Every design for Orléans

The Loire makes its northern bend at Orléans: after flowing north from the Massif Central, the river turns here and heads west for the Atlantic. That curve made the city a great river port, and the Loire still sets the pace of daily life, crossed by five bridges, among them the Pont George-V that carries the tram.

Place du Martroi is where the city meets. The Statue équestre de Jeanne d'Arc stands at its centre, honouring the Maid of Orléans who lifted the English siege, and a short walk away the Cathédrale Sainte-Croix rises over the old streets, near the Hôtel Groslot and the Maison de Jeanne d'Arc. Every first week of May the city pays homage to her during the Johannic festival. South of the river, the Orléans-la-Source neighbourhood grew up around the Parc floral de la Source, where the Loiret begins.

The detail locals know best: the tram gliding over the Pont George-V, with the cathedral rising behind it.