All our hotels in Orléans

Such was Joan's pulling power that she is beloved across France as a national heroine to this day. In Orléans her legacy is celebrated at the annual Joan of Arc Festivalin late spring, which features a medieval market, parades and al fresco parties – and Accor has some of the best places to stay in Orléans if you fancy joining in the festivities.
However, it would be a mistake to assume that tourism in Orléans is all focused on Joan of Arc. As the capital city of the Centre-Val de Loire region, today it's also a popular tourist town and a gateway to tours of the famed Loire wine region and glorious château visits – and whether you're visiting for a family weekend or couples break in Orléans, Accor has a portfolio of Orléans hotels that are just right for you.

Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans is one of the main Orléans attractions, and it's a good idea to start any Orléans sightseeing trip right there. It has an exterior of unrivalled Gothic beauty, complete with rose windows, arched colonnades and spires. Inside all is vaulted ceilings, with delicately carved woodwork in the choir and stained-glass windows recounting the famous tale of Joan of Arc, who attended mass here in 1429.
A step or two away from the cathedral is the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans, which offers an engaging romp through European art down the centuries – highlights include works by Géricault and portraits by Van Dyck. From there, you can dive off into the historic centre of Orléans for a look at the majestic mansions along rue de la Bretonnerie. Or, if you'd rather your art was served up with a contemporary twist, we suggest you pop in to the FRAC Centre, itself a medley of futuristic architecture with a shiny metal carapace, to see the exceptional installations on display.
You can't visit Orléans without paying your compliments at the vast equestrian bronze of Joan of Arc on Place du Martroi, the city's modern heart and home of the Orléans tourist information centre. From there it's a short walk to the Maison de Jeanne d'Arc, a photogenic half-timbered townhouse with multimedia displays about the life of Orléans' favourite daughter. While you're on your Joan odyssey, cross the Loire over Pont George V bridge to Quai du Fort des Tourelles, where a simple cross marks the spot where the English surrendered.
Time for a breather? Follow the south bank of the Loire for a beach stroll or a kayaking adventure at the Île Charlemagne. Alternatively, head to suburban Parc Floral de la Source for a peaceful ramble around formal riverside gardens and a peek into the butterfly houses.

A day or two dedicated to the Loire Valley châteaux is a must when you visit Orléans, France. Stately monuments to historic and luxurious excess, some of the most famous of these ornate mansions include the truly enormous, turreted and towered Château de Chambord in Blois (50 minutes' drive), and the equally splendid 16th-century Château de Chenonceau (90 minutes' drive), whose Renaissance-style arches elegantly span the River Cher. Château Royal d'Amboise (75 minutes' drive) was a former residence of French kings and also where Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years.
With a wine-producing heritage dating back to Roman times, wine tourism is another big draw to Orléans today. There are any number of driving routes following a meandering 800 kilometres through the main wine-growing terroirs and their vineyards. And if you've got a few days to spare, why not take a Loire bike tour along the Loire à Véloroute, which takes in a mix of the imposing châteaux as well as the Montlouis-sur-Loire and Chinon vineyards for tastings and cellar tours.

Life in the city continues apace after nightfall; if you're on a cultural visit to Orléans, book tickets for symphony concerts and modern-dance performances at the modernist Théâtre d'Orléans. The rue de Bourgogne nearby is where you'll find a lot of the after-dark action, and if you fancy a late-night drink most Orléans bars serve the fruity white Muscadets, Vouvrays and Sancerres that make the Loire Valley region famous, as well as sparkling Crémant de Loire.
Wondering what to eat in Orléans? Visit the Friday evening market on Place du Martroi to sample local delicacies like goat's cheese – try robust Crottin de Chavignol tucked into a fouace saffron-flavoured pitta for a street-snack on the hoof. More formal dining opportunities offer up Michelin-starred haute cuisine, and there's a plethora of cosy bistros serving fish from the Loire as well as hearty pork rillettes pâté, truffiat (pastry filled with potato and cheese) and tempting tarte Tatin made with apples from Loire Valley orchards.

Fancy a weekend Orléans spa break? Book our Accor hotel with a wellness centre, golf course and rural views, or if you're travelling with family, we have a 4-star Orléans hotel with a swimming pool and Italian specialities in the restaurant. If you're keeping to a budget, there are several well-priced accommodation options in the suburbs with snacks and hot drinks on offer 24/7, as well as Orléans hotels near transport hubs if you're visiting for work – we can arrange events in our meeting rooms and Orléans coworking space too. The Aparthotel Adagio access Orléans has apartments with kitchenettes for longer family stays in Orléans.

Rail travellers from across northern Europe can connect with Orléans via Eurostar services into Paris Gare du Nord. In fact – although we recommend a longer stay in the city – it is possible to take a side trip to Orléans from Paris for the day, as regular SNCF rail services make the journey from Paris Austerlitz in around an hour and 10 minutes. It's also an easy two-hour drive on the tolled A10 autoroute, ideal if you're spending a romantic weekend at one of our hotels in Orléans.
The closest international airport is Paris-Orly, 90 minutes away by car. Once in the city, trams are the best way to get around, although the historic centre is compact enough to explore on foot.