Often associated with Joan of Arc and its cathedral, Orléans actually hides many other facets. Just an hour by train from Paris, the city is an ideal destination for a car-free weekend, with its discreet heritage, omnipresent nature and unexpected experiences. Crossed by the Loire, Western Europe's last great wild river, Orleans offers a unique setting, with bike rides along the river, traditional boat trips and villages accessible by train... Here, everything invites you to slow down and explore in a different way.
Easily accessible, Orléans can be reached in around 1h to 1h20 from Paris by train (TER or Intercités). The station is located right next to the city center, so you can start exploring as soon as you arrive, without the need for additional transport.
Why choose the train over the car?
Once you're here, everything is easy to do on foot, by bike or by public transport. Orléans is a city on a human scale, perfectly suited to a car-free stay!
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In Orléans, there’s more to discover than just must-sees. The city is as much a place to experience as it is to visit. You can start by exploring the historic center, with its half-timbered houses and bustling narrow streets, before heading up to the top of Sainte-Croix Cathedral (as part of guided tours). For a complete change of scenery, some tours also offer access to underground spaces and crypts, revealing another side of the city.
But what really stands out is the Loire. Its riverbanks, its lights, its ever-changing scenery… You can stroll along it, relax there, or explore it by electric scooter, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, or aboard a traditional boat.
For more information, check out our comprehensive guide:
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What to Do in Orléans in 2 or 3 Days: Our Complete Guide to a City Break
Orléans is a particularly pleasant destination to explore by bike. The city is located along several major bike routes, including:
These routes allow you to leave the city in just a few minutes and head out into nature: the banks of the Loire, a shaded canal, the forest, or the countryside.
Cycling along the Loire in Combleux © Max Coquard - Bestjobers
Orléans is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area without a car. Several destinations are easily accessible by train or bicycle:
Less well-known than the Loire, the banks of the Loiret offer a more intimate atmosphere, with peaceful, lush landscapes that are easily accessible by bike from Orléans.
La Ferté-Saint-Aubin is accessible by train from Orléans and offers quick access to the Sologne region.
A setting that takes you back in time
The castle offers several immersive experiences that let you explore its heritage in a new way: escape games, as well as life-size puzzle trails, such as Cluedo-style investigations giant with actors, which immerse visitors in a real-life mystery at the heart of the estate.
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Orléans in 3 Days Without a Car: A Slow Travel Micro-Adventure Between the Loire and Sologne
Just a few miles from Orléans, Meung-sur-Loire is accessible by train or bike. There, you’ll discover a castle, windmills, and a typical Loire Valley atmosphere.
A charming medieval town, Beaugency is an ideal stop along the Loire à Vélo cycling route. Its narrow streets, historic sites, and the banks of the Loire make it the perfect day trip.
If you're planning to explore the region, the Rémi Discovery Pass might be a great option. It allows you to travel unlimited access for 2 or 3 days, starting from €45 and for groups of up to 5 people, on trains and buses in the Rémi network in the Centre-Val de Loire region (excluding Île-de-France).
Good to know if you're coming from Île-de-France: both passes (the 2-day option and the 3-day option) are also available in a "Remi Découverte Plus Pass", which is valid to and from Paris !
A particularly great way to connect Orléans and the Sologne region and explore the surrounding area without a car. For more information and special offers, visit here.
The Rémi Package allows you to enjoy:
In particular:
You can also explore other cities in France:
This guide is produced in partnership with the tourism office:
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