on the first floor, which explains the history of the house and Joan’s role in the Hundred Years’ War.
Insider travel tips: The museum can get crowded during peak tourist season, so consider visiting early in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays, and admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. Allow at least an hour for your visit.
9. Crypte Carolingienne de Saint-Aignan
The Carolingian Crypt of Saint-Aignan is an underground chapel located in the heart of Orleans, France, dating back to the 9th century during the Carolingian era.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the impressive stone architecture of the crypt, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
The crypt also houses various medieval artifacts and religious relics, offering a glimpse into the cultural and religious history of the region.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a close look at the impressive collection of Carolingian capitals, with intricate carvings of human and animal figures.
Also, don’t miss the opportunity to see the crypt’s famed mural paintings, which depict scenes from the life of Saint-Aignan.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and get the chance to take in the crypt’s serene atmosphere.
10. Basilique Notre-Dame de Cléry-Saint-André
Basilique Notre-Dame de Cléry-Saint-André is a medieval church located in Cléry-Saint-André, near Orleans in France.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful Gothic architecture of the church, especially the intricate details on the facade and the bell tower. Explore the interior of the church and be amazed by the stained glass windows, statues, and paintings.
You can also attend a religious service or a concert, as the church is still an active religious site and a cultural venue.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss a chance to see the Holy Ampulla, a small vial that is said to contain the oil used to anoint French kings since the coronation of Clovis in 496.
The Holy Ampulla is presented on the high altar of the church and is considered a national treasure.
Insider travel tips: – The church is open to visitors daily from 9 am to 7 pm. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
11. Rue de Bourgogne
A historic street in the heart of Orleans, France.
What to see or do: Stroll down the charming cobblestone street and admire the architecture of the 17th and 18th century buildings. Visit the Eglise Saint-Pierre du-Martroi, a beautiful church located on the street.
Don’t miss: Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes on Rue de Bourgogne, such as La Parenthese or Le Bistrot Madeleine.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the annual Fêtes de Jeanne d’Arc, a festival celebrating the life of Joan of Arc, which takes place on May 8th and includes a parade down Rue de Bourgogne.
Watch out for cars and bikes as the street is shared with vehicles.
12. Musée Charles Peguy
Musée Charles Peguy is a museum dedicated to the life and works of the French poet and writer Charles Peguy, located in the city of Orleans.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore a collection of items related to Peguy’s life, including personal belongings, photographs, and original manuscripts. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions related to literature and the arts.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is a recreated interior of Peguy’s apartment where he lived with his wife and children.
It offers a unique insight into the writer’s personal life and creative process.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located in a historic building with a beautiful courtyard and garden. Take some time to appreciate the atmosphere and architecture.
13. Jardin des Plantes d’Orléans
Jardin des Plantes d’Orléans is a beautifully manicured botanical garden located in Orleans, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore over 5 acres of gardens, featuring a wide variety of flora and fauna, including a rose garden, an herb garden, and a collection of trees from around the world.
The garden also has a small zoo, featuring animals such as red pandas, flamingos, and lemurs.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the greenhouse, which features exotic plants and a tropical rainforest atmosphere. The garden also hosts various educational activities and events throughout the year, including guided tours and workshops.
Insider travel tips: – The garden is free to enter and open year-round.
14. L’Astrolabe Frac Centre-Val de Loire
L’Astrolabe Frac Centre-Val de Loire is a contemporary art center in Orleans, France. It is dedicated to promoting and exhibiting contemporary art from France and around the world.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the center’s rotating exhibitions, which showcase a diverse range of contemporary art forms such as painting, sculpture, installation, and multimedia.
The galleries are spacious and allow for an immersive experience with the artwork.
Don’t miss: One of the standout features of L’Astrolabe Frac Centre-Val de Loire is its stunning architecture. The building itself is a work of art, designed by celebrated French architect, Jakob + MacFarlane.
Make sure to appreciate the building’s unique and futuristic design, which includes a distinctive aluminum lattice facade.
Insider travel tips: – L’Astrolabe is easily accessible by public transport, with a tram stop located just a short walk away.