Département: Loiret
Orléans, the largest town in the middle Loire valley after Tours, chief town of the département of Loiret and the see of a bishop, with a university founded in 1309, lies in a fertile plain at the most northerly point in the course of the Loire. Its name is inseparably bound up with
that of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans. Orléans is a lively trading town (agricultural products and industry) and a good base for excursions to the Châteaux in the Loire.
From the third century AD the Roman town of Aurelianum (from which the name of Orléans is derived) was a place of some consequence, situated at the junction of important roads. In 451 it was besieged by Attila, but was liberated by the valiant Bishop Aignan (later canonized). In 498 it was captured by the Frankish king Clovis. During the Hundred Years' War, in 1428-1429, it was the last French stronghold, then under siege by the English, but was relieved on May 8, 1429 by a French army led by Joan of Arc. This marked a turning point in French fortunes. A festival in her memory is held annually on May 7 and 8.
The town was badly damaged during the Wars of Religion and during the Second World War, but has since been rebuilt.
Print this page
Add to Favorites
