 |
| This fountain is located in Orléans, one of France's oldest cities. |
Our recent trip to Orléans included some delightful surprises including a stop along the way where we had a great lunch and met a friendly woman at a quaint little museum filled with American memorabilia from the 1950s. Our primary destination revealed Joan of Arc around nearly every corner, as well as a fantastic park and a poignant museum created to remember the horrors of WWII.
 |
The U.S. Museum in Châteauroux commemorates the era
when a NATO base was located here. |
We've pinpointed the city of Châteauroux as our lunch stop on our way to Orléans in north-central France. Once we've hooked up at the charging station (it's available and working!) we head to the city center. On our way we snag the last available table at a small boutique hotel dining room and have a delicious lunch. Then it's on to the Tourism Office, where a number of strolls are suggested. Because we don't have a lot of time, we decide to head to the US Museum. Now somewhat derided by residents of Châteauroux, this small museum turns out to be a charming remembrance of the years 1951-1967. This is when the city was full of American military personnel and their families who were stationed at the NATO base here.
 |
The Air Force serviceman who is represented at the U.S. Museum in
Châteauroux visited the museum decades after the NATA base here closed. |
 |
| Small items spark memories at the U.S. Museum in Châteauroux. |
Our short visit is surprisingly enjoyable: So many of the household items and toys are things we remember having when we were kids. We strike up a conversation with a staff member who shares her own memories of the American friends she had as a child. (We try unsuccessfully to meet up with one of her friends in Reno when we are there the following week.)
 |
| Jeanne d'Arc on horseback is the centerpiece of Place du Martroi in Orléans. |
According to Wikipedia, there are two statues of Jeanne d'Arc in Orléans, but it seems that tributes to the Maid of Orléans are everywhere. The first known monument to Jeanne d'Arc was erected in this city in 1456. The legendary national savior/warrior/martyr is still honored in Orléans, the site of a victory led by the 17-year-old Jeanne d'Arc that turned the tide in the Hundred Years' War between France and England. Her actual stay in Orléans was only 10 days, but everywhere she slept, ate, or worshipped is commemorated here.
 |
Exhibits about The Maid of Orléans are presented at Maison Jeanne d'Arc,
which wasn't actually her home. |
 |
| This painting and sculpture are displayed at Hôtel Groslot in Orléans. |
 |
This painting at Hôtel Groslot in Orléans originally depicted
someone else, and later it was altered to honor Jeanne d'Arc. |
 |
| Artist Dany Dufour's take on The Maid of Orléans is exhibited at Hôtel Groslot. |
 |
| Rue Jeanne d'Arc leads to Sainte-Croix Cathédrale in Orléans. |
 |
The Gothic-style Sainte-Croix Cathédrale in Orléans has sustained
damages from wars several times since its completion in 1829. |
In addition to Jeanne d'Arc, Orléans is known for its stunning Sainte-Croix Cathédrale. The gothic-style cathedral took 542 years to build and contains relics from the 7th century. We're delighted to discover that the building is free to visit. (This isn't always the case, and I'm reluctant to pay admission to a church.) Both the exterior and interior of the cathedral are beautiful.
 |
| These gargoyles keep watch at Sainte-Croix Cathédrale in Orléans. |
 |
The length of Sainte-Croix Cathédrale in Orléans is just
one meter shorter than that of Notre-Dame in Paris. |
 |
New stained-glass windows at Sainte-Croix Cathédrale in Orléans
were installed during renovations at the end of the 20th century. |
 |
A statue of Jeanne d'Arc stands at the entrance to Hôtel Groslot in Orléans.
|
The following day, we visit Hôtel Groslot, another free site. Originally a private residence built by lawyer and bailiff Jacques Groslot between 1530 and 1550, the building became Orléans' city hall during the French Revolution. It's a beautiful Renaissance building full of paintings and tapestries showcasing the exquisite taste of its original owner. And yes, there are a few tributes to Jeanne d'Arc here too.
 |
Maison Morlon along Quai Barentin is a rare example of Art Nouveau in Orléans.
|
Orléans is located along the Loire River, and one afternoon between rain showers we take a stroll and spot one of the few buildings here in the Art Nouveau style. A bike tour of other examples is suggested by the Val de Loire tourism office.
 |
| A château is seen from the rose garden in Parc Floral de la Source in Orléans. |
We've dedicated a half day to visit Parc Floral de la Source, which has the deserved designation as "Jardin Remarquable." The park contains acres and acres of gardens known for their diverse species and plant collections. I especially enjoy the Butterfly House, which, along with an exotic bird collection, a herd of Chilean Flaminoes and a miniature farm, comprise the fauna portion of the park. We're here the right time of year to enjoy the Rose Garden, but are a bit too late for the Iris Garden.
 |
| Sculptures are scattered among the gardens in Parc Floral de la Source in Orléans. |
This area of France didn't escape the atrocities of World War II. We've chosen our last day in Orléans to visit the Cercil Vel d'Hiv Children's Memorial Museum, a history and remembrance center that traces the history of the internment camps in the Loiret region. Thousands of Jews and others were detained at the camps of Beaune-la-Rolande, Pithiviers, and Jargeau before being sent to death camps in Poland. Most notable were the 4,000 children along with their mothers who were arrested by French police at the Vel d'Hiv roundup in Paris in July 1942. The Memorial chose one child named Aline to be its symbol. The memorial is a sobering and important remembrance of these tragedies.
