Orleans Sightseeing
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If you are looking for eye-catching snaps for your photo album then Orleans won’t disappoint, as the city is home to a variety of striking and historically significant landmarks. The Sainte Croix Cathedral is perhaps the most famous historic structure in the city and one of its most aesthetically pleasing. Contrasting with the traditional form of the church is the modern, futuristic-looking Europe Bridge.
Campo Santo The city’s chief cemetery has been in use since the 1100s and is now a site of historic interest used primarily for cultural affairs. After its dead population swelled to numbers that made it a public hazard, it was abandoned as a cemetery and the graves relocated. It was the 1800s when the city decided to use the site to host a corn market, and later in the 1970s it was subject to renovation. Today it is host to the Visual Arts Institute.
Europe Bridge Although its primary function is to reduce congestion on the west side of the city, this masterpiece of modern engineering is as aesthetically pleasing as it’s functional. Comprising some 4,900 tons of steel and featuring a main span of 202 metres and side spans of 88 metres, it’s one of the most impressive modern bridges in the country.
Hotel Groslot This well-known Orleans landmark was given to the city by Jacques Groslot in 1790, at which time it served as the Town Hall until becoming a public function venue. Visitors are permitted entry to the building’s interior to see its splendid and typically lavish 19th century furnishings as well as various fine pieces of Renaissance artwork.
Notre Dame de Recouvrance Church
Smaller and perhaps less famous than the Sainte-Croix Cathedral, this church is still worthy of being considered among the city’s greatest architectural treasures. Located close to the Loire river, the church has notable features including impressive carvings in the exterior stonework and splendid stained glass windows in the interior.
Smaller and perhaps less famous than the Sainte-Croix Cathedral, this church is still worthy of being considered among the city’s greatest architectural treasures. Located close to the Loire river, the church has notable features including impressive carvings in the exterior stonework and splendid stained glass windows in the interior.
Place du Martroi This is one of the city’s most notable squares and a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Off the square are the three large avenues of rue de la Republique, rue Royale and rue Bannier, while in the centre of the square is a prominent statue of Joan of Arc, also known as the Maid of Orleans. Visit at Christmas and you can attend the popular festive market that is held here.
Sainte Croix Cathedral This magnificent 16th century structure was built during the reign of Henry IV, under the king’s orders. The cathedral was intended to replace another that formerly stood on the same site since the 13th century, but had met its demise during military attacks. An earlier cathedral from the 7th century was the first religious structure to occupy the site.
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