Orléans: 3 Days of French Fun on a Budget

Discover French charm and history on a budget-friendly trip to Orléans.

21 June 2023

Orléans, France is a charming city with a rich history that can be explored even on a limited budget. Visitors can wander through its picturesque streets, visit its many museums and churches, and enjoy its local cuisine and wine. Accommodations can be found at budget-friendly hotels or even through couchsurfing, allowing for a memorable yet affordable trip to Orléans.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Orléans on Foot

  • Start the day with breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, a bakery known for its organic bread and pastries
  • Walk along Rue Royale and admire the architecture of the 18th and 19th century buildings
  • Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses a collection of works by French and European artists
  • Take a break at Place du Martroi, a bustling square with a statue of Joan of Arc in the center
  • Enjoy dinner at La Péniche, a restaurant on a barge floating on the Loire River
  • Stay at Hotel d'Orléans, a budget-friendly hotel located in the city center.
Day 2

Château de Chambord and Wine Tasting

  • Take a day trip to Château de Chambord, a stunning Renaissance castle located about an hour from Orléans
  • Explore the castle's gardens and admire its architecture, which is a combination of French, Italian, and Gothic styles
  • Go on a wine tasting tour in Sancerre, a nearby town known for its white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes
  • Have dinner at L'Adresse, a cozy restaurant known for its French cuisine with a modern twist
Day 3

Discovering the Loire Valley by Bike

  • Rent a bike and cycle along the Loire River, which is lined with charming villages and vineyards
  • Stop at Château de Meung-sur-Loire, a medieval castle that was once home to French kings
  • Visit the Parc Floral de la Source, a botanical garden with over 950 species of plants and flowers
  • Enjoy lunch at Le Bistrot de la Halle, a restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and delicious French cuisine
  • End the day with a stroll along the Loire River and watch the sunset over the water.
  • Stay at Adagio Access Orléans, a budget-friendly hotel with fully-equipped kitchens and a fitness center.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Orléans by plane is to fly to Paris and then take a train to Orléans. The nearest major airport to Orléans is Paris Orly Airport (ORY), which is located approximately 120 km away. From Orly, you can take a train from Paris Austerlitz station to Orléans station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.

Car

The best way to get to Orléans by car is to drive from Paris. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic. There are several car rental companies located at Paris Orly Airport if you need to rent a car.

Train

The best way to get to Orléans by train is to take the high-speed train (TGV) from Paris. You can take the TGV from Paris Montparnasse station to Orléans station, which takes approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, you can take a regional train from Paris Austerlitz station to Orléans station, which takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Boat

There is no direct way to get to Orléans by boat, as the city is not located near any major waterways. However, you can take a boat tour on the Loire River from nearby cities such as Tours or Blois, which are both located approximately 1 hour away by car or train.

Bus

The best way to get to Orléans by bus is to take a FlixBus from Paris. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and there are several departures per day from Paris Bercy station.

Destination

Orléans

Welcome to the city known for its picturesque canals, charming architecture, and notoriously difficult-to-pronounce name (good luck with Orléans!). Prepare to fall in love with this quaint and quirky destination.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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