Travel Guide to Orleans, France

In a hundred-kilometre distance from the capital of France takes place one of the most beautiful cities in the world – Orleans.

Many years ago it was founded be the Romans (they named it Genabum). Orleans was the evident of numerous historical events, but the greatest time for the city became the 15th century. In 1429 Joan of Arc made Orleans independent from the English and the city started its new life. A lot of places of interest that you can visit nowadays are closely connected to that event.

For instance, in the St Croix Cathedral they keep the pedestal, devoted to Joan. It's placed on the marvellous altar with some carved images that tell us about her deeds. To learn more about Joan's life, you can have a look at the colourful glass windows of the 19th century.

When travelling with children, it'll be a good idea to visit the Maison de Jeanne d'Arc and they are having fun, you'll get a splendid opportunity to get to know more about the fortune of this great woman.

If you like shopping, you are likely to fall in love with Orleans. There is a large pedestrian zone, filled with small shop stores and huge shopping centres. It is situated on the territory between the Place de Gaulle and the Cathedral. At that place you can also find a great number of cosy cafes and snug restaurants with delicious food and friendly servants. Most of them have open-aired terraces with wonderful views on the city.