Overview

The department of the Loiret is part of the Center Region of France. The capital of the department is Orléans, a historic city on the banks of the Loire. Loiret is an area of woodland, heaths, and lakes, it is a paradise for nature lovers.

The department consists of mostly flat low-lying land through which flows the River Loire. This river enters the department near Châtillon-sur-Loire in the southeast, flows northwestwards to Orleans where it turns to flow south west, leaving the department near Beaugency.The Canal d'Orléans connects the Loire River at Orléans to a junction with the Canal du Loing and the Canal de Briare in the village of Buges near Montargis. The River Loire and these canals formed important trading routes before the arrival of the railways. The River Loiret, after which the department is named, is long and joins the Loire southwest of Orléans. Its source is at Orléans-la-Source, and its mouth at Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Mesmin. Other rivers in the department are the River Loing, a right-bank tributary of the Loire, and the River Ouanne which flows into the Loing.

Large parts of the landscape in Loiret are used for agriculture, and these are separated by low wooded hills and some forested areas. The northwestern part of the department is known as the wheat-growing region, is an undulating plateau that is home to some of the best agricultural land in France. This area was popular with the French aristocracy in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period, and there are many historic châteaux in the department including Château d'Augerville, Château de Bellegarde, Château de Gien, Château du Hallier, Château de Meung-sur-Loire, Château de Sully-sur-Loire and Château de Trousse-Barrière.

Chateaux

Château d'Augerville was built in the 12th century. The facade as seen today was remodelled in 1644 by Jean Perrault de Montevrault. In 1452 it was purchased by Jacques Coeur, the builder of Palais Jacques-Coeur. In 1926, it was purchased by the widowed American socialite Mrs. Alva Belmont, ex-wife of William Kissam Vanderbilt (1849-1920). Having one of the most impressive property portfolios to her name in Gilded Age America that included the likes of Marble House and Beacon Towers, Alva completely restored it and made the château her permanent home. Today, it is a luxury hotel and golf resort.

The 14th century Château de Bellegarde welcomes visitors to explore the historic city center, discovering the various buildings that make it up. The castle underwent extensive renovations in the early 20th century using Leo Drouyn’s plans with grounds designed by Gabriel Perdoux. The château has belonged to the same family since the mid-19th century and is home to beautiful receptions rooms, a library, dining room, and more. This is a real family home whose interiors reflect how wealthy landowners lived in the early 20th century. A walk in the grounds also boasts fabulous panoramic views of Caudeau Valley.

Château de Gien, overlooking the Loire River, is one of the oldest Chateaux of the Loire and has been the home of several great historical figures. The château has experienced numerous transformations in its long history; it started out as a fortress built by Charlemagne in the 8th century. This was destroyed and replaced by the 12th century castle which over time became a favorite residence of François I, Henri II and Louis XVI. In the 15th century Gien was popular with Anne de Beaujeu, Comtesse de Gien and Regent of France, and it was under her inspiration that the castle was given its rare, Pre-Renaissance appearance featuring geometrical shapes made from coloured bricks. Gien has also been a courthouse, prison and a highly-sought after hunting venue, so it is only natural that it should house the National Museum of Hunting. The museum highlights previously unknown treasures such as eggs and other decorative objects inspired by hunting and a unique collection of restored falconry hoods.

Château du Hallier takes its name from a proof of love from Charles IX. Built in 1544 by Charles de l’Hospital with brick and stone curtain walls confined to ten large towers, the chateau of Hallier is an interesting example of a transitional residence between a fortified castle and a pleasure residence. Legend has it that the King of France would have offered this castle to his mistress by saying to her “here is your nest Bell…” A real cozy nest! The castle also housed the loves of Henri IV and Henriette de’ Entragues. Abandoned at the beginning of the 18th century, it is partially in ruins. The castle is surrounded by a moat dug in the ground, transformed into flower beds.

Château de Meung-sur-Loire, situated between Sologne and Beauce on the shores of the Royal River, is designed in a medieval and classical exterior giving it the nickname “the chateau with two faces.” Up until the French Revolution the castle functioned as a esteemed residence of the bishop of Orléans. During the 13th century Bishop Manassès de Seignelay supervised the building of a true palace, a residence deemed worthy of his name and his rank. Over the following centuries it was enlarged, particularly during the Hundred Years’ War; the bishops not only expanded the castle, but also had it equipped with a new tower. A tour takes visitors from the granary to the basement, showing what daily life was like over the centuries in a seigneurial residence.

The imposing medieval architecture of the Château de Sully-sur-Loire was constructed in two separate parts, each with its own defence system. The keep was constructed around 1395 for Guy de La Trémoïlle, Lord of Sully by Raymond du Temple, the king’s architect. The castle has dominated the Loire for seven centuries with many major renovations throughout the years. A tour offers discovery into the history of the family which owned the castle for nearly four centuries, Maximilien de Bethune.

Capital of Loiret: Orléans

Orléans is the capital of the department of Loiret and the largest town in the Loire Valley after Tours. It is an ideal starting point for exploring the Loiret department and the Loire Valley. The city has a lot to offer with a prosperous and thriving history with a charming old quarter dating from the 1700s and 1800s. It’s history is heavily influenced by Joan d’Arc, who during the siege of Orléans, a war between the French and English (1339-1453), lead the French army to victory after a long siege. All over Orléans, you can see the celebration of Joan and her liberation of Orléans, especially in the cathedral’s stained glass. A small museum in a restored 15th-century house, the Maison de Jeanne-d’Arc is devoted to Joan of Arc, who is now recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church.

While you explore the city be sure to visit the remarkable Cathedral, join in the festivities of Fêtes Johanniques d’Orleans, take a ride at Loire à Vélo (cycle path), visit the historic Collégiale Saint-Aignan, discover the history of the area at Historic Museum of Archeology and so much more!

Gardens of the Loiret Department

The Loiret department is a land of forests, where the river Loire and its tributaries are ever present features of the landscape. Of the two dozen gardens open to the public, we listed a few below that offer alluring gardens and picture-perfect scenery.

Parc Floral de la Source (Park of Four Seasons) was once the home of the exiled English politician and philosopher Lord Bolingbroke, this 86 acre park is the source of the River Loiret, which flows up through the grounds. The gardens are a mix of traditional French and English-style landscapes, contemporary gardens and national plant collections. National collections include Iris and Clematis, but there are also Fuchsias, Roses, Dahlias and other flowering plants to explore. Also enjoy the series of themed gardens that include a rockery, vegetable garden and flower meadow, in addition to an exotic butterfly house.

Arboretum des Grandes Bruyères, located in the heart of the Forest of Orléans, is a beautiful nature reserve and landscaped arboretum that was inspired by the work of the celebrated Edwardian garden designer Gertrude Jekyll. Established in 1968, the gardens have been evolving ever since, covering over 29 acres out of the 59 acres of woodland around the family home. Explore the fabulous collection of nearly 7,000 trees and shrubs, including two “National Collections.” A French-style garden close to the house is formally outlined in clipped Box and Yew, with pergolas of scented Roses mixed with Clematis. A flower and vegetable garden completes this very French scene.