About Orléans
Orléans is the capital of the Centre Val De Loire region of France on the River Loire and lies 120 kms south west of Paris. The city was conquered by Julius Caesar in 52BC. During the 10th and 11th centuries, it was the most important city in France. The city was besieged for seven months by the English during the Hundred Years war and Joan of Arc delivered the victory which is celebrated every year. In the present day, the industry consists of pharmaceuticals, electronics although services are now dominant. It has a university which was founded in 1306 and a modern road and tram system running throughout the city. The architecture in the historic part of the city is half timbered houses whilst the centre is stone with covered walkways along the shopping streets.
Getting to Orléans
The city does not have its own airport, but most visitors arrive from Paris, either Charles De Gaulle or Orly. The train from Gare D, Austerlitz in Paris to Orléans takes about one hour 15 minutes. Autoroutes also pass close by the city.
I arrived on a very wet afternoon after driving up from the South. The hotel, Ibis Styles Orléans (7 Rue Aquitaine, 45380 La Chapelle Saint Mesmin), was just off the A71 but very convenient for the tram (Line B) as the Georges Pompidou stop was only a 5-minute walk away. The tram ride took 15 minutes to the city centre and the fare was 1.60€.
I did not get to the Tourist Information Office (2, Place de l'Étape 45056) and just went for a wander around the centre and historic area. The tram stop was at Place du General De Gaulle and the cathedral was prominent at the end of Rue Jeanne D,Arc.
The Sainte-Croix Cathedral was begun in the 13th century and largely destroyed in 1568. Henry IV, king of France gave funds for its reconstruction, and it was rebuilt in Gothic style. It is about the same size as Notre-Dame in Paris.
Thinking of relocation?
Funding your move
Most of my followers know that I have left Glasgow a few years ago to relocate to the South of France. If you are thinking of funding your big move with renting out your UK property, just use OpenRent website - it connects private landlords with potential renters directly over the Internet. Easy to use and simple service.
Buying cheap property in France
French Riviera can get very pricy as you go East toward Monaco and Italy. Western boarders with Spain can work out a lot cheaper. I used Green-Acres property aggregator to search for apartments and houses. You can choose desired areas from the map in-line with your budget.
Formalities
Formalities and bureaucracy in France is a separate topic that I will cover in a series of articles about moving to France - stay tuned!
Sainte-Croix Cathedral
Walking back up the street, I headed for Place du Martroi. Here is the market and statue of Joan of Arc. The outdoor market was not huge but there were a good number of local producers who had stalls, as well as a used vinyl record trader, which is always good.
Place du Matroi
There are several restaurants and bars around the square and Le Brin de Zinc (62 Rue Sainte-Catherine) was just off the Place down a pedestrian street of half-timbered houses. The Bistrot is decorated with old signs and bric a brac giving it a museum feel. The staff are friendly and the food reasonably priced (Plat de Jour 9€). There is a good selection of wines and beers.
I crossed the main street and headed down through the old town towards the Quai de Chatelet and the Loire, where they are a good selection of bars. If the weather had been better, it would have been a good walk along the tree lined promenade beside the river.
Two bars that would be worth visiting (especially in the summer, with good weather) would be L Inexplosible and La Sardine. Both are on the banks of the river and perfect for an evening out. For something a little different, try the Délirium Café ( 5 Place de la Loire) with a wide variety of beers and a student type atmosphere. (Think Mono in Glasgow).
Heading back up for the tram, I passed the Maison de Jeanne D,Arc (3 Place de Gaulle). This house is a reproduction of the house where she stayed during the siege of Orléans. It is now a museum with multimedia displays.
Orléans is a great historic city to visit and I will be back when I have more time and probably in the summer months. I look forward to seeing more of the Old Town and the area along the riverside.
