Tuesday 12th December 2017
Today the sun had made an appearance and although it was still incredibly cold, we didn’t want to waste a day, so Orléans was our planned destination. Neither of us had ever visited the city before and it always seems pity not to make the most of what is on your doorstep. So we set off for a taster visit to Orléans.
I searched out a park and ride and we headed off using the sat nav as our guide. The journey from our campsite followed the River Loire towards the city and we passed through some very typical French provincial villages. (Germigny-des-Prés, Châteauneuf-sur-Loire, etc.)
The landscape to the city was incredibly flat and either heavily wooded or farmland for growing crops.
We finally reached our park and ride but unfortunately due to the top box on the roof of the car, we were unable to make use of the facility. This was even despite a helpful Frenchman in the car behind us lifting the height restriction barrier to allow our car to enter the car park, much to the disapproval of the lady in the car park kiosk, who insisted he shouldn’t do it and we couldn’t come in!
We thanked him for his kind gesture and reversed back onto the road and promptly found a spot to park for nothing 🙂
Our journey into the centre of the city was via the Orléans tramway. We were on the east – west Line B. In fact we were on the first stop Georges Pompidou, the further station west.
The 11 km Line B serves 25 stations and passes through the centre of the city to its destination at Clos dy Hameau, St Jean De Braye.
As we knew we were only going to be in the city for a short while we purchased a two trip ticket for €3 each, although there were different ticket combinations on offer.
The trams run every 7/8 minutes during the week and we didn’t have to wait long for the next one, which swiftly took us to our destination Cathédrale, a couple of stops after the crossing of Lines A and B at Place De Gaulle.
First stop Cathédrale Ste-Croix which was not hard to miss, as it dominated the area with its double towers and immense size. We decided to pop inside and take a look.
Despite being actually colder inside than out, which was saying something, the interior was truly spectacular. A huge vaulted ceiling, an array of beautiful stained glass windows in the naves, a grand 17th century organ and of course references to Joan of Arc in many guises.
What was also quite intriguing and fun was a ‘Top Crèche’ competition being held in the cathedral. This year’s theme was Le Climat.
There was an array of festive cribs, all unique but each depicting their references to climate and climate change.
The works of art were all handmade and had been constructed by school children, colleges, and art students, in fact, anyone who wanted to enter.
Having voted, we made our way outside and came face to face with the magnificent Hôtel Groslot. It was truly a magnificent building, built between 1530 and 1550. It had originally been a private mansion but following the Revolution it became the Orléans town hall.
Next we headed away from the pedestrianised zone in the middle of the city towards the old quarter and in the direction of the River Loire.
The streets were often narrow and lined with a melange of buildings. Some beautifully half-timbered, with exquisite brickwork, alongside other more contemporary buildings.
Turning back towards the city centre we made our way to the Place du Martroi, where a huge Ferris wheel dominated the skyline and where the square had been transformed into a Christmas market with stalls selling festive products and produce.
Here were many impressive buildings and side streets with beautifully decorated shops for the discerning shopper.
Here we eventually discovered the large bronze statue of Joan of Arc, upon a horse, although it had become somewhat lost in the middle of the Christmas market; a sorry state of affairs for the heroine of France 😉
A short walk from here took us to the reconstructed house of Joan of Arc which now houses a museum. We only had time to take in the exterior, but we had read that we had experienced the best part.
Feeling rather chilled we decided to call it a day and hopped on the efficient tram Line B back to the car and home to the warmth of the caravan.
Orléans will definitely be a place to revisit. (When the weather is warmer and the days are longer).