Loire Riverbanks

The banks of the Loire have been beautifully redesigned, offering the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll along the river. With benches, lounge chairs, floating pontoons, and historic boats gently swaying in the current, the Châtelet quays have become a favorite place to unwind. However, before becoming a place for leisure, it was Orléans’ very first river port! Since ancient times, the city has developed along the Loire, its strategic location — right between the Atlantic Ocean and the Rhône — making it a key hub for river trade. As early as the Middle Ages, these quays were used to unload goods from all over. Ships carried spices from the Middle East, oils from the Mediterranean, wines from the Rhône Valley, and timber from the Massif Central. A whole range of professions sprang up around this thriving trade. In fact, it was here that Orléans saw the rise of sugar refining and, interestingly, vinegar production. Why vinegar? Because the wine that arrived by boat often didn’t travel well — and rather than waste it, locals found a new use. Actually, Orléans is still known as the vinegar capital of France! This river port was once a gold mine for the city, but its activity gradually declined with the rise of modern roads and railways in the 19th century. Still, the Loire is far from forgotten. Every two years, the city throws a massive celebration in its honor — the Loire Festival — a vibrant tribute to the river that shaped Orléans.