| With a 2006 populations of 113,000, Orleans is a | | | | central square of Orleans. |
| historic town in the most northerly part of the | | | | But there are also a few other things to see that |
| Loire Valley. Orleans has a rich history, most | | | | are, believe it or not, not related to Joan of Arc, |
| notably perhaps as the place where Joan of Arc | | | | including the Renaissance Hotel Groslot, and the |
| made her name by ending a long siege imposed | | | | Place de la Republique, a marvelous 15th-century |
| by the British, marking the beginning of the end of | | | | structure with a bell tower. Also worth exploring |
| the Hundred Years' War, with the English being | | | | are the museums of Orleans, including the Fine |
| expelled from France finally in 1453. | | | | Arts Museum, the Natural Sciences Museum and |
| The people of Orleans have not forgotten their | | | | the City's Historical and Archaeological Museum. |
| Joan of Arc, as you will immediately notice when | | | | Orleans is also a fine place to dine, with a |
| you visit this town. The Boulevard Rue Jeanne | | | | particularly vast choice of ethnic restaurants on |
| d'Arc is a grand 19th century run to the | | | | the city's Rue De Bourgogne, the main drag which |
| awesome St. Croix Cathedral, where you will find | | | | also is the center of the nightlife scene. |
| a tribute to her in the form of an altar carved | | | | If possible, a good time to visit Orleans would be |
| with scenes from her life and stained glass | | | | the first week in May when the city comes alive |
| windows further expanding on her story. There is | | | | to honor its beloved St. Joan with parades, |
| also a Joan of Arc House and an equestrian | | | | fireworks, and a medieval market. |
| statue of her in several places including the large | | | | |
