Orléans

Orléans is a city and commune in north-central France. It serves as the prefecture of the Loiret department and the regional capital of Centre-Val de Loire. The city lies on the Loire River at the confluence with the Loiret, about 130 kilometers southwest of Paris. The commune has around 110,000 residents and is the core of the surrounding intercommunal area, Orléans Métropole.

Historically, Orléans traces its origins to the Roman settlement of Aurelianum. During the Middle Ages it developed as a major administrative and commercial center on the Loire. It is best known for the lifting of the siege of Orléans in 1429, when Joan of Arc and Charles VII’s forces broke the English siege, a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.

Prominent sights include Sainte-Croix Cathedral, a late-Gothic church, and the historic center with many half-timbered houses. The Place du Martroi marks the city’s central square and features a statue of Joan of Arc. The city houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Orléans, as well as parks such as Parc Floral de la Source and the Jardin des Plantes. These sites reflect a blend of medieval heritage and 17th–19th century urban development.

In the modern era, Orléans is an administrative and educational hub with a regional university and various cultural institutions. Its economy emphasizes public services, education, commerce, and regional administration. The city is well connected by rail and road to Paris and other major centers, reinforcing its role as a regional center in the Loire Valley.