Loiret

A historic region at the eastern end of the Loire Valley, connecting Orleans, the city of Joan of Arc, with riverside castles and ancient abbeys.

Loiret is located in north-central France, with the Loire River flowing from east to west, and its capital, Orléans, is famous for Joan of Arc. Within the city, you'll find the Sainte-Croix Cathedral, the House of Joan of Arc, Place du Martroi, and the Fine Arts Museum, with riverside quays perfect for a stroll. Along the river, you can visit the Château de Sully-sur-Loire, the historic town of Beaugency, the Abbey of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire, and the Oratory of Germigny-des-Prés, which preserves Carolingian mosaics; the Briare Aqueduct is an engineering marvel. Spring to early autumn is the best time to visit, and the Parc Floral de la Source blooms beautifully in spring and summer. Orléans is about an hour by train from Paris.

Destinations

• Orléans

Itineraries

• Loire à Vélo: Orléans to Nantes – Cycle from east to west along the Loire à Vélo trail, passing through the châteaux region and vineyards to Nantes.