Orleans

Orléans, the county town of the Loiret department on the banks of the Loire, is best explored through its historic centre. Sainte-Croix Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, is the city's must-see landmark: well worth visiting by day, though it's especially striking after dark when floodlit. Nearby, the Renaissance-era Hôtel Groslot, once the town hall, and the Joan of Arc House, dedicated to the story of the Maid of Orléans who liberated the city in 1429, round off a walk through the old town. Art lovers can continue to the Museum of Fine Arts, home to collections spanning the Renaissance to contemporary art. For some fresh air away from the historic buildings, Charlemagne Island, a large natural park along the Loire, offers lakes and footpaths ideal for a stroll. On the food side, Pizzeria Petite Saison, known for its wood-fired pizzas, is a well-regarded local address. A dedicated city app also offers themed walking routes, making it easy to plan a visit around medieval and Renaissance heritage as well as the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site.