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Festival de Loire - Orléans, France

 

The Loire Festival is back in Orleans! From 20 to 24 September, 2017, the quays of Orléans will come alive to the rhythm of the 8th annual festival of the largest inland marine festival in Europe!

Five days of festivities await the curious, in honor of the last wild river in Europe. In previous years, more than 650,000 visitors crossed paths on the waterfront of the capital of the Loiret. The 2017 festival is expected to be even more popular!

Join a tour from Wichita, Kansas, led by Wichita Area Sister Cities

Suggested Itinerary:

  • Depart and fly to Paris on Monday, September 18th

  • Arrive in Paris on Tuesday, 19th

  • Travel to Orléans by train or bus

  • Enjoy Festival de Loire Wednesday 20th to Sunday 24th

  • Return to Paris on Monday, 25th

  • Enjoy exploring Paris Monday 25th to Wednesday 27th

  • Return from Paris to Wichita on Thursday 28th

Highlights of the Loire Festival 2017:

  • 200 boats

  • 700 sailors

  • 200+ free shows

  • 450 artists

 

Tourism opportunities abound...

Orléans is a city in north-central France, about 130km (80 miles) southwest of Paris and is the capital of the Loiret department.

 

The city is on a strategic point on the Loire river. With its bridge, it was able to charge tolls to those traveling to and from Paris in the north - thus becoming a wealthy city in the Middle Ages.

 

Joan of Arc liberated Orléans and she is honored to this day as the Maid of Orléans.

 

In 1306, the University of Orléans was granted the rights and privileges of a university.

 

During World War II, the Nazis turned the railroad station in Orléans into a major logistical hub. It was heavily bombed during the liberation. In August 1944, the Americans including the 137th Infantry from the Kansas 35th Division liberated the people of Orléans from the Nazi occupation.

 

In 1973, Wichita and Orléans formally became sister cities.

Visiting Wichita

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Visiting Orléans

Visiting Orléans 

Tips for visitors from Wichita

 

Preparation

 

Arrival

 

During Visit

 

 

News of Orléans

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