These are the best places to travel this summer

Orléans

France Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Cathédrale Sainte-Croix rises up above Rue Jeanne d'Arc in Orléans, France.

Getty Images

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Orléans

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

There’s a big-city buzz on the broad boulevards and in the sparkling boutiques and elegant buildings of Orléans, 100km south of Paris. An important settlement by the time of the Roman conquest, the city sealed its place in history in 1429 when a young peasant girl by the name of Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc) rallied the armies of Charles VII and brought about a spectacular rout against the besieging English forces, a key turning point in the Hundred Years War. Six centuries later, the Maid of Orléans still exerts a powerful hold on the French imagination – all around town, you’ll find statues (at least seven), stained-glass windows and museum exhibits dedicated to her exploits. Other attractions in the old city include an outstanding art museum and a breathtaking cathedral.

Must-see attractions

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Orléans