Orléans - Place de Martroi

The central feature of Orléans old town is the spacious Place du Martroi. In the sixth century there was a cemetery here, hence the name Martroi (originally Martyretum). The equestrian statue of Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc), with reliefs of scenes from her life on the plinth, is by Foyatier (1855). The buildings on the west and south sides of the square were rebuilt after 1945. To the south lies Rue Royale, dating from 1752-1760, with a number of restored houses in the 19th C style. 17th C houses line Rue d'Escures to the northeast. At the end of this street, to the northwest of the cathedral, stands the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), an attractive brick and stone building, formerly the Hôtel Groslot, where King Francis II died in 1530; the interior is modern, however. In the garden can be seen remains of the 15th C Chapelle St-Jacques.