Orleans & Cathedral of Sainte Croix

Our Tour of Loire Valley Begins In Paris

Our first day with Viking began Wednesday early in Paris after our overnight flight on Air France.. The highlight of the first day was getting to see our friends Chantal and Michel for dinner out. They are just now boarding a Princess Cruise. The hotel in Paris was Le Meridien Hotel near the Arch de Triumph. Next day Thursday started at 5:30 am with a wonderful breakfast provided by Viking River Cruises. If you left hungry it was your fault. While we were enjoying that, Viking was worked behind the scenes picking up our bags for transfer to the bus. Service from Viking has been 1st class so far. We gathered with 14 other couples for a 3-day tour of the Loire Valley, visiting Chateaus and Cathedrals and then onto the River Cruise from Bordeaux next Saturday.

Home of Joan of Arc

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Cathedral of Sainte Croix (Holy Cross) in Orleans, France

"O" is for Orleans, adopted home of Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc Statue

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Joan of Arc

Orleans is a city where Joan of Arc is especially remembered.

Architecture from the 1200's

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Orleans Main Street

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An Orleans Street

So we settled back and left the driving to Viking, arriving at Orleans along the Loire River about 10:45. Our guide Vincent described the Loire as France’s wild and beautiful river. The bus let us off near the old part of Orleans, the adopted home of Joan of Arc. Vincent began a detailed history of Orleans and Joan of Arc as well as a lot about the history of France. Everyone was issued a small receiver with ear piece so we could hear him. He (and I) are very impressed with Mary Alice’s French. It's clear all that money I'm spending on her lessons is paying off!

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Our Guide: Vincent

Vincent is an exceptional guide.

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The Cathedral of Sainte Croix

The Cathedral dominates the skyline of Orleans.

Curiosity Window

This display was in an antique store window and I found it to be full of curious items.

Cathedral of Sainte Croix (Holy Cross)

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Our Tour Group

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Frog Tourist

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Cathedral of Sainte Croix (Holy Cross)

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Cathedral of Sainte Croix (Holy Cross)

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Cathedral of Sainte Croix (Holy Cross)

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Cathedral of Sainte Croix (Holy Cross)

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Cathedral of Sainte Croix (Holy Cross)

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Cathedral of Sainte Croix (Holy Cross)

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