Orléans, a city and commune in north-central France, is about 130 km (80 miles) southwest of Paris. The population of the city is approximately 115,000 as of 1999 census. It is located on Loire River where it curves south towards the Massif Central. New Orleans is named after the city of Orléans.

The capital of the Loire Valley is famous for two reasons which are Joan of Arc and the 'Chateaux' in the region. There are many reasons to visit this rather small city, situated in the heart of France, just an hour from Paris.

Orléans is on a bend in the Loire and is the most northern of the Loire Valley's repertoire of historical towns. Tourist attractions of Orleans are mainly Joan of Arc Museum, Musée Historique et Archéologique, Musée des Beaux Arts, the White Tower, Notre Dame de Recouvrance, Orléans / Rouen - Joan of Arc Festival / Festival Jeanne d'Arc, the Saint Aignan Church, Orléans Cathedral, Place de Martroi, St Paul and St Aignan. The major surroundings to visit are Bellegarde, La Loire River, Orléans Forest, Orléans La Source, Place du Martroi, and Saint Donatien Church.