George V Bridge

The George V bridge, in Orléans

The George V bridge is an elegant stone bridge of the eighteenth century that crosses the Loire in Orléans. The Orléans audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this historic crossing, heir to a long lineage of bridges that, since the Gaulish era, link the two banks of the river.

The historic crossing of the Loire

This stone bridge that you glimpse is the George V bridge. It is part of a very long history of crossings of the Loire in Orléans: the first known bridge that crossed the river at this place dated from the Gaulish era, and linked the rue du Lin, on one bank, to that of Saint-Marceau, on the other. Numerous bridges thus succeeded one another over the centuries, because the passage of the Loire was always a vital stake for Orléans, a commercial and strategic town, place of meeting of the roads and the river. The current bridge, an elegant work of stone with several arches, was built in the eighteenth century to replace a medieval bridge. This new bridge, wider and better located, allowed to reorganise the entrance of the town and gave birth to the majestic perspective of the rue Royale, cut through in its extension. First called the Royal bridge, it was renamed George V bridge in the twentieth century. Linking the historic centre to the district of Saint-Marceau, it offers fine views over the Loire and the town. A historic bridge and a gateway of the town, the George V bridge is a fine stop of the discovery of Orléans.

What to see

You admire the elegant stone bridge with several arches that crosses the Loire, heir to a long lineage of bridges since the Gaulish era, the passage of the river having always been vital for Orléans; built in the eighteenth century to replace a medieval bridge, first called the Royal bridge then George V bridge, it gave birth to the perspective of the rue Royale and offers fine views over the river. The George V bridge is a historic gateway of Orléans. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The George V bridge crosses the Loire in the heart of Orléans, linking the centre to the district of Saint-Marceau, reachable on foot. It is a public bridge freely accessible, that offers fine views over the river and the town. You cross it during a walk along the Loire.

What is the history of the George V bridge in Orléans?

It is part of a long history of crossings of the Loire: the first known bridge dated from the Gaulish era, and numerous bridges succeeded one another, the passage of the river being vital for Orléans; the current work, an elegant stone bridge, was built in the eighteenth century to replace a medieval bridge, first called the Royal bridge then renamed George V bridge, and gave birth to the perspective of the rue Royale.

Where is the George V bridge in Orléans?

On the Loire, in the heart of Orléans, linking the centre to the district of Saint-Marceau, in France.