RV Hire Orléans: Your Gateway to the Loire Valley

Discover Orléans: A Journey Through History and Nature

Welcome to Orléans, the historic heart of the Loire Valley and the perfect starting point for your next big adventure. When you choose to campervan hire Orléans, you're not just renting a vehicle; you're unlocking a world of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes right on your doorstep. Geographically, Orléans is ideally situated on the banks of the majestic Loire River, the longest river in France. This prime location has shaped its destiny for centuries, making it a crucial hub for trade and travel. The city lies about 120 kilometers (75 miles) southwest of Paris, making it easily accessible yet feeling like a world away from the capital's hustle and bustle. The surrounding region of Centre-Val de Loire is a lush tapestry of rolling hills, dense forests, and, of course, the world-famous vineyards that produce some of France's finest wines.

The history of Orléans is rich and palpable. Its most famous chapter is undoubtedly linked to Joan of Arc, the 'Maid of Orléans'. In 1429, during the Hundred Years' War, she miraculously lifted the English siege of the city, a turning point that led to the coronation of Charles VII. This heroic feat is celebrated annually with the vibrant Fête de Jeanne d'Arc. But the city's history goes back much further, to its origins as a Gallic stronghold named Cenabum, later conquered and rebuilt by the Romans. This deep history is visible in the city's architecture and the layout of its charming old town.

Today, Orléans is a thriving modern city with a population of over 116,000 residents in the city proper and around 450,000 in the metropolitan area. It serves as the proud capital of both the Loiret department and the Centre-Val de Loire region. This status makes it a significant administrative, economic, and cultural center. Opting for an RV hire Orléans gives you the flexibility to explore this dynamic city before venturing into the serene countryside. You can immerse yourself in local life, visit bustling markets, and enjoy the vibrant university-town atmosphere.

When planning your trip, consider the weather. Orléans enjoys a temperate oceanic climate. Summers are warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), ideal for exploring in your campervan. Winters are cool and damp, with occasional frost but rarely heavy snow. The best time to rent a campervan in Orléans is from late spring (May) to early autumn (September). During this period, the days are long, the gardens are in full bloom, and the châteaux are at their most magnificent. This is the peak season for anyone looking into campervan hire Orléans, so booking in advance is wise. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a wine connoisseur, starting your journey with an RV hire Orléans is the perfect choice for a memorable French holiday.

Sights and Activities In and Around Orléans

Once you've settled into your campervan, Orléans and its surroundings offer a treasure trove of sights and activities. The city itself is a delight to explore on foot, with its beautifully restored medieval quarter and lively riverside quays. Begin your exploration at the magnificent Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans. This Gothic masterpiece, which took centuries to complete, boasts stunning stained-glass windows depicting the story of Joan of Arc. You can climb its tower for a panoramic view of the city and the Loire River – a perfect way to get your bearings.

No visit is complete without paying homage to the city's heroine at the Maison de Jeanne d'Arc, a reconstruction of the house where she stayed during the siege. It's a fascinating museum dedicated to her life and legacy. For art lovers, the Musée des Beaux-Arts houses an impressive collection of European art from the 15th to the 20th century. After soaking in the culture, take a relaxing stroll through the Parc Floral de la Source. This stunning botanical garden is home to an exotic butterfly house, flamingos, and the source of the Loiret river. It's an oasis of tranquility and a perfect spot for a picnic.

The true magic of an RV hire Orléans lies in the freedom to explore the wider Loire Valley. You are on the doorstep of the famous 'Vallée des Rois' (Valley of the Kings). A short drive in your campervan will take you to legendary châteaux. The Château de Chambord, with its iconic double-helix staircase and forest-like rooftop, is a must-see. The elegant Château de Chenonceau, gracefully arching over the River Cher, is another unforgettable sight. For those who chose a 4x4 camper hire Orléans, you can even venture off the beaten path and explore the vast forests and hidden trails of the Sologne region. For cycling enthusiasts, the Loire à Vélo trail runs right through Orléans, offering hundreds of kilometers of scenic, well-marked cycle paths along the river. You can easily park your campervan and spend a day cycling between charming villages and majestic castles. An RV hire in Orléans is your key to unlocking all these experiences at your own pace.

Unforgettable Road Trips Starting from Orléans

With your keys in hand from your campervan hire Orléans, the entire Loire Valley is yours to discover. Here are a couple of tour ideas to inspire your journey.

🏰 The Royal Châteaux Tour (4-5 Days)

🍷 Vineyards and Villages of Sancerre (3-4 Days)

Returning Your Campervan Clean in Orléans

After an amazing trip, it's important to return your vehicle clean, as per the rental agreement. Finding a wash station suitable for a large campervan or motorhome can be tricky due to height restrictions at standard car washes. Don't worry, we've got you covered! You need to look for 'Poids Lourds' (trucks) or high-vehicle washing bays. Here are a few suitable locations in and around Orléans where you can get your campervan sparkling clean before drop-off.

1. Station de lavage poids lourds AS24
This is a dedicated truck wash, making it perfect for even the largest motorhomes. They have the high-pressure wands and space you need to maneuver easily.

Address: Rue des Châtaigniers, 45140 Ormes, France (located in a commercial zone just northwest of Orléans)

2. Eléphant Bleu Olivet
Many Eléphant Bleu locations have at least one high-clearance, open-air bay suitable for campervans. They are self-service, so you can take your time and do a thorough job.

Address: Rue Anthelme Brillat Savarin, 45100 Orléans, France

3. Lav'Car Olivet
Another excellent self-service option located just south of Orléans. Check for the high-vehicle bay, which is usually clearly marked.

Address: ZAC des Chariots, 240 Rue de la Bergeresse, 45160 Olivet, France

A quick tip: Always bring some Euros in coins for these self-service stations, as not all of them accept credit cards for every function. Taking care of the cleaning will ensure a smooth and easy return of your campervan after your wonderful RV hire Orléans experience.

How to Get to Orléans for Your Adventure

Getting to Orléans to start your campervan adventure is straightforward, especially for international travelers from English-speaking countries.

From the UK & Ireland:
Your best option is to fly into one of Paris's major airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Paris Orly (ORY). There are numerous daily direct flights from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, City), Manchester, Edinburgh, Dublin, and other major cities on carriers like British Airways, Air France, Ryanair, and Aer Lingus. From either Paris airport, you can take a direct train (the RER B line connects to the main network) to Gare d'Austerlitz in Paris. From there, a direct train to Orléans takes just over an hour. Alternatively, driving from the UK is a popular option. Take the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais or a ferry from Dover. The drive from Calais to Orléans is approximately 4 hours (around 400 km).

From the USA & Canada:
Fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). There are direct flights to CDG from major hubs like New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Toronto (YYZ), and Montreal (YUL) with airlines such as Delta, Air France, and Air Canada. From other cities, you'll likely have a single layover in one of these hubs or a European city like Amsterdam or Frankfurt. Upon arrival at CDG, follow the signs for the TGV station located within the airport and take a train towards the Loire Valley, or head into Paris to catch the train from Gare d'Austerlitz to Orléans.

From Australia, New Zealand & South Africa:
Your journey will involve at least one layover. From Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), or Auckland (AKL), common and convenient layover hubs are in the Middle East (Dubai with Emirates, Doha with Qatar Airways) or Asia (Singapore with Singapore Airlines). From Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT), you'll typically connect through major European hubs like Amsterdam (KLM), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), or London (British Airways), before the final leg to Paris (CDG or ORY). Once you land in Paris, the onward journey to Orléans by train is quick and efficient, getting you ready to start your campervan hire Orléans holiday.