Here’s a detailed guide on what to eat in Orléans, highlighting local specialties and must-try foods:
1. Orléans’ Signature Pastries
- Tarte Tatin: Classic French upside-down caramelized apple tart, perfect in local bakeries.
- Croissants and Pain au Chocolat: Freshly baked in small boulangeries across the city, ideal for breakfast.
2. Regional Specialties
- Pâté de Pithiviers: A flaky pastry pie filled with meat, almonds, or sweet fillings—a Loire Valley specialty often found in Orléans.
- Rillons and Rillettes: Slow-cooked pork dishes, rich in flavor, commonly served with bread or local wine.
3. Cheeses and Dairy
- Crottin de Chavignol: Small goat cheese from the nearby Loire region, creamy and tangy.
- Local Fromages: Visit local markets for artisanal cheeses paired with fresh bread.
4. Loire Valley Wines
- Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé: Crisp white wines perfect for pairing with goat cheese or fish.
- Château wines: Many local restaurants offer tastings of regional wines from the Loire Valley.
5. Savory Dishes
- Duck Confit: Traditional French dish, tender and flavorful, often served with potatoes.
- Coq au Vin: Chicken slow-cooked in red wine with mushrooms and onions—a hearty local favorite.
6. Desserts and Sweets
- Macarons and Chocolates: High-quality French confectioneries are abundant in Orléans.
- Nougat and Candies: Specialty sweet shops often sell local treats made with nuts and honey.
7. Markets and Street Food
- Les Halles Châtelet Market: Offers fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, meats, and ready-to-eat local treats.
- Street Cafés: Try quiches, crepes, and pastries while enjoying the city vibe.
Tip: For first-time visitors, focus on tasting local pastries, Loire Valley cheeses, and regional wines to get the authentic culinary experience of Orléans.
