Urban trail: Orléans and its banks of the Loire – discovering the Orléans region

If you are staying in Orléans, this Tour is a must. You will be able to observe magnificent monuments, enjoy superb views of the old town of Orléans and observe the Loire from its bridges.
For this course, I was inspired by the famous Course des Trois Ponts. The Tour is done in the opposite direction to that of the race to better enjoy the views of the city by crossing the Georges-V bridge. Instead of taking the path created on the dyke, you take the small path that runs along the banks of the Loire on the south side. Despite the fact that you are in the city center, this course offers you real trail sensations while remaining very accessible.
You start at the foot of the cathedral of Orleans, then you cross the old center to arrive on the quays. In summer, these are animated by guinguettes and sailing boats. You then cross the Vierzon bridge, a railway bridge that runs along the Thinat bridge, from where you can observe the lock of the Orleans canal.
The Georges-V bridge, the oldest in Orléans, follows. Built between 1751 and 1763, it replaced the old Tourelles bridge. Take the time to admire the city that awaits you and the ducts that separate the river in two along this part of the Loire. The duits are submersible gravel dikes, built to allow navigability of the river in all seasons and facilitate access to the quays.
The third bridge is that of Europe. It is the newest in Orleans, its construction was completed in 2000. The contemporary bow-string architecture is impressive, as are the views of the river and the city.
To return to your starting point, you follow the banks of the Loire before crossing the Georges-V bridge a second time and going back up to the town centre. I really like the last few meters along rue Jeanne d'Arc, with the cathedral imposing itself in front of you.
Please note: when the Loire is flooded, you will not be able to take the path that runs along the banks of the Loire on the south side. If this is the case, after about two kilometres, descending from the Thinat bridge, turn left to go up towards the Levee des Capucins, then follow the road to the Georges-V bridge. After crossing the Pont d'Europe (a little after the sixth kilometer), do not go down the steps. Continue for about 50 meters and take the path that goes to your left just before the roundabout.