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Orléans
Between the cereal plains of the Beauce and the lakes of Sologne, the city of Orléans sits proudly on the banks of the Loire. Site of several notable events in history, Orléáns is one of the oldest cities in France. Discover the Joan of Arc City and the banks of the Loire, its alleyways, statues, cathedral, squares, its historic centre, its wooden houses, its monuments, and its parks. Charm from its neighbouring countryside, full of its prestigious historical past, Orléans is both a pleasant and enriching destination.
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Orleans.
Novotel Orléans La Source
261
Orléans has 261 hectares of green spaces, including 16 parks and gardens, some in the city centre. An impressive heritage of greenery!
1020
The Loire, that houses Orléans on its right bank, is a 1020 km river. It is the longest river in France. It starts in Ardèche, and goes to Mont Gerbier de Jonc.
114
The central spire of the Saint Croix Cathedral is 114 metres high. A Celtic cross sits on its summit.
Museums & Exhibitions
Joan of Arc House
Museum dedicated to the busy life of “The Maid”, this house where Joan of Arc lived when she came to liberate the city in 1429 offers an enjoyable approach to the history of France: models and reproductions of all sorts, temporary exhibitions, mini-sound and light show to reveal what was the seat of Orléans, armour and coat of mail, activities for children (stories). History to be discovered…
3, Place de Gaulle, Orléans – Tel. : (+33) 2 38 52 99 89
Every day except Monday, from 2 May to 31 October from 10.00 to 12.30 and from 1.30 to 6.30 pm, from 2 November to 30 April from 1.30 to 6.00 pm.
Natural Science Museum
On three levels, this museum has interesting and enjoyable collections: the world of invertebrates with a vivarium and aquariums, mammals and their skeletons, huge planetary changes, solognat nature with a slide show, plant species with two greenhouses, temporary exhibitions… everything to captivate the whole family!
6, Rue Marcel Proust, Orléans – Tel. : (+33) 2 38 54 61 05
Every day except bank holidays from 2.00 to 6.00 pm.
Ferté Saint-Aubin Castle
25 minutes from Orléans, this XVIth century castle has 15 furnished rooms to be discovered, including the children’s classroom as well as an animal park, an attic of old toys, a games park for children, a reconstructed station from the 30s and stables classed as historical monuments where brushes and ribbons are available to children every Sunday for an affective approach to ponies! An out of the ordinary visit to discover “castle life”!
Route Nationale 20 - 45240 La Ferté Saint-Aubin – Tel : (+33) 2 38 76 52 72
Every day from 15 February to 15 November from 10.00 to 7.00 pm.
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens
La Source Flower Park
This 35 hectare park has several themes: the extraordinary vegetable garden with its vegetable plants and its orchard, the big aviary, animal enclosures and wild Loiret birds, the butterfly conservatory and its world species, the 101 tree circuit. Several activities are organised, as well as film shows and themed exhibitions. A place of relaxation and discovery that will appeal to the whole family!
Orléans – Tel. : (+33) 2.38.49.30.00
Every day from 20 March to 30 September from 10.00 to 7.00 pm, call for times for the rest of the year.
Le Domaine de Ciran
On offer: discovery of wild fauna and Sologne countryside. This 300 hectare complex was arranged as an environmental educational place and offers the discovery of the secrets of nature: an open-air aviary, an ornithological marsh, a deer park, a farmyard, a country profession museum, a farm… and a games area to stretch the legs.
Menestreau en Villette – Tel. : (+33) 0 38 76 90 93
Every day except Tuesday from 10.00 to 12.00 and from 2.00 to 5.00 pm.
Le Parc Pasteur d’Orléans
Ideal for a family walk, this park has a lot of charm. Children will like the two fairground attractions, the games areas and the puppet show; parents will like the amazing tree collection, the mosaiculture flowerbeds or even the numerous fountains.
Rue Eugène Vignat, Orléans – Tel. : (+33) 2 38 79 22 22
Every day from 7.30 am to 8.00 pm in Summer and from 8.00 to 5.30 pm in winter.
Kids’voyage’s special treats
Sainte Croix Cathedral
Inescapable emblem of the city of Orléans, the Cathedral is visible from the Loire. This imposing building appears to be made of lace! It is guarded day and night by disturbing gargoyles and houses 8 angels at the top of its 2 towers where you can admire the city with its streets, gardens, monuments…Inside, the majesty of the place as well as the beauty of the windows that depict the life of Joan of Arc will impress young and old. Not to be missed!
Place Sainte Croix, Orléans – Tel. : (+33) 2 38 77 87 50
Everyday from 9.15 to 12.00 and from 2.15 to 5.00 pm.
Récréatif Café
An area with manual activities for families, this place offers everyone the chance to make their own mosaic, ceramic, sculpture, picture… whilst eating a fresh fruit juice and a house speciality. Young and old will share a moment of creativity and closeness! An original place that even sometimes has cooking workshops.
32, Rue de Colombier, Orléans – Tel. : (+33) 2 38 68 28 40
From Tuesday to Sunday from 2.00 to 6.00 pm, every day during school holidays.
Base de Loisirs de l’Ile Charlemagne
Ideal for a family walk and be tempted by one of the numerous sport activities on offer: cycling, windsurfing, kites, kayaking, table tennis, sailing…This leisure area has various lakes, a pony club as well as one of the largest games areas for children from 4 to 11. Lounge about, relax… or spend, all desires will be met!
Orléans – Tel. : (+33) 2 38 51 92 04
Everyday from 8.30 to 12.00 and from 2.00 to 5.00 pm.
Good places for a family meal
La Cigogne
This Alsace speciality restaurant offers copious sauerkraut, flambé tarts and salads. A pleasant environment, quick service and a children’s menu.. it has everything!
1, Rue de Gourville, Orléans – Tel. : (+33) 2 38 62 51 42
Everyday from 12.00 to 3.00 and from 7.00 to midnight.
La Chocolaterie Royale
This chocolate restaurant roasts its own cocoa and offers top quality chocolate. The pleasure of taking a break in a tearoom and eating nice cakes.
53, Rue Royale, Orléans – Tel. : (+33) 2 38 53 93 43
Monday from 2.00 to 7.00 pm, Tuesday to Saturday from 11.00 to 7.00 pm.
Le Gaulois
This rustic restaurant offers boar, XXL kebabs, piglet…All in the style of yesteryear: you can use your fingers unashamedly! There is a special children’s menu.
137, Rue Bourgogne, Orléans – Tel. : (+33) 2 38 68 15 63
From Monday to Saturday from 12.00 to 2.30 and from 7.00 to midnight.
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels in Orleans wish you an excellent stay.