Loiret Holiday Guide

Loiret Holiday Guide

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Classical landscapes and richly historical

The Loiret department is perfect for true Francophiles. Classical landscapes of green, undulating meadows, winding waterways and glimpses of fabulous chateaux are the norm here, and make a relaxing backdrop for any holiday. The department is richly historical too, with a wealth of heritage towns and monuments to discover, while it is also close enough to all the attractions of Paris to allow excursions to the great capital.

Top 5 things to see and do in Loiret

1. Tour the chateaux

Loiret is the very heartland of chateaux country, and it is easy to spend many a pleasant day viewing the best of these magnificent castles from both inside and outside! Each has its own special charm so take your pick from such beauties as Château de la Bussière (The Fisherman's Castle, a watery wonderworld), Château de la Ferté St Aubin (great for horse lovers) or perhaps the Château de Chamerolles, complete with a perfume museum.

2. Parc Floral de la Source

This is a truly splendid place to visit, with 35 glorious hectares of landscaped, themed gardens, children's attractions and a yearly rose exhibition.

3. The Briare Aqueduct

It's worth a trip to see the engineering spectacle that is the Briare Aqueduct, carrying the canal of Latéralé la Loire high above the waters of the River Loire. Then, when you have viewed it from the land, take a canal boat ride and get a different perspective from the water!

4. Trace a fascinating religious heritage

The Loiret offers opportunities to trace the department's fascinating religious heritage with visits to the magnificent Fleury Abbey and the Clèry St André Basilica.

5. Play golf

The Loiret is a perfect destination for golfers, who can purchase a pass that allows access to no less than seven superb courses. The climate, landscapes and surroundings are just idyllic, and the chance to relax afterwards with a glass of excellent local wine and a delicious gourmet meal just make the idea even more enticing!

Top 5 towns and cities in Loiret

1. Orléans

Orléans is the capital city of the Loiret. The City of the Maid, Orléans is famous for its connections with Joan of Arc, and this is evident throughout the city. It isn't a particularly large city, but it has a wealth of heritage to see, and is also a lively and enjoyable place to stay, with good shopping, great restaurants, cultural venues and entertainment.

Among the best sights are the Sante Croix Cathedral, whose beautiful stained glass windows celebrate the life of Saint Joan; La Maison Jeanne d'Arc, where the Maid of Orléans once stayed and which is now a museum dedicated to her; and the Place du Martroi, where an equestrian statue of Joan can be seen.

Orléans is great for a city break, as in spite of the city's small size, it packs in plenty to do and enjoy, as well as being well located for getting out and about to access the other attractions of the Loiret.

2. Meung sur Loire

Meung sur Loire is an intriguing mediaeval town which sits in a picturesque location on the River Mauves. The town is full of charm and character, with an old chateau, a pretty collegiate church and parts of the original fortifications still in existence.

3. Beaugency

Beaugency is another historic town which offers enough interesting sights to be well worth a visit. The town lies along the right bank of the River Loire, and it is on this river that you can see a stunning bridge with 26 unique arches, which dates back to the 14th century. Further sights include the Château de Dunois, a Renaissance church, a Romanesque abbey church, a clock tower and many other period buildings and features. The town also offers very interesting museums in the form of the Hall of Honour and the Daniel Vannier Museum.

4. Yèvre le Châtel

It is always worth taking time to visit a village that is listed as one of the most beautiful in France, and Yèvre le Châtel is no exception to this rule. The fortified village has several mediaeval features, including a small castle, ramparts and attractive old houses and streets, while its charms are further enhanced by the proliferation of flower gardens and floral displays in the streets.

5. Montargis

Often compared to Venice due to the network of canals that characterise this town, Montargis is a romantic place to stay, or at the very least, to visit. There are some good museums to see, delightful walks to enjoy, and a chance to sample the delicious pralines that are the speciality of Montargis.

Food and drink in Loiret

The Loiret is a great department for food and drink, being set in the Loire valley winelands and having a rich agriculture that produces superb fresh produce. Specialities include the precious golden saffron, used to flavour and colour both savoury sauces and desserts, delicious sweet pralines, sheep's cheeses and honey.

How to get to Loiret

The airports and TGV stations of Paris and Tours are easy to access from the UK, and should you choose the Paris option, you will be able to access a bus service that will take you to Orléans.

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