C'est Tres Chaud Dans Orleans

The city of Orleans has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years, although it has undergone several changes of name in that time. In Gallic times the city was known as Cenabum, later becoming Aurelianum under the Romans. The modern name of Orleans apparently evolved over hundreds of years from the phonetic spelling of the Roman name.

Whatever it is called, this city has played a prominent role in French history, and for a long time was the second largest city in France, next to Paris, The modern city of Orleans impresses as a prosperous and vibrant city, with a wonderful collection of well maintained buildings and a glorious cathedral. Unlike most of the other cities we have passed through, Orleans has smooth roads and footpaths and a fantastic transit system. The central hub is the large city square, complete with its ornate merry go round and large outdoor eateries. There is also a fountain under the pavement that regularly emits jets of water. In the current heatwave, this feature was extremely popular with people of all ages.

Before I could do any sightseeing, I did have one very important task to do. I went out in search of a nearby laundromat, eventually finding one about 10 minutes from the hotel. It also turned out to be probably the oldest one in the city. With a complete absence of instructions, and also a complete absence of other customers, I had to resort to just pushing each button to see what would happen. About 60 minutes later I left with a large bag of clean and (almost) dry clothing.

It was just too hot for serious exploring, but I did make it to the beautiful and very, very large cathedral. Inside it was relatively cool, so I took some time to just enjoy the serenity and peacefulness of the place. Then I went in search of lunch and noticed a sign advertising the Plat du Jour for only 12 Euro, I still don't know what the plate was, but it was delicious.

The most famous resident of this city was Joan of Arc. Back in 1429 as a teenager she helped lead the French forces to relieve the siege of Orleans. This brought her fame and some degree of adulation, however things did not so well for her in the years that followed. Joan was put on trial for heresy in Rouen on 9 January 1431. She was accused of having blasphemed by wearing men's clothes, of acting upon visions that were demonic, and of refusing to submit her words and deeds to the church because she claimed she would be judged by God alone. At about the age of nineteen, Joan was executed by burning at the stake on 30 May 1431. Now 600 years later her name and images are all over the city.

Although the city really is beautiful and the streets and buildings clean, there is one final comment I would make. As I walked about I could not help but notice the stains on walls and footpaths, caused by locals using them as urinals. I personally witnessed a gentleman "do the deed" in broad daylight, leaving behind his watery trademark for every else to have to walk through. On second thoughts, he was NO gentleman. Nobody else seemed to even bat an eye.Read more