Jargeau / Orléans

The dramatic skyline of the city of Orléans can be seen from afar, shifting with the meanders in the Loire as you draw closer. The outdoor sports and recreation centre of the Ile Charlemagne offers a green lung in the city, a place to relax before exploring this intense town. The route is easy, mainly on greenways.

Route

Note the slightly tricky little stretch of cobbled track on Jargeau’s quays. At L’Ile Charlemagne, lovely greenways take you through the outdoor sports and recreation centre. At Orléans, there’s a cycle lane that crosses Thinat Bridge and lovely new cycle tracks beside the Loire. The link to and from Orléans train station is well signposted. 

Don’t miss

Sandillon: a pretty historic village, plus the nature reserve of l’île aux Oiseaux
Orléans: for its remarkably restored historic centre, served by new tramway; Place du Martroi square, with its statue of Joan of Arc (famed liberator of the city from an English siege in 1429); Ste-Croix Cathedral; streets lined with timberframe houses, like very lively Rue de Bourgogne; high-quality museums, plus the historic Hôtel Groslot wedding hall; the outdoor sports and recreation centre on Charlemagne Island. All the facilities and shops of a big city.

Markets

• Orléans : every days : halles du Châtelet, Thursday afternoon Place Dunois, Saturday morning quai du Roy