Orleans - Guide to France - LiveJournal. The city of Orleans - history and modernity (Orléans) Orleans where is this city located

The most beautiful streets that are pleasant to walk at any time of the year are located in Orleans (France). They are especially good in the spring. There is an opinion that the ancient city owes its revival to Marcus Aurelius. The sights of Orleans attract tourists from many parts of the world.

The art museum is one of the largest in France. It houses works of painting and sculpture from the 15th to 20th centuries.

Exhibits of arts and crafts are world famous. The collection of sculptures from the ancient world is of great educational value. Genuine treasures of painting - from engravings to drawings - attract numerous spectators to the museum's halls. The works are presented in more than 2000 copies. These include works by Diego Velazquez and Matteo di Giovanni.

Famous places of worship

Cathedral of the Holy Cross

The most beautiful church in Orleans is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The main treasure of the temple is the organ made by the master Cavaille-Col. The church attracts the attention of tourists with its bells and the Chapel of Joan of Arc. Unusual architectural compositions were used for lighting. The priest, at the request of tourists, demonstrates the figure of an angel installed in the transverse nave. The sacristy attracts attention with its decorative design with plastic miniatures. Tourists are invited to view the heraldic symbols and relics found in the episcopal burial grounds.

The weather in Orleans at the beginning of spring pleases travelers with an abundance of sunny days, and a visit to the temple allows you to see voluminous, exquisite mosaic fragments that have retained their original color in one day.

The Grolot mansion, the main treasure of the city, is intended for social events. Visitors to the museum are offered to plunge into the atmosphere when the King of France, Francis II, was in power.

The northernmost city on the Loire, Orleans is located at the top of a huge river arc formed by a sharp turn of the riverbed to the southwest.

The city was founded as the capital of the Celtic tribe of Carnutes, but in 52 BC. e. completely destroyed by the troops of Caesar and restored only three centuries later by the emperor Aurelian, in whose honor Aurelianum became known. In the 6th century it became an important religious center of the country, and during the reign of Charlemagne it became a major intellectual center. In the 10th-11th centuries, Orleans became the second most important city in the country (after Paris), and the events of the Hundred Years' War forever inscribed its name in the history of France. Its proximity to Paris (only 100 km in a straight line, 130 km along the highway) has always been of utmost importance in the life of the city - all goods and passengers sailing along the Loire were unloaded in Orleans and followed to the capital by land, which turned the city into the largest trading hub . But in the 19th century, the river became shallow, railroads appeared, and the city quickly began to lose its influence. However, soon railways and then automobile routes crossed Orleans again, and perfumery, winemaking, and then mechanical engineering returned the city to its glory. Today it is a large industrial and tourist facility, closely connected in the minds of every person on the planet with the name of Joan of Arc.

Attractions

Monuments to Saint Joan of Arc in Orleans on almost every corner - equestrian statue on Place du Martroi, boulevard rue Jeanne-d "Arc, Saint-Croix Cathedral(XIII-XVIII centuries, here Joan celebrated the victory over the English troops who besieged the city) with a monumental altar in honor of the canonization of d'Arc in 1920, another statue near the old town hall, many works dedicated to the Virgin of Orleans, in Museum of Fine Arts in the old town hall (1513-1519) opposite the Hotel Groslot (open from Thursday to Saturday - from 10.00 to 12.15 and from 13.30 to 17.45, on Sundays - from 14.00 to 18.00, entrance - 3 euros) and so on.

To the east of the cathedral rises the colorful Hotel Cabu complex, which houses a small historical and archaeological museum with a luxurious collection of bronze sculpture of the 2nd-3rd centuries AD. BC, found near Orleans in 1861. At the end of rue Jeanne-d "Arc, on the General-de-Gaulle square, there is the so-called House of Joan of Arc(open from Thursday to Sunday, from May to October - from 10.00 to 12.30 and from 13.30 to 18.00; from November to April - from 13.30 to 18.00; entrance - 2 euros), which is a modern reconstruction of a structure that has not survived to this day. Now there is an excellent museum aimed mainly at children.

Individual fragments Old town can be found in the east, near the river. Rue de Bourgogne was the main thoroughfare of the ancient Gallo-Roman settlement and is now lined with lively restaurants and cafes. Complex Sales des Thezes- all that remains of the medieval University of Orleans, a little to the west you can see a rounded Protestant chapel, almost re-erected in the 1830s on the site of a similar structure of the 14th century. And to the south begin the nice quarters of the old industrial area, which are actively being rebuilt into a tourist center. Here you can see a modern cinema complex with nine screens, wavy paving stones square la Loire, Church of Saint-Aignan(XII century, restored in the 16th century, once one of the largest churches in France) with a well-preserved crypt from the 11th century and a Romanesque Saint-Pierre-le-Poelles(the old university church, nowadays used for concerts and exhibitions).

In the western part of the old city center rises Castle of De Meun www.chateaudemeung.com, which was the residence of the bishops of Orleans from the moment of its construction (XII century) until the French Revolution. This rather gloomy complex with a drawbridge, 13th-century bastions and a powerful underground prison seems to be set off by a beautiful park and an episcopal palace (18th century). Also worth attention Church of Saint-Evert(XII century, rebuilt in the XV-XVII centuries) and Notre-Dame-des-Recouvres(1513-1519), rue de Royal, lined with old mansions (1752-1760), natural history museums And Charles Peguy Center, as well as about a dozen picturesque parks.

Around the city

A little further down the Loire you can see the castle La Ferthe-Saint-Aubin www.chateau-ferte-st-aubin.com (20 km south of Orleans, XVI-XVII centuries), and to the east - the abbey Saint-Benoit(XIII century), castles of the XIV-XVI centuries Sully-sur-Loire And Chateauneuf-sur-Loire, colorful small town Zhien(Gien), Roman aqueduct in the town Briard(Briare), the luxurious castle of Pechur in La Busier, city Sancerre www.sancerre.fr - home of some of the best dry white wines in France, and also the once famous Orleans Forest, these days more like a park, behind which wheat fields stretch all the way to Paris.

From Paris to Orleans you can travel by train from the state-owned SNCF company. From Paris's Gare d'Austerlitz trains depart approximately twice an hour for Orleans. You can arrive at Orléans train station (Gare d’ Orléans or Orléans Centre) or go to the nearest neighboring town of Fleury-les-Aubrais, located just 3 km from Orléans. In both cases, travel time is about 1 hour. There is a regular bus service between Fleury-les-Aubray Station and the center of Orleans.

If you rent a car, you can easily get from the capital to Orléans via the A10 autobahn. Usually the journey takes no more than 1 hour, but it is recommended to avoid rush hours in any case. The N20 national road is generally less congested, but travel times are lengthened by speed limits in the many villages along the way.

Search for air tickets to Paris (the nearest airport to Orleans)

Transport

The most convenient way to get around Orleans is on foot or by bike. The city has an extensive network of tram routes, but, firstly, it connects the city center with the suburbs and is poorly designed for movement between attractions, and secondly, it is currently undergoing global reconstruction.

You can rent a bike at the city's Vélo+ program rental points. There are 28 rental stations in Orleans, open 24 hours a day, and more than 300 bicycles for rent. For 1 EUR per day or 3 EUR per week (with a deposit of 150 EUR), you get the right to rent a bike at any rental station and return the car to the nearest one at the end of the bike ride. The first half hour of rental is free, the second half hour is charged 0.50 EUR, the second hour - 1 EUR. Each additional hour costs 2 EUR.

These expenses can be avoided if you simply return the bike to the rental station within the first half hour (you can immediately take the next car).

Prices on the page are as of August 2018.

Weather in Orleans

Orleans is interesting in any weather.

Night Orleans

Shopping and shopping in Orleans

In addition to a variety of souvenirs depicting Joan of Arc and the sights of Orleans, it is worth purchasing iconic products of local gastronomy here: cotignac - quince jelly in a round spruce box, vinegars of all tastes and shades, Orleans mustard known since the 16th century, sweets and pastries, pear vodka and cheese, saffron, and a special kind of unfiltered beer named after the ubiquitous Jeanne: La Johannique.

In the center of Orleans there are many stores of famous European brands, such as H&M, and a branch of the largest national retailer, Galeries Lafayette. Local shops are members of the city association "Showcases of Orleans" (Les Vitrines d'Orléans).

Cuisine and restaurants of Orleans

In Orleans there are more than 150 restaurants of various gastronomic traditions: from authentic Orleans to French, Mediterranean, Italian, Greek, etc.

The aforementioned pearls of Orléans gastronomy set the tone for the creations of local chefs: Cotignac is an indispensable dessert (or component of desserts) at the end of the meal, salads and appetizers are generously seasoned with vinegars, and pear vodka, along with the usual French wine, will certainly accompany local dishes.

Popular hotels in Orleans

Entertainment and attractions of Orleans

While exploring the sights of Orleans, sometimes you want to exclaim: “Is there anything here without a name..?!” The Maid of Orleans is the local navel of the Earth, to whom a good half of buildings, cathedrals and churches are dedicated, and do not be surprised when her name appears before you in any place that is more or less worthy of attention.

Saint-Croix Cathedral is the architectural dominant of the city center, as in most historical cities of France, made in the Gothic style. The building was founded in the 6th century, but these ancient fragments have not survived to this day. Throughout the Middle Ages, the cathedral was rebuilt, destroyed and restored many times until it acquired its current appearance at the beginning of the 19th century and was dedicated to Joan of Arc.

As part of the annual St. John's festivities from April 29 to May 8, the cathedral serves as the screen for a grandiose light and music show (held after dark, usually on May 7).

The house of Joan of Arc is famous for its half-timbered walls: adobe sections are intersected by wooden diagonal load-bearing beams. The national heroine lived here during the liberation of Orleans. On the ground floor today various art exhibitions replace each other, and the rooms on the second and third floors tell about Jeanne’s life path.

You can delve even more deeply into the life of the warlike maiden at the Center Joan of Arc, an extensive historical archive and scientific institute dedicated to studying her fate in the context of the turbulent events of the French Middle Ages. By leaving a preliminary application, you can gain access to historical documents stored in the center.

In the central city square of Martroi, in addition to the equestrian statue of Joan of Arc, there are many benches conducive to contemplative relaxation under the murmur of fountains.

Hotel Groslot is a fine example of late Gothic, a rare “troubadour” style. In addition to the frivolous turrets, bay windows and slopes, be sure to check out the interior: it is so beautiful that on Saturdays the Groslau Hotel serves as a local wedding palace (and is therefore closed to the public on this day).

The beautiful Renaissance Hotel Cabu houses the Historical and Archaeological Museum of Orleans, and nearby is the Museum of Fine Arts. Entrance is with a single ticket and free on the first Sunday of every month.

If you are tired of walking around the historical center of Orleans, you can go outside the city - 10 km away there is a wonderful botanical park - Parc Floral de la Source. Fed by the waters of the natural Loiret spring, thousands of species of native and tropical plants bloom on 30 hectares of the park. Exotic butterflies flutter in a separate covered pavilion.

The Orléans tourism office conducts interesting thematic guided tours around the city lasting from half an hour to two hours. The average cost is 7-9 EUR.

Finally, fans of historical action are invited to attend the Festival in honor of Joan of Arc, held in Orleans annually in the first week of May. The program includes carnival processions, folklore, musical and theatrical performances, as well as a popular fair for farm products from the Loiret region.

Orléans is a very famous historical province of France until 1790; today, on its territory are located, for example, such departments as Loiret, Loire and Cher, as well as some territory of the departments of Eure and Loire and part of Yonne. In the past, this territory was owned by the Dukes of the Orleans family.

The famous Loire River flows through the province. The Loire Valley is recognized as the birthplace of the French Renaissance. It was in this extremely picturesque and poetic place that the literary French language was born.

The Loire is famous for its numerous castles, most of which were built or reconstructed during the Renaissance. Some castles served as a refuge for royalty in difficult times. It is thanks to the abundance of beautiful architectural and historical monuments that this part of France is on the famous World Heritage List compiled by UNESCO specialists.

Castle of Chateaunure-sur-Loire

Today, this castle, built in the 17th century, houses the Shipping Museum. There is a park around the castle where magnolias and rhododendrons grow.

After the revolutionary destruction of the castle, founded by the first Capetians, today only a few services and a rotunda have survived. In the middle of the 17th century, King Louis XIV sold the castle, and a little later it was acquired by Secretary of State Filipo, who rebuilt the premises to suit his own taste.

Castle of Sully

This majestic castle began to be built in the 12th century. Over the centuries it was completed. Since 1962, the castle has been owned by the Council of the Loiret Department.

Decorated with four towers, the main building is rectangular in shape with a covered parapet and loopholes, the roof is decorated with gables and steep slopes. The castle is located so that its northern part faces the Loire, and the southern part faces the courtyard of the small castle, which was also fortified to protect the castle. In addition, the castle is surrounded on three sides by moats filled with water. There was also an internal ditch, which was filled in in the 18th century.

In the halls on the first floor of the castle you can see six magnificent tapestries. On one of them you can see the story of the goddess Psyche, for whom Cupid himself was inflamed with feelings. It was this story that was once sung by La Fontaine. On the second floor there is a royal bedroom, the total area of ​​which is 100 meters. Furnishings in the style of Louis XIII and tapestries from the 18th century clearly demonstrate the spirit of the time. The richly decorated ceiling recalls that the Duke, the owner of the castle, was also the king's servant and artillery marshal.

The dining room is decorated with mulberry trees, which indicates that Sully was also a great economist - he was worried about the fate of agriculture and industry in this region, the symbol of this particular industry is the mulberry. Another nuance that makes Sully noteworthy is that it was here that the future Bishop of Paris, Maurice de Sully, was born, who came up with the idea of ​​​​building the Notre Dame Cathedral, famous throughout the world.

Castle of La Ferté Saint-Aubin

Only 20 kilometers from Orleans, if you go south, there is a castle built in the 16th-16th centuries. Today it is privately owned, but is open to visits by organized tour groups.

Adults will undoubtedly be interested in visiting the magnificent buildings built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today they house the Museum of Horse Breeding. Children will be delighted by the small farm, where they can pet a little sheep or look at the large garden where gardeners work. In addition, visitors have access to the old kitchen, where old pots and stoves are still preserved, as well as to the old school with chalk, a blackboard and a cap topped with donkey ears. This cap served as a punishment for careless students.

The bravest tourists can go to the house of an evil witch, in whose closet magic brooms are kept. In good weather, you can have a picnic right on the lawn in front of the castle; in cold weather, you can have a snack in a small stylized cafe. Here they serve Madeleine cookies still hot, baked in a real wood-burning oven.

Castle of Notre-Dame de Clery

This castle was erected by Charles VII and Louis XI in honor of the devotion of the province of Orléans to the Royal See in the 15th century. The construction of the castle was completed by Charles VIII. It included an ancient square-shaped bell tower, which miraculously survived the conquest by the British. In the main nave there is the cenotaph of Louis XI, commissioned by Louis XIII. It was built to replace an earlier tombstone destroyed by Huguenot Vandals. The ashes of the king rest in the nearby crypt.

Chamerol Castle

This magnificent castle is located in the forests of Orleans, nearby streams and lakes feed the moats surrounding the walls. The ensemble includes three wings, the walls at the four corners are decorated with towers, in addition, the castle itself is a square fort. The architecture of the castle is characteristic of the era of Louis XII, it is distinguished by two-color brickwork; a gallery leads into the left wing, which is very similar to the similar gallery of the castle of Blois, which also belonged to Lancelot du Lac. The castle is surrounded by Renaissance parks.

Cities of the province

Orleans city

Orleans is the administrative center of the Loiret department itself, in addition, it is the capital of the entire Central region. It is located just 130 kilometers south of Paris on the Loire River. About 120 thousand people live in the city.

Orleans has historically been the main city of the region, dating back to the times when the Celtic tribe of the Carnauts lived here. Then it was called Tsenabum. In 52 BC. for his resistance he was burned by Caesar. It was already restored by Emperor Aurelian, and in the 6th-7th centuries it was the main city of the Frankish state.

The Hun leader Attila tried to capture and plunder Orleans in 451, but was stopped by an army commanded by the Visigoth king Theodoric I and the Roman general Aetius. Alans and Vandals, who settled in these places back in 408, were also part of the allied army. As the Gothic historian Jordan testifies, Rome’s victory in this battle was brought about by the fact that it was the Alans who were in the very center of the battle formations. Today, about a hundred settlements have survived in the province, which remind us of the stay of this people on the land of Orleans.

Once upon a time, Orleans was the second most important pride of France; it was directly subordinate to the king, and was the patrimony of the king’s younger brother or heirs. It later became an important outpost, and a university was opened here in the 14th century.

During the Hundred Years' War, it was Orleans that played the most important role during the military campaign. The commander of the army, Joan of Arc, was able to hold off the seven-month siege of Orleans, in honor of which she received fame that imprinted her name throughout the centuries. Unfortunately, little remains of the fortifications after the war with the British, but you can still immerse yourself in the atmosphere of antiquity by walking through the streets and squares, as well as visiting ancient monasteries and temples.

In the 16th century, at the height of the Wars of Religion, Orleans became one of the centers of distribution of Calvinists. However, after St. Bartholomew's Night in 1572 and the events that followed it, the influence of Catholics increased in the region.

During the Second World War from 1940 to 1944, Orleans was directly under the control of Nazi troops. Orleans suffered from constant bombing; during this period, a huge part of the architectural monuments were destroyed.

Attractions

Gothic Cathedral of Sainte-Croix

The construction of this cathedral began in the 13th century, the facade was built already in the 18th century. The cathedral is the central attraction. Back in 330, a simple church stood on this site, so the location of the cathedral is justified from a historical point of view. The modern cathedral was seriously damaged during the Protestant unrest in 1568. The restoration and reconstruction of the cathedral was carried out at the expense of Henry IV of Navarre, who made serious efforts to restore religious tolerance.

Sainte-Croix Cathedral is the cathedral of the Diocese of Orleans and is built in the Gothic style. Today the cathedral is the property of the state, tourists have opportunities to visit it. In 1862 it was recognized as a piece of history. It is located on the square of the same name, Place Sainte-Croix.

However, tourists are attracted not only by the history and architecture of this cathedral, but also by its interior decoration. Wooden carved choir seats, which were created back in 1706, painted medallions and panels, fragments of early basilicas preserved in the crypt, as well as two sarcophagi, in one of which Bishop Robert de Courtenay (HS) found his rest. All this, including stained glass windows created in 1895, you can see in this cathedral.

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Among other interesting places that will attract your attention is the Renaissance Hotel Cabu, which today houses three interesting museums.

Other sights of Orleans

• Built in 1170 and rebuilt in the 15th and 17th centuries, the Church of Saint-Euvert
• Built in memory of the liberation of the city by Joan of Arc, the Notre-Dame de Recouvrance church (1513-19) was built in the Renaissance style.
• The old town hall in Gothic-Renaissance style, which today houses the Museum of Fine Arts, containing a large collection of French-Italian paintings by famous artists such as Dufy, Picasso and Miró.
• Royal Street (1752-1760).
• Housed in a Renaissance mansion, Cabuts is the Historical Museum with its collection of bronzes and ivory, magnificent tapestries and enamels.
• House of Joan of Arc in Domremy, which today houses a museum. This building was restored about 50 years ago.

Gloro Mansion

Built in 1549-1555, the castle was designed by the architect Andruet Ducerceau. It was erected on the Place de l'Etape in the Renaissance style. This mansion belonged to royal advisor Jacques Groleau. In addition, it was this castle that became iconic for King Francis II. It was in the halls of this castle that this young king died in December 1560.

After Grolot's death, the mansion was inherited by his widow, and then by his heirs - his son and grandson. It was he, Jerome Groleau, who became one of the key figures in the religious wars that took place in Orleans. By royal decree, he was arrested and sentenced to death, but managed to escape, then was caught, but still pardoned. He lived the rest of his life in another family castle - de l'Isle.

The Groleau mansion was later acquired by the city government. At first, the quartermasters of the duchy lived in it, and then the city hall was located here. Especially for her, a complete redevelopment was done in the mansion, and two additional wings were added. In 1840, a monument to Joan of Arc was erected on the square in front of the mansion. In addition, a little later the mansion was restored, its interiors in the neo-Gothic style were restored.

At the moment, the mansion houses a museum; several halls are open in it, including the mayor’s office, the Hall of Honor, the hall in which the Municipal Council held meetings, as well as the wedding hall. Here you can see relics from various eras, and there is an exhibition of paintings and tapestries. All exhibits are directly related to the history of the mansion and the entire city.

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On an area of ​​35 hectares in Orléans-la-Sourse, which is only 6 km from Orléans, there is a park of rare plants and herbs. Its decoration is a butterfly greenhouse. A huge number of different varieties and types of flowers grow here. Children can visit the mini zoo, ride a small train, and adults will enjoy the miniature golf courses.

Orleans, France - one of the oldest cities, which for some time was the second most important in the country, became famous for its victory over the British, led by the famous Joan of Arc. Now the city is a major industrial, wine-making and perfume center in France. It attracts tourists with its rich history and architectural monuments.

History of Orleans

The founders of the city are considered to be the Gaul tribes, who built it as a port on the Loire River and used it as the economic and transport center of France. However, in 52 BC. e. it was destroyed by Roman troops led by Julius Caesar.

The revival of Orleans took place 200 years later, when the emperor came to power, in honor of which he was given the name Aurelianum (1275). This name has been used for 17 centuries, during which, due to phonetic transformations in the language, it began to be read as Orleans (France).

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Aurelianum became the capital of the kingdom, and a few hundred years later - the capital of the duchy, ruled by relatives of the French monarchs.

The geographical location of Orleans was chosen due to its proximity to river trade routes along which ships brought goods from all over the world to France. Then they were transported by land to Paris, located just 100 km from the city.

Over the past centuries, Orleans has been repeatedly subjected to attacks and wars, and in the 6th century. for 38 years it became the religious center of the country due to the church councils (meetings of priests) held here. For some time after the division of the Frankish state, the city became the capital of the Kingdom of Orleans. Since the 10th century. it is considered the second city in France, second in importance only to Paris.

One of the important events took place in the 13th century. - this is the opening of a university, thanks to which the city becomes the scientific center of France.

Orleans in the Middle Ages and until the beginning of the 19th century.

In the 15th century a significant event took place in Orleans that left a mark on the history of France and England; it was here that the 100-year war between these states ended thanks to the troops led by Joan of Arc, who won the victory in this confrontation, after which she received the honorary title “Maid of Orleans” .

Another memorable date in French history, but more tragic - in 1572, St. Bartholomew's Night took place in this city, which became the finale of the religious war between the Huguenots and Catholics. In one night, almost 1 thousand Huguenots died a violent death here.

The city suffered another siege in the 1870s, and was then captured by the Prussian army.

Return of power to the Bourbon dynasty

Beginning of the 19th century The country was marked by great historical cataclysms: after the fall of Napoleon, the Bourbon dynasty returned to power. This process was interrupted when Napoleon, having escaped from the island of Elba, where he was serving his exile, tried to return to power. However, his 100-day reign ended with defeat, which was inflicted on him by the combined armies of England and Prussia at the Battle of Waterloo. After this, Napoleon was exiled to St. Helena.

Beginning in 1814, the stage of the Restoration of the Bourbons and Orleans began in history. First, Louis XVIII came to power, then Charles X, who were younger brothers of the king executed in 1792 during the First French Revolution. This time became a period of secret societies and various conspiracies, in which former adherents of Napoleon and numerous republicans participated.

Louis XVIII was already advanced in years, he left the Civil Code and the administrative structure of the state unchanged, and under him the French Constitution was adopted, modeled on the English one.

Charles X had intentions of promoting the ultra-royalist party to government posts, but since 1827, after the elections, liberals began to take the posts of ministers. In the France of the Bourbons and Orleans (8th grade is studied in history lessons), due to the wrong government policies and the discontent of ordinary citizens, a situation arose that led to another revolution.

Revolution of 1830

July 1830 was marked by a revolution in Paris, during which Charles X was overthrown, and the last French king, Louis Philippe I, Duke of Orleans (held the title since 1800), took his place.

France of the Bourbons and Orleans from the revolution until the end of 1848 adhered to the policy of the reform Charter (1830), the basis of which was religious equality, the reorganization of suffrage and the reduction of the influence of royal power. In connection with this, he received the popular nickname “Citizen King”. The period of his reign was accompanied by instability in the social life of the country, numerous conspiracies of his opponents, republican uprisings and even attempts on his life.

The situation of the poor in Bourbon and Orleans France also did not change from the revolution of 1830: after the economic boom in the early 1840s, a period of recession began, unemployment began to rise, and the impoverishment of workers continued. Beginning in 1846, the country's economy experienced a depression, accompanied by peasant unrest. February 1848 was marked by the erection of barricades on the streets of Paris and popular unrest, thus marking the beginning of the Second Republic. King Louis Philippe fled to England, abdicating the throne.

Rebuilding Orleans after the war

During the Second World War, the city was in the hands of Nazi troops from 1940 to 1944. During its liberation, American aircraft completely bombed the city center, most buildings and architectural monuments were destroyed.

Therefore, in the post-war years, many buildings were rebuilt according to old projects and drawings, maintaining the style, but taking into account modern transport capabilities.

Orleans, France: attractions

Citizens consider Joan of Arc to be one of the symbols of Orleans, who became famous as a warrior and winner in this city, so most of the city’s attractions are dedicated to her.

The main cathedral of Orleans (France) is Sainte-Croix, built in the 14th century. in imitation of Notre Dame in Paris. It was erected on the site of the temple in which Joan of Arc celebrated her victory with the army and townspeople. On the eastern side, the facade of the temple is made in the Gothic style, on the western side - in a completely different, Romanesque style. This happened due to its destruction in 1568 by the rebel Huguenots. During the 16th-19th centuries, the cathedral was reconstructed, which involved completely different architects and builders. The last to be built were the bell towers, from which, thanks to their height of 80 m, a beautiful view of the entire city opens. The cathedral's stained glass windows illustrate the life story of a girl who saved the city from a siege.

In the central square of the city of Martrois there is a monument to the Maid of Orleans (sculptor D. Foitier), and not far from it there is a museum dedicated to her. The monument was erected in 1855 instead of the previous one destroyed during the revolution, cast from outdated English cannons and decorated with bas-reliefs telling about the deeds of Joan.

In Orleans, since 1974, there has been the Joan of Arc Center, which collects all documents that are related to her life.

Orleans Museums

One of the city's attractions, marked with the name of Jeanne d'Arc, is the former house of the Duke of Orleans, where she stayed for several days in 1429. After reconstruction, there is a museum of French history here, which is called the "House of Joan of Arc", telling about the life of the Maid of Orleans from birth in one of the villages of Lorraine to her execution. One of the exhibitions tells about the siege of the city in 1429, and exhibitions dedicated to the Middle Ages are held.

The Historical and Archaeological Museum has been operating since 1823 and displays to visitors finds from the Gallo-Roman era (a collection of bronze artifacts) discovered by archaeologists in the second half of the 19th century, as well as exhibitions on the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The museum displays various crafts and sculptures. It is located in the building of the Cabus Hotel, which was once called the House of Diane de Poitiers.

One of the most beautiful buildings in Orleans (France) is the Groslot mansion, built in the style of a Burgundian “tower” in the 16th century. architect du Cersault. King Francis II lived here for some time, and during the years of the revolution the city hall was located. The interiors and furniture are left the same.

The Museum of Fine Arts presents works by French and European masters of painting, sculpture, furniture and tableware, including a series of works by artists of the 17th-19th centuries. in pastel technique (considered the second largest collection after the Louvre). There are halls of modern and contemporary art, and exhibitions are often held.

The Royal Bridge over the Loire is one of the attractions of Orleans (France) - built on the orders of the king who loved to walk along it and admire the city. It connects the banks of the greatest river in France, the existence of which is connected with the history and economy of the country. Modern youth use this place for evening walks around the city center.

The Museum of Charles Péguy, a native of Orléans who became a poet and writer, is located in a beautiful Renaissance mansion. Here are his bust and works stylized as medieval religious mysteries.

Feast of Joan of Arc in Orleans

The first holiday in Orleans (France), dedicated to Joan of Arc, was organized by the city authorities in 1435, during which the premiere of the production “The Mystery of the Siege of Orleans” took place, reproducing exactly all the events. One of Jeanne’s associates, Gilles de Rais, even took part in it, and partially financed the performance. The main characters are the Youth and the Shy, who were chosen by the townspeople and the mayor's office.

Since then, every year, on May 8, a celebration is held in the central part of the city, with the exception of which was made only during periods of religious wars. Over the past centuries, minor changes have been made to the production, characters have been added, and the ceremony of carrying the bust of the Virgin has been introduced.

In the 19th century During the reign of King Louis Philippe, May 8 was declared a national holiday; since 1920, the church and state holidays were combined.