About
Loiret is a department in north-central France, part of the Centre-Val de Loire region. Its prefecture and largest city is Orléans, and the department takes its name from the river that runs through it. For many visitors it is a gentle, rural corner of France set along the Loire, with towns and châteaux that reward a slow pace.
History along the river
Loiret is closely associated with Joan of Arc, who lifted the siege of Orléans in 1429. The city remembers that episode in its streets and its traditions, and the story gives a visit to Orléans a clear historical thread. The Loire itself has shaped the department for centuries, linking its towns and carrying travellers and trade past its historic châteaux.
What a visit offers
- Orléans, the capital, as a base for exploring the city's Joan of Arc heritage
- The Loire river landscape, with towns and châteaux along its banks
- Quieter countryside, where farmland and open views make a change from the cities
Loiret suits visitors who want to combine history with unhurried walks by the water. Its towns are easy to reach from Orléans, and a few days can cover the capital and a selection of riverside stops without rushing.
