ORLÉANS

Paola Westbeek follows in the footsteps of Joan of Arc in the city she saved from English siege nearly 600 years ago

- Paola Westbeek

After spending a few months basking in the tranquility of south-west France, I’d been craving a cultural rendezvous in a vibrant city; one last French indulgence before heading back home. We could’ve chosen Paris, about 90 minutes further north, but I wasn’t ready for the full hustle and bustle just yet. Orléans is more compact, easier to explore on foot and still offers plenty of grandeur and urban appeal. Despite its turbulent history (from being seized by the English during the Hundred Years’ War, to the devastation of World War II), Orléans enjoyed periods of great prosperity due in large part to its strategic location on the northern banks of the Loire.

Wealthy merchants and royals settled there after the Religious Wars of the 16th century, building stately mansions that can still be admired today. In recent years, many monumental buildings and facades have been restored to their original splendour, making Orléans a visual gem with plenty of historic cachet. It’s no wonder the city was named a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire in 2009.

Room with a view