Information > Orléans & the Loire Valley

Discovering the ancient district of Orléans

The ancient district boasts an exceptional heritage. Medieval half-timbered houses, elegant fronts from the Renaissance period and town houses can be found. The half-timbered house is one of the oldest proven construction techniques in Orléans.

The rehabilitation of the ancient district undertaken by the city council enabled the promotion of numerous of those houses where timber frames were painted in a vast range of colours.

The historic centre of the city, developed as a pedestrian area with new paving, benefits from a specific “plan lumière” (a recent concept aiming to establish the lighting of a tourist city or a built-up area) highlighting the fronts and the architectural detail for a wonderful night’s walk.

Wild River

The River Loire, 1012 kilometers in length, is the longest river in France. The River Loire, much used by the kings of France also called “Royal River’, is lined with many castles (SulIy, Chaumont, Amboise, Chambord...) abbeys, historic cities and typical villages.

As the last wild river of Europe, the Loire offers an exceptional and well preserved landscape. Docks and levies remind us of the port’s activities until the 19th century and the protection of inhabitants from rising water levels. There are numerous places for walks where you will find a multitude of flora and fauna (beavers, grey herons, wild plants...).