- Fun Fact: This Renaissance marvel is often dubbed "Leonardo da Vinci's brainchild" due to its rumored design by the polymath himself.
- History: Built by King Francis I in the 16th century, it was meant to impress his rival, Emperor Charles V. It features a whopping 440 rooms and a double-helix staircase.
- Trivia: The château is surrounded by a forest that is home to wild boar and deer, making it a hunter’s paradise.
- Fun Fact: This Gothic gem is dedicated to St. Croix and has survived multiple destructions, including being razed by Protestants in the 16th century.
- History: Rebuilt multiple times, its current form dates back to the 17th century, thanks to the efforts of King Henry IV.
- Hidden Facts: The cathedral boasts stunning stained glass windows that depict the life of Joan of Arc, who famously lifted the siege of Orléans.
- Fun Fact: This medieval fortress was the residence of Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully, chief minister to Henry IV.
- History: Built in the 14th century, it served as a defense stronghold and later became a stately home.
- Trivia: It has a "whispering gallery" where secrets can be heard from across the room—perfect for clandestine medieval meetings.
- Fun Fact: Known as the "castle with two faces," it boasts both medieval and classical architecture.
- History: This château has been a bishop's residence, a prison during the French Revolution, and even a mint.
- Hidden Facts: There’s a secret underground passage that leads to the nearby church of Saint Liphard.
- Fun Fact: It’s home to the source of the Loiret River, which actually bubbles up from the ground in a picturesque setting.
- History: Originally designed in the 1960s, the park covers over 35 hectares and features themed gardens.
- Trivia: The park hosts an annual floral competition that's a must-see for botany enthusiasts.
- Fun Fact: This château houses a unique museum dedicated to the history of perfume.
- History: Built in the early 16th century by Lancelot I du Lac, it showcases the evolution of perfume from the Renaissance to modern times.
- Hidden Facts: The château’s gardens are designed to evoke the scents of different historical periods.
Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Orléans
- Fun Fact: One of the oldest museums in France, founded in 1797!
- History: It boasts a rich collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 15th to the 20th century.
- Trivia: The museum houses works by Velázquez and Ingres.
- Fun Fact: This isn’t Joan’s original residence but a reconstruction where she stayed during the siege of Orléans.
- History: The house serves as a museum dedicated to her life and legacy, with interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.
- Hidden Facts: The original house was destroyed in 1940 but rebuilt in 1965 based on historical records.
- Fun Fact: This abbey is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and houses the relics of Saint Benedict.
- History: Founded in the 7th century, it became one of the most important religious centers in medieval France.
- Trivia: The abbey contains the tomb of King Philip I of France.
- Fun Fact: This castle has a haunted room known as the "Spectre Room" where strange noises are often heard.
- History: Built in the 11th century, it has served as a fortress, prison, and noble residence.
- Hidden Facts: Richard the Lionheart once stayed here during his campaigns in France.
- Fun Fact: This enchanting château hosts themed events and even has an escape room game set in the 17th century.
- History: Originally a medieval fortress, it was transformed into a grand residence in the 17th century.
- Trivia: The château’s kitchens offer cooking classes where you can learn to make traditional French pastries.
- Fun Fact: Also known as St. Benedict's Abbey, it’s one of the few places where Gregorian chants are still performed daily.
- History: Founded in the 7th century, it became a major center for learning and spirituality.
- Hidden Facts: The library once housed over 3000 manuscripts, many of which were lost during the French Revolution.
- Fun Fact: Known as the "Fishermen's Château," it features an entire museum dedicated to freshwater fishing.
- History: Built in the 12th century, it has been owned by the same family for over 600 years.
- Trivia: The château’s park includes a vegetable garden that supplies produce for the local community.
- Fun Fact: The town of Gien is famous for its stunning faïence (tin-glazed pottery), and this museum showcases its evolution.
- History: Founded in 1821 by Thomas Hall, the factory became renowned for its high-quality ceramics.
- Hidden Facts: The museum features rare pieces, including a faïence piano!
- Fun Fact: This romantic garden is home to over 500 varieties of roses.
- History: Designed by passionate gardeners in the early 2000s, it offers a picturesque blend of old and new horticultural styles.
- Trivia: The garden hosts annual rose festivals, attracting visitors from around the world.