The northernmost city on the Loire, Orleans is located 74 miles SW of Paris (a 1-1/4 hour train ride from Gare d'Austerlitz) and 45 miles SE of Chartres, between Beauce and Gatinais, the Forest of Orleans and the Lakes of Sologne. The city was liberated from attacks by the Burgundians and the English in 1429 by Joan of Arc, who remains a presence in Orleans. Her victory is celebrated each year on May 8th and a statue of Joan on horseback stands on place du Martroi. The historic center of Orleans was largely destroyed during World War II and much renovation has been done.
Tourist Office 6, rue Albert 1er 45000 Orleans Phone: 33 2 38 24 05 05 Fax: 33 2 38 54 49 84