About this experience
Orleans, just an hour away from Paris, is still imbued with the medieval spirit of Joan of Arc. Starting from the train station, renting bicycles, we will embark on a small journey through the city and its surroundings towards gentle landscapes and fresh winds. We will have hot chocolate on the central square and remember how the 'Proust effect' is connected to the local famous 'Madeleine' cookies, on our way to a pastoral village we will talk about life on the Loire for the farmers, and we will breathe in the pure and sweet air of the Orleans suburbs over and over again.
What to expect
Historical places of Orleans
Our acquaintance with the city will begin with the Orleans Cathedral, stunning with its Gothic power. Among its relics, according to tradition, is still a part of Christ's cross, found by Saint Helena in Jerusalem. I will tell you about the history of the cathedral and how Joan of Arc defended France. We will admire and photograph the art deco buildings and, passing through the market, we will head towards the banks of the Loire on cobblestone pavement. Along the way, I will recommend several museums that are worth visiting in Orleans on the way back, once you have fully enjoyed the natural views.
Loire Surroundings
Not hiding cameras far away, we will drive to the village of Comble, 7 kilometers from Orleans, where Viking ships are still moored. The road there runs along a picturesque embankment: water surface, sky, birds, fresh air, wild nature, and the smiling faces of Loire inhabitants will accompany you on your way. We will make several stops at the support towers of the Orleans canal, where you will photograph landscapes filled with the unique, characteristic blue of these places. Arriving in Comble, we will have lunch in a cozy restaurant overlooking the Loire. Here I often drink my morning coffee, and this panorama fills me with inspiration for the whole day. I am sure you will experience the same feeling.
Castles
Among the well-known castles of the Loire Valley, in the surroundings of Orleans, there are many cozy quiet castles: Château de Meung-sur-Loire, Château de Sully-sur-Loire, Château de Sancerre, the functioning Fleury Abbey, Château de Talcy. After lunch, we will head to one of the castles of your choice. For example, to Château de Meung-sur-Loire, one of the oldest and largest castles in the Loire Valley. For centuries, the Archbishops of Orleans lived here, it served as a prison during the Hundred Years' War, and even today, at a depth of 8 meters underground, descriptions of tortures can still be read. But the most interesting places of the castle are the magnificent Archbishop's bath, where it is rumored he often entertained his guests, and the castle kitchen, where even after a hearty meal, the appetite rekindles. After visiting Meung-sur-Loire, we will go for desserts to a bakery, where we will taste delightful pastries.
On the way back, we can stop by a family winery and taste the delicious local wines.
Organizational details
- Full-day excursion
- Optionally, for an additional fee, you can extend the tour and visit the botanical gardens of Orleans, taste wines from the Loire Valley, try delicious hamburgers made from organically clean products from the Solon region south of Orleans, or (only on Fridays and Saturdays) visit the Orleans farmers market
