Grand Piano Festival
The city of Orléans hosts the fourth edition of the Grand Piano Festival from June 25 to 28, 2026.
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Orléans
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ℹ️Practical info — Orléans
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- To see the light show on the Sainte-Croix Cathedral during summer, arrive early to secure a good viewing spot on Rue Jeanne d'Arc.
- The city's tram system is excellent for getting around; consider a day pass if you plan to explore beyond the immediate historic center.
- Visit the Maison de Jeanne d'Arc first thing in the morning to beat the crowds and fully appreciate the multimedia exhibits.
- Bicycle travel is highly encouraged; rent a bike to ride along the scenic 'Loire à Vélo' routes directly accessible from the city.
🍽 Food
🍽
Andouille de Jargeau
A traditional sausage made from pork meat and tripe, often served in classic brasseries around the city center.
🍽
Orléans Vinegar and Mustard
Look for dishes seasoned with the famous local vinegar or mustard, a specialty historically produced along the Loire.
🍽
Loire Valley Wines
Pair your meals with regional wines like AOC Orléans or Orléans-Cléry, best sampled at wine bars near Les Halles.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Les Halles Châtelet
This indoor market is the great place to buy fresh regional produce, local cheeses like Crottin de Chavignol, and artisanal bread.
🛍
Martin Pouret Condiments
Pick up an authentic jar of Orléans mustard or traditional vinegar directly from a specialized local fine food store in the old town.
🛍
Rue de la République
Stroll down this central pedestrian street for a mix of mainstream fashion boutiques and independent local shops.
🧘
Parc Floral de la Source
Take a short tram ride south to walk through these vast, impressive botanical gardens featuring the actual source of the Loiret river.
🧘
Banks of the Loire
Enjoy a peaceful stroll or bike ride along the paved pathways right next to the river, away from the city traffic.
🧘
Île Charlemagne
Cross the river to this large leisure park offering quiet walking trails, green spaces, and a calm lake environment.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
4
La fête des Duits
Artistic refreshment in August on the river dike (duit) of Orléans.
Orléans Joue Festival
The 13th edition invites you to discover the world of board games, role-playing, and outdoor activities.
Hop Pop Hop Festival
An energetic contemporary music festival held right in the heart of downtown Orléans.
Orléans, the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region, is strategically positioned at the northernmost point of the Loire River, approximately 115 kilometers south of Paris. The city is globally recognized for its liberation from English forces in 1429 by Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans, an event that marked a turning point in the Hundred Years' War. Its urban landscape is defined by the Sainte-Croix Cathedral, an imposing Gothic structure whose reconstruction spanned several centuries, eventually completed in the 19th century. For centuries, Orléans served as a crucial commercial gateway where river transport facilitated the trade of wine, salt, and vinegar. In modern times, the city has transformed into a significant industrial hub, particularly in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, forming part of the French Cosmetic Valley. The proximity to the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley ensures a blend of historical depth and natural beauty, drawing visitors to its renovated riverfronts. Every May, the city hosts the Joan of Arc festivals, one of the oldest and most traditional celebrations in France.
- Location: Centre-Val de Loire, France
- Top sights: Sainte-Croix Cathedral · Place du Martroi · Parc Floral de la Source
- Nearby: Olivet (4 km)
- Population: ~118.601
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 54 | 47 | 52 | 45 | 67 | 59 | 56 | 55 | 41 | 64 | 62 | 65 |
Live webcam – Orléans
See what it looks like near Orléans right now.
Orleans · 0.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Orléans was liberated on May 8, 1429, following a brief but decisive campaign led by Joan of Arc.
- The Sainte-Croix Cathedral is nearly as large as Notre-Dame de Paris in terms of its interior volume.
- During the 18th century, the city was the world's leading center for high-quality vinegar production.
- The House of Joan of Arc is a faithful reconstruction of the residence where she stayed during the siege.
- The city serves as a key gateway to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000.
- The University of Orléans was established in 1306 by Pope Clement V, specializing in civil law.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→18:522.5 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 26–35 €Entries 30€ · Transport 0€
In the morning, we explore the heart of Orléans at Place du Martroi and visit the historical House of Joan of Arc. At midday, we admire the imposing Sainte-Croix Cathedral and the elegant Hôtel Groslot. After a cozy lunch in the alleys of the old town, we immerse ourselves in art history at the Musée des Beaux-Arts. We end the evening relaxing on the picturesque banks of the Loire as the sun sets over the river.
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🚶 11'0.38 km
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09:53 · 84'
Maison de Jeanne d'Arc
Reconstructed house where the Maid of Orleans stayed in 1429.
🚶 20'0.87 km
🚶 7'0.2 km
🚶 10'0.33 km
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🚶 12'0.47 km
09:00→18:522.5 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 26–35 €Entries 30€ · Transport 0€
Morning starts under the arcades of Place du Martroi. At noon, Joan of Arc's house and the Cathedral provide a perfect dry retreat. Afternoon is spent indoors at the Museum of Fine Arts. Evening offers a cozy view of the Loire from a riverside bistro, watching the city lights reflect on the rain-slicked cobblestones of the old quarter.
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09:10 · 32'
Place du Martroi
Use the arcades of the surrounding buildings for shelter from the rain.
🚶 11'0.38 km
🚶 20'0.87 km
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11:37 · 53'
Cathédrale Sainte-Croix
Admire the stained glass windows, which look mystical in cloudy light.
🚶 7'0.2 km
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12:37 · 84'
Hôtel Groslot
The magnificent interiors are completely protected from the weather.
🚶 10'0.33 km
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14:11 · 84'
Lunch in the Old Town
Choose a restaurant with a cozy interior instead of a terrace.
🚶 8'0.23 km
🚶 12'0.47 km
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17:40 · 42'
Loire River Banks
Seek shelter under the Pont George V bridge in case of a sudden burst.
09:00→18:522.5 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 26–35 €Entries 30€ · Transport 0€
Morning air is crisp and invigorating at Place du Martroi. At noon, warm up inside Joan of Arc's house and the heated Cathedral. Afternoon provides cultural warmth at the Museum of Fine Arts. The early sunset around 5:00 PM is best viewed from the Loire banks, followed by a cozy evening in a local wine bar to escape the winter frost.
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🚶 11'0.38 km
🚶 20'0.87 km
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11:37 · 53'
Cathédrale Sainte-Croix
The monumental facade looks particularly sculptural in the soft winter light.
🚶 7'0.2 km
🚶 10'0.33 km
🚶 8'0.23 km
🚶 12'0.47 km
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17:40 · 42'
Loire River Banks
Caution: The riverside path can be slippery in freezing conditions.
09:00→17:568.2 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 16–22 €Entries 7€ · Transport 12€
We explore Orléans and its green oases by bike. We start in the center and head towards Parc Pasteur before visiting the cathedral. Late morning, we cycle along the Loire on the famous cycle path. After a break in the Jardin des Plantes, we cross the modern Europe Bridge and enjoy the wide view over the Valley of the Kings.
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🚲 9'0.98 km
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🚲 25'3.65 km
🚲 10'1.18 km
09:00→17:568.2 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 16–22 €Entries 7€ · Transport 12€
Rainy cycling starts at Place du Martroi. At noon, Parc Pasteur's dense trees and the dry Cathedral provide cover. The Loire bike path requires caution when wet. Afternoon finds warmth in the Jardin des Plantes greenhouse, before ending the tour at the misty Europe Bridge.
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🚲 9'0.98 km
🚲 8'0.77 km
🚲 13'1.59 km
🚲 25'3.65 km
🚲 10'1.18 km
09:00→17:568.2 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 16–22 €Entries 7€ · Transport 12€
Winter cycling requires warm gloves starting from Martroi. At noon, the frosty Parc Pasteur beckons before the Cathedral offers silence and warmth. The ride along the Loire shows the river's rugged beauty. Warm up in the Jardin des Plantes greenhouse before ending at the cool, lit Europe Bridge.
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🚲 9'0.98 km
🚲 8'0.77 km
⛪
12:05 · 53'
Cathédrale Sainte-Croix
A short stop inside will bring your fingers back to temperature.
🚲 13'1.59 km
🚲 25'3.65 km
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14:23 · 126'
Jardin des Plantes
The tropical temperatures in the greenhouse are a winter highlight.
🚲 10'1.18 km
09:00→20:0774.3 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 21–29 €Entries 12€ · Transport 13€
We discover the surroundings of Orléans by car. After a short stop in the center, we drive west to Meung-sur-Loire castle, known for its dark history. Then we visit the charming medieval town of Beaugency. In the afternoon, we relax in the Parc Floral de la Source before ending the day on the romantic banks of the Loiret in Olivet.
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🚗 88'25.64 km
🚗 31'8.52 km
🚗 120'35.09 km
🚗 20'5.03 km
09:00→20:0774.3 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 21–29 €Entries 12€ · Transport 13€
The tour starts in Orléans center from the dry comfort of your car. At noon, Meung-sur-Loire Castle offers a perfect indoor experience during rain. Next, explore Beaugency, using the car as a mobile shelter. Afternoon is spent at Parc Floral, before a cozy end by the Loiret banks in Olivet.
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🚗 88'25.64 km
🏛️
11:10 · 84'
Château de Meung-sur-Loire
The extensive underground passages are completely rain-proof.
🚗 31'8.52 km
🚗 120'35.09 km
🏞️
16:29 · 126'
Parc Floral de la Source
The butterfly house is a wonderfully warm and dry spot.
🚗 20'5.03 km
09:00→20:0774.3 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 21–29 €Entries 12€ · Transport 13€
A winter road trip starts in frosty Orléans. At noon, history warms you up at Meung-sur-Loire Castle. Beaugency shows its winter peace, ideal for short stops. Enjoy the crisp air at Parc Floral before watching the sunset over the Loiret in Olivet with a warm drink.
← swipe for more places →
🚗 88'25.64 km
🏛️
11:10 · 84'
Château de Meung-sur-Loire
Visit the historic kitchen, often a fire is burning in the hearth.
🚗 31'8.52 km
🚗 120'35.09 km
🚗 20'5.03 km
Sights in the town Orléans (20)
Museum of Fine Arts🏛 museum
One of France's oldest and richest museums, housing an extensive collection of European art across centuries.
🌐 orleans-metropole.fr🕒 Tu-We, Fr-Sa 10:00-18:00; Th 10:00-20:00; Su 13:00-18:00
Orleans Jazz Club🎭 culture
A lively venue in Orléans known for jazz concerts and musical performances.
🌐 orleansjazzclub.com🕒 We 19:00-24:00; Th-Sa 19:00-01:00
Frequently asked questions
Which historical figure defines the city?
Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc), who liberated the city from the English siege in 1429.
How far is Orléans from Paris?
It takes about one hour by train from the Paris-Austerlitz station.
What is the main sightseeing attraction?
The Gothic Sainte-Croix Cathedral, which resembles Notre-Dame in Paris in its structure.
Can you cycle along the Loire?
Yes, Orléans is on the 'La Loire à Vélo' route, one of France's most popular cycling paths.
When do the Joan of Arc festivals take place?
The 'Fêtes de Jeanne d'Arc' are held every year from late April until May 8th.
Orléans: where is it located?
Orléans is located in Centre-Val de Loire, France.
Orléans: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sainte-Croix Cathedral, Place du Martroi, Parc Floral de la Source.
Orléans: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Orléans: why is it worth visiting?
Orléans, the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region, is strategically positioned at the northernmost point of the Loire River, approximately 115 kilometers south of Paris.
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