Orleans and the Renaissance

ORLEANS, A RENAISSANCE CITY

A former royal city, Orleans was at that time a vibrant and prosperous place owing to its position on the Loire and close proximity to Paris.

It had a well-respected university attended by eminent intellectuals including Erasmus, Guillaume Budé, Rabelais, La Boétie, Théodore de Bèze and Calvin.

The city experienced a sweeping artistic revival, inspired by the Italian art of living that Francis I and others introduced.

Religious buildings were constructed, streets widened, and the wealthy middle classes commissioned large estates. Today, we can still admire their elegant architecture and refined, Italianate decoration, sculpted medallions and busts, as well as half-timbered façades combining stone and brickwork.

Hôtel Groslot, Hôtel Cabu, Hôtel des Créneaux, Maison de la Coquille, half-timbered houses... Orleans has a remarkable collection of original Renaissance monuments and buildings.