The best things to see around Orleans (Loire Valley)

Orleans It is one of the best starting points for a trip through the Loire Valley section declared World Heritage awarded by the Unesco.

However, the vast majority of travelers who take this route head downriver from Orleans and they leave aside the many attractions that lie in the opposite direction.

They are not the best known places, but for that very reason they allow us to enjoy this place in a slower, deeper and calmer way. Loire almost secret.

Castles to visit near Orleans

A comparatively little known place is the Chateau de Chamerolles, about 30 km from Orleans.

Chateau de Chamerolles near Orleans

It is located near Chilleurs-aux-Bois, at one end of the Forest of Orleans, and is a castle which is entered through a drawbridge.

The peculiar detail of this castle, in addition to its exquisite renaissance gardensit's The promenade of perfumes, its Perfume museum, which reviews the evolution of its use in hygiene, medicine, etc.

Visiting this permanent exhibition is like taking a journey through the history of personal beauty from the 16th century to the present day.

Along the way you visit a laboratory full of distillation devices necessary to make perfumes in the 16th century, the office of a 17th-century plant scholar, an antechamber with everything necessary for a lady's makeup from the 18th century, and the beauty shop. a 19th century perfumer.

All reproductions are inspired by engravings and descriptions of the corresponding period.

There are curious details, such as the crucifix in the laboratory, which reminds us that the perfumer did not want to be confused with a witch or an alchemist.

Fleury Abbey near Orleans

Another very little-known place despite its importance is the Abbaye de Fleury a romanesque abbey nestled in the small town of St-Benoît-sur-Loire, a true gem of art and history.

In fact, the town owes its name to the abbey and the person who is buried there.

Saint Benoit es San Benito, the founder of the order of the benedictines and the creator of monasticism as we have understood it since then.

Is pattern of europe Therefore, regardless of religious opinions, its historical and cultural importance should be highlighted.

La romanesque abbey It is impressive, especially if you think that it is located in a town of about 2.000 inhabitants.

It was built between the 11th and 13th centuries, and at that time Fleury It was an island in the Loire that was considered sacred within the pagan cult.

Una visit to the abbey It's a trip to the Middle Ages already a place that, at that time, was one of the bastions of European civilization.

Chateau Sully-sur-Loire near Orleans

Continuing the journey upstream you reach the Château de Sully-sur-Loire, another one of those enchanted castles that are in this area.

It actually arises from an islet in the river, in one of the few places where it was easy to cross the Loire in times past, which is why it was a crossroads for centuries, and from this aspect it derives its great historical importance.

El castle, in the middle of the water, with its towers with conical roofs, creates one of the most surprising and attractive images of the entire tour of the area.

The fact that it is not as well-known and visited as other castles in the region adds interest and appeal to the visit.

In addition to allowing us to learn a little more about the history of France by remembering that Sully, the famous minister of Henri IV, was the one that gave it relevance.

Sully-sur-Loire marks the end of the declared zone World Heritage awarded by the Unesco, but we recommend that you continue a little further upstream until Gien, especially if you like porcelain.

Porcelain factory La Faincerie de Gien

Here you can visit one of the most celebrated factories in France, La Faincerie de Gien, which combines traditional designs with the creations of contemporary artists.

The majority of visitors who visit this area of ​​the Loire Valley They do it, logically, by car.

This does not prevent other means of transport from being used, even at a specific time.

It is possible to tour the entire area, or a small part, cycling, slowly, enjoying the details.

Traditional boat excursion on the Loire

Another less known option that allows a different view of the Loire is to do a tour on a traditional boat, like those organized Les Passeurs de Loire.

It is the opportunity to get to know the fauna and flora of the river, fishing, etc. on a slow sailing trip.

The tours start in SigloyNear Châteauneuf-sur-loire, and vary in duration and price, and you can also take night tours that include dinner.

A different way of knowing the treasures of the Loire Valley.