Centre-Loire Valley is a pretty, rural region in which there are numerous locations for lovers of the great outdoors to appreciate the natural beauty while getting exercise. Families in particular will appreciate the opportunities for camping and the selection of activities that can be pursued in the city’s parks. Ice-skating at the Astrolabe is a good option on days when the rain precludes the possibility of any outdoor pursuits.
With easy access to the famous Loire river, visitors can enjoy activities such as canoeing and kayaking at some prime spots in the area and at other locations close to Orleans along the same river.
Camping If you have your own equipment then the Loire region is the perfect place to enjoy a few romantic nights under canvas. Getting back to nature in the scenic Centre-Loire Valley countryside is a great activity for families and outgoing independent travellers alike.
Fishing Angling enthusiasts will love the excellent fishing opportunities presented by the Loire river, with its many prime spots where the scenery is rich and the species of fish are varied. Visitors will need to apply for a fishing permit (permit de pêche) before they can fish legally; these are available from tobacconists and newsagents.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a few rounds of their favourite game at a number of international standard courses. In and around the Orleans area, the best courses include the Orleans Val de Loire Golf Club and Golf d'Orleans Donnery.
Ice-skating L'Astrolabe, a large entertainment centre best known for hosting musical concerts, is home to an ice-skating rink at which families with kids of all ages can enjoy the fun irrespective of the weather outside. Phone: +33 2 38 54 20 06.
The city has a number of parks in which visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll or one of the other activities that the wide green open spaces afford. Parc Floral de la Source and Parc Pasteur are among the best parks on offer, while in neighbouring Montargis, the Arboria Park and the Parc de la Colline are also worth a visit.
With no lack of history and cultural heritage, Orleans is a good city in which to pursue activities with an intellectual or aesthetic leaning. Museums are plentiful and cover a wide range of topics; however, for many visitors the sugary allure of the city’s chocolate-making facility takes precedence over the appeals of other attractions.
Chocolaterie Royale
Orleans has a reputation for being one of the country’s finest chocolate producers, having been making its sweet treats since before the French Revolution and preparing chocolates for royal consumption for a significant part of its existence. Visitors can view the traditional chocolate-making processes that are still rigorously adhered to before being given a chance to sample some of the delicious delicacies. Phone: +33 2 38 53 93 43.
Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts) The city’s finest art facility houses a permanent collection made up of pieces spanning some five centuries. Several grand rooms in the museum provide the main gallery spaces, across which works by both French and famous European artists are on display. The gallery also hosts visiting international exhibitions. Phone: +33 2 38 79 21 55.
Joan of Arc’s House (Maison Jeanne-d'Arc)
Although this is not the actual house that the famous Maid of Orleans resided in, it is a faithful reconstruction of a property she once stayed at in 1429. The building was actually the home of Jacques Boucher, former treasurer general of the Duke of Orleans, and today contains a small museum with a collection of artefacts relating to the life of Joan, one of France’s best known martyrs. Phone: +33 2 38 52 99 89.
Museum of History and Archaeology (Musée Historique et Archéologique) The Museum of History and Archaeology is housed inside the former Cabu Hotel, a building that first opened for business back in 1862 and one illustrating the elegant architectural influences of the Renaissance period. The museum is home to a collection of artefacts detailing various aspects of the city’s past and includes decorative art pieces, ancient archaeological finds and items from more recent history. Phone: +33 2 38 79 25 60.
Museum of Natural Sciences (Muséum des Sciences Naturelles)
The Museum of Natural Sciences provides informative perspectives on a myriad of aspects of natural science. As well as a variety of photographs, documents and artefacts, there are interactive exhibits designed to engage and entertain visitors. Phone: +33 2 38 54 61 05.
The French take food and drink very seriously, and every region in France has its own specialities and unique cuisine, with the Centre-Loire Valley region being famous for its wine as well as for its dishes based on fresh ingredients such as cheese, fish (including salmon and trout), fruit and vegetables. Orleans restaurants are typical of the region, presenting a rich array of mouth-watering delicacies, all of which are produced from locally farmed supplies.
The best selection of dining establishments can be found along rue de Bourgogne in the city centre. Here, besides traditional Orleans eateries, visitors will find foreign restaurants, including Indian, Vietnamese, Italian and Chinese choices.
Eating out can be a pricey experience if you frequent the city’s quality establishments, but there’s no reason why you can’t be economical and dine at any of the many cafés and brasseries instead, where the atmosphere is less exclusive, but the food costs a fraction of what it might elsewhere.
Visitors wanting to sample the local shopping scene are best heading to rue Jeanne d’Arc, a lengthy street that begins at place General de Gaulle and ends at Sainte-Croix Cathedral, and is home to a wide variety of outlets including boutiques selling designer clothing and other shops offering locally made goods.
Also well worth a visit for its selection of retail outlets is place d’Arc, an area that’s home to both popular French chain stores and independent retailers, and is considered to offer the widest selection of outlets of anywhere in the city. Orleans also has its fair share of local markets selling everything from food to second-hand clothing and antiques.
