- Orléans was once the capital of France during the Merovingian dynasty before the status shifted to Paris.
- The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the Val de Loire cultural landscape.
- It is home to one of the oldest universities in France, founded in 1306, which historically rivaled those in Paris and Bologna.
- Every year in May, the city hosts the Fêtes de Jeanne d'Arc, a tradition dating back to 1430 to commemorate the lifting of the siege.
- The local culinary specialty is the 'cotignac', a traditional quince jelly that has been produced in the city for centuries.
About Orléans
Orléans serves as the administrative capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region and occupies a strategic position on a bend of the Loire River. The city is defined by its deep historical association with Joan of Arc, whose relief of the 1429 siege remains its most famous historical marker. Architecture enthusiasts often visit the Gothic Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans, while others head to the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans to view its collection of European paintings. Beyond its urban core, the city offers expansive green spaces like the Parc Floral de la Source, which showcases the headwaters of the Loiret river.
Highlights of Orléans
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
This Gothic masterpiece features impressive stained glass depicting the life of Joan of Arc.
Parks
This park serves as the source of the Loiret River and features vast rose gardens and exotic aviaries.
Museums
One of the oldest fine arts museums in France, it holds an extensive collection of French and European paintings.
Places of interest
This Renaissance-era building served as the temporary residence for French royalty during their visits to the city.
Parks
A tranquil urban refuge that offers an extensive collection of temperate and tropical plant species.
Historical places
A historic site showcasing 19th-century architecture situated in a lush, wooded landscape.
Venues
A major cultural hub hosting diverse performances, including theater, dance, and contemporary music.
Natural attractions
A scenic path along the Loiret river perfect for cycling or walking through the city's natural surroundings.
Top things to do in Orléans
The 160 highest-rated places in Orléans, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
Château de Chambord is the largest residence in the Loire Valley, commissioned by King Francis I as a hunting lodge and...
2
Temples
The Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans is a French Gothic cathedral notably reconstructed over several centuries, spannin...
3
Parks
Parc Floral de la Source is a 35-hectare botanical garden located at the source of the Loiret River. It serves as a regi...
4
Historical places
Château de Meung-sur-Loire is a medieval fortress that served as the primary residence for the Bishops of Orléans for ov...
5
Parks
Parc Pasteur is a 4-hectare urban park located in the center of Orléans, established in 1894 on the site of a former rai...
6
Parks
The Jardin des Plantes in Orléans is a historic botanical site covering approximately 3.5 hectares. It dates back to the...
7
Places of interest
Hôtel Groslot is a Renaissance-era hôtel particulier built between 1549 and 1558 for Jacques Groslot, the bailiff of Orl...
8
Historical places
Château de Villesavin is a Renaissance-style manor commissioned in 1527 by Jean le Breton, secretary of finance to King...
9
Museums
The Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans holds one of the most significant collections of European art in France outside of Pa...
10
Historical places
Château de Charbonnière is a historic 19th-century estate located in Saint-Jean-de-Braye, on the outskirts of Orléans. T...
11
Venues
The Théâtre d'Orléans is the primary cultural hub of the city, housing the Scène Nationale d'Orléans and the Conservator...
12
Natural attractions
The Promenade des Moulins du Loiret is a scenic riverside path following the Loiret River through the town of Olivet, ju...
13
Historical places
The Château de Beaugency, also known as the Château Dunois, is a medieval fortress located in the Loire Valley that curr...
14
Temples
The Carolingian Oratory of Germigny-des-Prés is one of the oldest churches in France, dating back to 806 AD. It was buil...
15
Venues
Omnisports Stadium Source serves as the primary home ground for the US Orléans football club and is situated in the La S...
16
Temples
The Royal Basilica of Notre Dame in Cléry is a significant 15th-century Flamboyant Gothic building located in the Loire...
17
Places of interest
18
Parks
19
Temples
20
Museums
21
Museums
22
Parks
23
Parks
24
Natural attractions
25
Places of interest
26
Venues
27
Parks
28
Museums
29
Temples
30
Parks
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Orléans on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Orléans
Late spring (May) through early autumn (September), when the riverbanks are active and the botanical gardens are in full bloom.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the historic center, museums, and nearby riverside parks.
The city features a modern tramway network, an extensive bus system, and a pedestrian-friendly historic district.
The Hyper-Centre offers immediate proximity to historic landmarks, while the Dunois neighborhood provides a quieter, more residential atmosphere.
Mid-range; standard French regional pricing applies for accommodation and dining.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 160 curated attractions in and around Orléans, ranked by traveller ratings.
Château de Chambord is the highest-rated place to visit in Orléans right now.
The largest category is temples, with 53 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Paris, Lyon, Lormont.
Explore more of France
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
