Arriving -- About two trains per hour arrive from Paris’s Gare d’Austerlitz (1 hr., 10 min.; www.oui.sncf; tel. 36-35 at .40€/min.; 10€–25€ one-way); there are also a dozen connections from Tours (50–70 min.). The one-way fare from Tours to Orléans is about 21€. Orléans lies on the road between Paris and Tours. If you’re driving from Paris, take A10 south; from Tours, take A10 north.
Visitor Information -- The Office de Tourisme is at 2 pl. de L’Etape (www.tourisme-orleans.com; tel. 02-38-24-05-05).
Getting Around
On Foot -- Orléans’s city center is small and many streets are pedestrianized. For short stays, it’s easiest to explore the town on foot.
By Bicycle -- Orléans has a Paris style bike-sharing scheme, Vélo’+ (www.agglo-veloplus.fr). There are 360 bikes available at 35 stations around the city. You can register online (where you can also download a map of the city’s bike stations) or directly at one of 8 bike stands where credit cards are accepted; fees are 1€ per day.
By Car -- All the sites in the city can be explored on foot. Underground parking is well sign-posted; there are convenient lots beside the Hotel de Ville, the Cathedral, and near the river at place du Châtelet.
By Taxi -- Taxis Orléans (www.taxis-orleans.fr; tel. 02-38-53-11-11) can be found throughout the city. They can be ordered or there are ranks in front of the train station and at the corner of rue Royal and place du Martroi.
By Public Transport -- Orléans has both buses and trams that snake through the city run by the TAO (www.reseau-tao.fr; tel. 08-00-01-20-00). Trams will serve your visit best; line A reaches the train station and line B goes by the cathedral. Tickets (1.50€) can be purchased from automatic kiosks at the Tram station, or for the bus (1.60€) directly from the driver. A day pass costs (3.90€), which is also the cost for a full weekend pass.
Pharmacies -- Pharmacie du Châtelet, 38 pl. du Châtelet (tel. 02-38-53-34-50).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
