Visit Loiret
The Loiret department, east of the Loire Valley, is forever associated with the history of Joan of Arc, and nowhere more so than in the impressive town of Orleans
Selected places to visit in Loiret
Loiret sights and places to visit
The Loiret department of France is located to the south of Paris and the east of Orléans, in the Centre region of France.
While not the most important department of the Loire Valley from a 'castles' viewpoint, Loiret does feature some attractive chateaux - eg those at Sully-sur-Loire (the most important in the department), Bellegarde and Chamerolles.
In Orleans itself the cathedral is the main attraction, along with the city's close association with Joan of Arc. You can visit Joans house, and enjoy the extensive medieval old centre in the city.
The Abbey at Saint-Benoit-sur-Loire is another important and attractive religious building.
South-east of Orleans there are river and canal based activities at Briare where the Loire is crossed by a canal.
The link with Joan of Arc (Maid of Orléans) plays a important role in the history and the tourism of the Loiret department, including Beaugency, site of an important battle.
Several of her other important battles took place in Loiret (including the Siege of Orleans) while other towns also celebrate Joan's passage through the region e.g. Chécy, Gien, Jargeau and Patay.
See a list of all Loiret communes
Map of Loiret
Page in French? See Loiret (Francais)
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