5 Hikes in Europe You Can Reach by Train for a Flight-Free Adventure
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Fancy a 3-day getaway without a car, without traveling all the way to the other side of France? Just an hour from Paris by train, Orléans has far more surprises in store than you might imagine. In just a few days, you can go from a breathtaking view from the top of a cathedral to a bike ride between the Loire River and the canal, then escape into the heart of Sologne to visit an immersive castle.
Accessible, lively, surrounded by nature… The city checks all the boxes for city break without a car. Our reporters Lisa and Tolt set out to test this 3-day micro-adventure in Orléans for you. The result: a smooth, refreshing, and above all, laid-back itinerary. We’ll take you along with them, step by step.
And if you're looking for a general overview of all the available activities, we recommend our comprehensive guide:
Article
What to Do in Orléans in 2 or 3 Days: Our Complete Guide to a City Break
We recommend arriving at the Orléans train station between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. As soon as you step off the train, you’ll discover one of the destination’s biggest perks: everything is close by. That’s what Lisa and Tolt found out: in just a few minutes’ walk, they reached their hotel, without any stress or extra transportation. Their tip: the Hotel Marguerite, an option that’s perfect for a car-free vacation.
The charming room at the Hôtel Marguerite, with breakfast in bed
No big plans for this first night: just dinner to get into the swing of things. Off to At Eugène's, about a ten-minute walk away. The place has it all: hearty food, a friendly atmosphere, and that little extra touch of charm that makes for a great start to your stay.
““I was really surprised by this restaurant—they treat us like royalty and really know how to delight the taste buds. Plus, they have some great vegetarian dishes!” - Lisa
To end the evening on a high note, we recommend taking a short stroll through downtown before heading back to your hotel.
Want to get a bird's-eye view? A tour of the The heights of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross is the perfect way to kick off your stay in Orléans.
Lisa admiring the stained-glass windows from inside the cathedral
Lisa and Tolt were able to explore these accessible areas during a guided tour organized by the Tourist Office. The path up is narrow, almost hidden, and leads to a spectacular view of Orléans.
A truly impressive cathedral!
The tour continues with a visit to a medieval crypt, more intimate and timeless. An experience Lisa highly recommends: “What a treat! I had no idea you could climb up to the roof of a cathedral until that moment. Sure, you have to climb a few steps, but the view is well worth the effort. It’s a whole new way to explore Orléans, from every angle.”
After this journey to the upper levels of the cathedral, we return to street level for an immediate change of atmosphere.
The historic district Orléans is best explored without a set plan, simply following your whims. Lisa and Tolt let themselves be carried from one street to the next, past half-timbered facades, lively little squares, and architectural details you only notice when you take the time. Rue de la Charpenterie, Rue de la Poterne, Place du Châtelet…
But the city doesn't just look to the past: just around the corner, a mural of street art breaks with tradition and sets a new pace for the tour, blending heritage and modernity!
The charming half-timbered facades
“I didn’t expect to feel so good in the city, says Lisa. The town is small and intimate, and above all, absolutely charming. At times, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time, with the beautiful half-timbered houses you come across on every street corner. In fact, if you look around a bit, you might even find yourself right in front of Joan of Arc’s house…”
For lunch, head to Cosani for some gourmet sandwiches. It’s the perfect way to refuel before hitting the road again.
In the afternoon, you can hop on a train to La Ferté-Saint-Aubin for a complete change of scenery in just fifteen minutes. The castle is only about a twenty-minute walk from the station!
We strongly recommend the Rémi Discovery Pass, which lets you travel as much as you want in the region for 2 or 3 days. It’s the perfect pass for this kind of micro-adventure.
A setting that takes you back in time
The castle offers a self-guided immersive tour and escape games : You explore the rooms at your own pace, discover the displays, and immerse yourself in everyday life as it was in the past…
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Lisa in the magnificent château of La Ferté-Saint-Aubin
“What’s striking about this castle is that it looks as if nothing has changed, explains Lisa. "Louis XVI could walk down the hallway in his dressing gown, and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised (well, maybe a little!). It's as if the place were frozen in time, and it really gives you the feeling of being somewhere else."
A place that invites you to slow down
Lisa and Tolt’s recommendation for dinner once we’re back in Orléans? At Kali, a creative vegan spot.
The kind of veggie burgers you can find at Kali: a real treat!
“Kali was definitely the culinary highlight of my trip! For starters, everything—and I mean absolutely everything—is plant-based. Well, I guess that’s the whole concept… But what I love is that the menu features kebabs, even though everything is plant-based. I’m not exaggerating—the best thing is to try it for yourself. :)” - Lisa
It only takes a few pedal strokes to leave the city behind and experience a completely different atmosphere. In the morning, you can drop off your luggage at the Tourist Office (Place du Martroi) and pick up bikes at the Vélo Val de Loire rental shop.
Next, we head to the village of Filler, by following the Cycling Along the Loire. Very quickly, the scenery changes: the city gives way to nature, nestled between the river and the canal. The route is accessible, pleasant, and dotted with beautiful views. On one side, the river. On the other, the canal. Between the two, an easy and pleasant bike path, perfect for slowing down the pace.
There’s nothing more relaxing than driving along the water’s edge, right?
“It’s when you’re cycling along the banks of the Loire that you realize just how lucky the people of Orléans are, Lisa points out. "It's a wonderfully refreshing ride, with bike paths perfectly situated along the river. You won't want to stop, and you can also pass through charming little villages like Combleux, with its pretty church."
For lunch, there are several options depending on what you're in the mood for. We recommend Les Semettes or Mamé for a relaxing and enjoyable break.
After cycling, the boat ! Tested and approved by Lisa and Tolt: we’re offering you a 30-minute boat ride on the Loire. It’s a different way to explore the city—slower and more contemplative.
Lisa, deep in thought as she watches the birds
“We boarded Cyprien’s boat, and he took us on a traditional cruise down the Loire. And Cyprien is a true enthusiast who told us all sorts of stories about the area. He knows everything about everything (really!) and, as a bonus, he helps us spot the birds…” - Lisa
One last stop at Gokuki for a cookie (and a sandwich for the train), before picking up your luggage and heading home with your head full of memories!
👉 For more ideas to round out this itinerary, check out our guide: What to Do in Orléans in 2 or 3 Days: Our Complete Guide to a City Break (Loire Valley, Nature, Unique Experiences).
The Marguerite Hotel It’s a must-visit spot, conveniently located right in the heart of the city, perfect for a car-free stay. You can do everything on foot, making it an excellent base for a micro-adventure in Orléans.
Perfect if you're looking for:
Located just a stone's throw from the train station, this hotel This modern hotel is particularly convenient. It features comfortable rooms—some with views of the cathedral—and a wide range of amenities (parking, a pool, a bar, and more), plus easy access to public transportation: a must-visit spot during your stay in Orléans!
Ideal for:
At Eugène's...is the perfect place to enjoy fine cuisine in an elegant setting. Generous portions, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service: the ideal restaurant for a romantic evening for two.
Why we love it:
Kali It’s a delightful vegan surprise. The dishes here are creative, colorful, and full of flavor—a far cry from the usual stereotypes about vegetarian cuisine.
Why go there:
A great option for lunch. Gourmet sandwiches, fresh ingredients, and carefully crafted recipes: perfect when you want to eat quickly without compromising on quality.
Tested and approved by our reporters!
Perfect for:
Les Semettes It’s a hybrid space that combines a café, a brunch spot, and a ceramics studio. It’s the perfect place to slow down and take your time in a soothing atmosphere.
Why we love it:
Mamé It’s a cozy coffee shop, perfect for a coffee break or a light lunch. A sure bet for enjoying a quiet moment during the day.
Best for:
And here’s a little bonus if you have a four-legged friend: the coffee shop is dog-friendly!
Gokuki...is the must-visit treat stop before you head out. Generous, high-quality cookies (made by a chef who graduated from a prestigious Parisian school)—the perfect way to end your stay on a high note or to take with you on the train.
The little extra:
The Rémi Discovery Pass allows you to travel by train as much as you like throughout the Centre-Val de Loire region for 2 or 3 days.
Over the course of these three days, Lisa and Tolt didn’t just “visit” Orléans: they followed a rhythm. That of a smooth, accessible itinerary, where each stop makes sense without ever feeling like they’re rushing. A journey where everything flows naturally, from the historic center to Sologne, from the banks of the Loire to the best local spots. And perhaps that is the true strength of Orléans: a destination that doesn’t try to impress at all costs, but reveals itself as soon as you’re willing to slow down. To learn more, visit https://www.tourisme-orleansmetropole.com !
This guide is produced in partnership with the tourism office:
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
