Historic Hotels and Old-Town Stays in Orléans

Empreinte Hotel & Spa is the Orléans boutique hotel I would suggest to families who want comfort by the water: it stands on the banks of the Loire, ideal for an evening walk with children. Rooms have a bathtub or a walk-in shower, useful at bath time for little ones, along with a minibar and courtesy tray. Junior Suites and Suites add a balneotherapy bath and river views, and parents can enjoy the wellness facilities.

Hôtel d'Orléans is in the historic centre, a short walk from the Maison de Jeanne d'Arc and the Place du Martroi, so the main sights of Orléans can be covered on foot with children. Rooms are modern, soundproofed and air-conditioned, with a flat-screen TV, free WiFi and a private bathroom. Breakfast is served every day and can be brought to the room, which makes slow mornings with younger children easier.

Frenchdoor Orléans 7 Dormants offers air-conditioned apartments near the Maison de Jeanne d'Arc and Orléans Cathedral, so the main sights of the city are a walk away for families. Apartments have private bathrooms, city views and free WiFi, and a shared kitchen lets you prepare simple meals for the children. A continental buffet breakfast is served daily, and the front desk is open 24 hours for late arrivals.

Novotel Orléans Centre Gare is a modern four-star near the Gare d'Orléans, and its indoor swimming pool is a year-round treat for children whatever the weather. Rooms are soundproofed and air-conditioned with private bathrooms and free WiFi. Adults can use the sauna and fitness centre, and the terrace, restaurant and coffee shop keep meals simple, with local specialities at breakfast. Guests rate it 8.4 out of 10 across more than 1,900 reviews.

I would choose Frenchdoor Orléans Fernand for a family stay with some space to spread out. The family rooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed, with private bathrooms. Guests share a kitchen, a lounge, a coffee shop, a garden and a sun terrace, which gives children and parents room to settle. A continental buffet breakfast is served daily, and the station and Hôtel Groslot are close.

Urban Style Hôtel des Cèdres is a short walk from the historic centre of Orléans and the train station, yet offers a calm setting with a flowered garden and a furnished veranda where children can relax after sightseeing. Rooms have an LCD TV, a private bathroom and free WiFi. A buffet breakfast is served daily, bike storage is available for cycling families, and pets are welcome.

I would consider this aparthotel for a family or a longer stay in Orléans, when a studio or apartment is more useful than a standard room. It stands in the historic district, close to the theatre, restaurants, Place du Martroi and the train station. The atmosphere is warm and functional rather than grand. Self-catering space helps with children, though full hotel services are more limited than in a classic hotel.

Appart'hôtel Odalys City Orléans Centre offers soundproofed studios with a kitchenette, a seating area and free WiFi, a practical set-up for families who want to prepare their own meals. It is 700 metres from the historic centre, so the Maison de Jeanne d'Arc and Sainte-Croix Cathedral are a short walk with children. A fitness centre and a laundry service are available, and pets are welcome.