Orléans, Centre, France

Place du Châtelet in Orléans, France
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Orl%C3%A9ans_place_du_Ch%C3%A2telet_1.jpg
Author: Croquant


Orléans is the capital of the district of Loiret, in the region of Centre, France. The city is 130 km (81 mi) to the southwest of Paris. It covers 27.48 sq km (10.61 sq mi) and has a population of 154,000 people (2012 estimate).

The River Loire flows through Orléans from east to west, and cross by five bridges within the town limits. Orléans dates back to the Celtic period when it was known as Cenabum, one of the principal towns of the Carnutes tribe. It was captured by the Romans in 52 BC.

Being on the closest point on the River Loire to Paris, Orléans benefited from its strategic location, and grew to become one of the richest cities in medieval France. During the Hundred Years' War, it was the site of fierce fighting in 1429, during which Joan of Arc entered to liberate the city.

Orléans gave its name to the city of New Orleans in the United States. The city was originally called la Nouvelle-Orléans, in honor of King Louis XV's regent, the duke of Orléans.

Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cath%C3%A9drale_Sainte-Croix_d%27Orl%C3%A9ans,_vue_de_la_tour_St_Paul.jpg
Author: Mazzhe


Orléans was occupied by Nazi forces during the Second World War. It was severely bombed by American forces in the days leading up to its eventual liberation. After the war, it was one of the first cities in France to be rebuilt. Today Orléans is a modern city, though a shadow of its former self, as its population is today just 60% the number at the beginning of the Second World War.

How to go to Orléans

From Paris, take the A10 (E5) expressway heading southwest until you reach Orléans. There are also many trains between Paris and Orléans, arriving at the railway station near Place Jean d'Arc. The journey takes an hour and 25 minutes.

Places of Interest in Orléans

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