A Stop In Orléans

And here I am, falling behind on my posting already...

Next stop on our itinerary was Orléans, a city on the banks of the Loire River, south-west of Paris. The city has had a rich history from the early Middle Ages on. It is the birthplace of Joan of Arc, who liberated the city from the Plantagenets during the 10o year war.

It is also where Molière, the famous French playwright went to law school before being kicked out. And yes, New Orléans is named after this much older city.

Orléans' impressive cathedral was built and rebuilt several times, and the edifice one can visit now is one of the last to be built in France.

On our visit of the cathedral, a young priest was being ordained.

We spent the night in a charming hotel called Hotel de L'Abeille, which I highly recommend for its central location and wonderful service. At night, my husband and I walked around the old city, had dinner and listened to some great music in one of the town squares.

Visits to a few Loire Valley chateaux to follow, so stay tuned...