Morning — Joan of Arc and the cathedral
Start at Place du Martroi, Orléans' heart, dominated by Joan of Arc's equestrian statue. The maid freed the city on 8 May 1429 — Orléans celebrates this annually with a costumed parade. 200 metres away: Joan of Arc's house (museum, interesting for kids). 400 metres: Sainte-Croix cathedral, flamboyant Gothic with unique silhouette (the nave buttresses are destabilising). Remarkable stained glass. Plan 1h.
Midday — the Halles Châtelet
The Halles Châtelet is Orléans' gastronomic institution. Covered market open every day except Monday. Butcher, fishmonger (fresh Loire pike-perch), cheesemongers, traiteurs, wine bar. And Christophe Hay's 2-star restaurant — book 4 weeks ahead if you want to eat there. Otherwise, several counters offer quality fast meals (oysters, charcuterie, cheese). Plan €25-45 lunch.
Afternoon — old town and Loire banks
After lunch, walk in the old town. Rue Sainte-Catherine (pedestrian shopping street), Place de la République, Renaissance mansions, cobbled lanes. Descend to the Loire quays. The George V bridge (with cathedral view at sunset) is the iconic photo spot. The 3 km of redesigned quays are perfect for a digestive walk. Beaches in summer.
End of day — Fine Arts Museum
If you appreciate art, the Orléans Fine Arts Museum is one of France's richest provincial collections. Particularly strong in French painting 17th-19th centuries (Velázquez, Le Nain, Watteau, Corot, Picasso). €5, free under 25. Plan 1h30. Otherwise, end of day coffee on a terrace at Place de la République or Halles.
How to get to Orléans from Meung-sur-Loire
Very simple. Train: Meung → Orléans in 15 minutes, departures every 30 min. Orléans station 10 minutes' walk from centre. Car: 25 minutes via A10, city parking (Place du Martroi €1.80/h, Halles Châtelet underground). Bike: 18 km via Loire by Bike, continuous cycle path, ~1-1h30 at relaxed pace.
Variants by profile
Gastronomy: starred lunch at Christophe Hay, afternoon Halles, end of day wine bar. Family: Joan of Arc and her house, afternoon Pasteur park (games), Halles snack. Sport: ride out, train back. Cultural: cathedral, Fine Arts, goldsmith workshops. A day in Orléans can take many shapes — that's the city's advantage.