Discovering Loiret (Department 45)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Located in the northern part of the Centre-Val de Loire region, Loiret (45) offers an appealing blend of historic cities, peaceful countryside, forests, rivers and excellent connections to Paris. Named after the River Loiret, this department is often overlooked by international buyers in favour of France's southern regions, yet it has plenty to offer those seeking an authentic French lifestyle without the crowds or premium property prices.
Whether you're considering moving to Loiret, retiring in Loiret, purchasing a second home or launching a business, the department combines accessibility with a relaxed pace of life. It appeals to people who enjoy nature, history, traditional French market towns and the convenience of being within easy reach of the capital.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Centre-Val de Loire |
Historic name | Orléanais |
Department number | 45 |
Department capital | Orléans |
Largest towns | Orléans, Montargis, Gien, Pithiviers, Olivet, Fleury-les-Aubrais |
Population | Approximately 690,000 |
Area | 6,775 km² |
Climate | Temperate with warm summers and cool winters |
Best suited for | Families, retirees, commuters, entrepreneurs, remote workers |
Is a car recommended? | Yes, especially outside Orléans |
English-speaking community | Moderate, growing around Orléans and rural areas popular with international buyers |
Lifestyle summary | Historic cities, riverside living, forests, good transport links and a balanced pace of life |
Why Choose Loiret?
Loiret offers many of the qualities people look for when relocating to France while remaining less expensive and less crowded than many better-known departments.
Lifestyle
Life here strikes a comfortable balance between urban convenience and rural tranquillity. Orléans provides all the amenities of a regional city, while dozens of attractive villages and market towns offer quieter living.
Residents enjoy local markets, riverside walks, outdoor cafés and a strong sense of French tradition.
Community
Although Loiret has fewer British residents than regions such as Dordogne or Charente, there is a growing international community, particularly around Orléans. Local associations, sports clubs and cultural groups make integration relatively easy.
Learning French will significantly enhance your experience, especially in smaller communities.
Scenery
The department's landscape includes:
The Loire Valley
The Sologne forests
Agricultural plains
Vineyards
Lakes and canals
The Forest of Orléans (France's largest state forest)
Nature lovers enjoy walking, cycling, birdwatching and boating throughout the year.
Accessibility
One of Loiret's biggest strengths is its location.
Advantages include:
Around one hour from Paris by train
Easy motorway access via the A10, A71 and A19
Good rail services
Convenient access to several airports
This makes it particularly attractive for second-home owners who travel regularly.
Food
Loiret is known for traditional French cuisine featuring:
Loire fish
Local game
Goat's cheese
Honey
Fruit orchards
Artisan bakeries
Regional wines from nearby vineyards
Markets remain an important part of daily life.
Culture
Orléans is forever associated with Joan of Arc, whose annual festival remains one of France's most famous historical celebrations.
The department also offers:
Medieval towns
Châteaux
Museums
Music festivals
Art exhibitions
Historic churches
Property
Property prices generally remain reasonable compared with Paris and much of western France.
Buyers can choose from:
Village cottages
Farmhouses
Character townhouses
Modern family homes
Country estates
Apartments in Orléans
Pace of Life
Loiret offers a pace of life that feels relaxed without being isolated.
Shops, healthcare and services are generally close by, making everyday life convenient while still allowing residents to enjoy rural surroundings.
Loiret Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Why |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent healthcare, peaceful towns, good transport and varied property choices. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Strong schools, parks, sports facilities and family-friendly communities. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Easy access from Paris and northern Europe makes weekend visits practical. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Growing economy, good transport and proximity to Paris provide business opportunities. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Reliable internet in most areas and excellent transport for occasional travel. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Forests, rivers, cycling routes and walking trails are abundant. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Orléans offers excellent facilities without the intensity of a major metropolis. |
Popular Places to Live
Orléans
Description
A vibrant regional capital with rich history, shopping, restaurants and excellent transport.
Ideal for
Professionals
Families
Remote workers
Commuters
Advantages
Excellent amenities
Fast trains to Paris
Universities
Cultural events
Strong healthcare
Things to consider
Property prices are among the highest in the department and traffic can be busy during peak times.
Montargis
Description
Often called the "Venice of the Gâtinais" because of its canals and bridges.
Ideal for
Retirees
Couples
History lovers
Advantages
Attractive centre
Good facilities
Beautiful waterways
Friendly atmosphere
Things to consider
Employment opportunities are more limited than Orléans.
Gien
Description
A picturesque Loire town famous for its pottery and riverside setting.
Ideal for
Second-home buyers
Retirees
Nature enthusiasts
Advantages
Historic character
Riverside walks
Affordable housing
Things to consider
A quieter lifestyle with fewer large retail options.
Pithiviers
Description
A traditional market town surrounded by productive farmland.
Ideal for
Families
Professionals
Buyers seeking value
Advantages
Good schools
Local markets
Reasonable property prices
Things to consider
Less nightlife and entertainment than larger towns.
Olivet
Description
A desirable suburb south of Orléans along the River Loiret.
Ideal for
Families
Professionals
Retirees
Advantages
Attractive environment
Excellent schools
Easy city access
Things to consider
Higher property prices.
Beaugency
Description
A beautiful medieval Loire town with impressive historic architecture.
Ideal for
Heritage lovers
Second-home owners
Retirees
Advantages
Historic centre
Riverside location
Relaxed atmosphere
Things to consider
Tourism increases during summer.
Briare
Description
Best known for its spectacular canal bridge and waterways.
Ideal for
Boating enthusiasts
Retirees
Outdoor lovers
Advantages
Canal network
Walking and cycling
Charming town centre
Things to consider
Limited employment opportunities.
Cost of Living
Compared with many parts of France, Loiret represents good overall value.
Property Affordability
Property remains considerably more affordable than Paris and its surrounding suburbs. Rural villages often provide excellent value, while desirable areas around Orléans naturally command higher prices.
Shopping
Residents benefit from:
Large supermarkets
Weekly markets
Shopping centres
Independent retailers
Farm shops
Everyday groceries are competitively priced.
Utilities
Utility costs are broadly comparable with the French national average, although older rural homes may require additional heating during winter.
Eating Out
The department offers everything from traditional cafés to fine dining. Lunch menus and local restaurants generally represent excellent value.
General Value for Money
Many newcomers find Loiret offers an attractive balance between affordability and quality of life, particularly when compared with larger French cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is one of Loiret's strengths.
Main Hospitals
Major healthcare facilities include:
Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans
Centre Hospitalier de Montargis
Centre Hospitalier de Gien
Healthcare Availability
Most towns have:
GPs
Dentists
Physiotherapists
Pharmacies
Medical laboratories
Access to Specialists
Orléans provides the widest range of specialist care, while larger towns offer many common specialties.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widespread and provide valuable first-line healthcare advice.
General Healthcare Considerations
As with much of France, some rural areas experience shortages of GPs, so registering with a doctor soon after arrival is advisable.
Education
Families relocating to Loiret have access to a wide range of educational options.
Schools
The department has numerous:
Nursery schools
Primary schools
Secondary schools
Sixth-form colleges
Both public and private education are available.
Colleges and Universities
Orléans is home to the University of Orléans, offering programmes across many disciplines.
Technical colleges and vocational training centres are also well represented.
International Options
There are international and bilingual education opportunities in and around Orléans, although options are fewer than in Paris.
Language Schools
French language courses are available through adult education providers, private tutors and community organisations.
Getting Around
Airports
Nearby airports include:
Paris-Orly
Paris Charles de Gaulle
Tours Val de Loire Airport (limited services)
Rail
Orléans enjoys excellent rail connections, including frequent services to Paris.
Regional trains connect many towns throughout Centre-Val de Loire.
Roads
Excellent motorway access includes:
A10
A19
A71
A77
Driving throughout the department is straightforward.
Public Transport
Urban transport in Orléans includes:
Trams
Buses
Rural public transport is more limited.
Is a Car Recommended?
Yes.
A car provides the greatest flexibility, especially for those living outside Orléans or larger towns.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Orléans | Saturday |
Montargis | Wednesday & Saturday |
Gien | Wednesday |
Pithiviers | Thursday |
Beaugency | Saturday |
Briare | Friday |
Olivet | Friday |
Châteauneuf-sur-Loire | Friday |
Local Food & Drink
Loiret is proud of its culinary traditions.
Local specialities include:
Pithiviers almond cake
Cotignac d'Orléans (quince jelly)
Loire freshwater fish
Game dishes
Goat's cheese
Honey
Asparagus
Mushrooms
Artisan charcuterie
Saffron from Gâtinais
Cider and fruit juices
Wines from nearby Orléans and Coteaux du Giennois vineyards
Things to Do
Historic Sites
Orléans Cathedral
Medieval town centres
Château de Sully-sur-Loire
Joan of Arc heritage sites
Outdoor Activities
Cycling the Loire à Vélo route
Walking trails
Canoeing
Fishing
Horse riding
Golf
Museums
Fine arts museums
Pottery museum in Gien
Historical museums throughout the department
Festivals
Joan of Arc Festival
Music festivals
Food fairs
Christmas markets
Agricultural events
Nature
Explore:
Forest of Orléans
Loire Valley
Sologne
Nature reserves
Birdwatching sites
Family Attractions
Families enjoy:
Animal parks
Adventure parks
River cruises
Cycling routes
Outdoor leisure centres
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
French is the everyday language. Speaking even basic French will make settling into local life much easier.
Rural Living
Many villages are peaceful but may have fewer services, making a car essential.
Internet
Most towns have reliable fibre broadband, although availability can vary in remote rural locations.
Seasonal Tourism
Unlike some French departments, tourism is relatively balanced, meaning daily life remains consistent throughout the year.
Climate
Expect four distinct seasons with warm summers, colourful autumns, cool winters and pleasant springs.
Community Life
Village events, markets, sports clubs and local associations provide excellent opportunities to meet people and integrate into the community.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
Find Places to Visit as recommended by readers
Some of the best places in France aren’t found in guidebooks — they’re discovered by people who live here, love it here and know where the magic is. Explore places recommended by our readers, from hidden gems and beautiful villages to favourite markets, cafés, beaches and unforgettable days out. Who knows what you’ll discover?
Find Properties for Sale, Rent, Winter and Summer Holiday Accommodation
Your next chapter in France could be closer than you think. Explore our Property Hub for homes, holiday properties and opportunities from local property partners across France. Whether you’re dreaming of a permanent move, a place in the sun, an investment or simply somewhere to escape to, go on — have a look. Your French property might be waiting.
Plan Your French Dream
Dreaming of a life in France? Start turning the dream into a plan. Plan Your French Dream brings together practical guides, local insights and useful information to help you explore your options, understand what’s involved and make confident decisions about moving, retiring, buying a home or simply creating a life you’ll love. Start exploring — your French story begins with a plan.
Where Will Your French Story Begin
What if the place you’ve been dreaming about is waiting for you in France? A little village where everyone knows your name, a lively market town, a home surrounded by rolling countryside or somewhere completely unexpected. Explore our guides to France’s regions and departments, discover the character, lifestyle and possibilities of each area, and start finding the place that feels like it could be yours. Where will your French story begin?
Comments