A city worships a virgin

Today started with fresh pastries from the campsite. The sun was shining on our breakfast table, making it a perfect start for today.

Herbert drove us to Orléans today. We had to pass several toll booths, which always fascinates us. You drive in, take your ticket or pay, and without any road markings, the cars are merged back onto two lanes by numerous terminals. Whoever came up with this.... But it works perfectly.

Orléans is a major city in central France with a fascinating old town. However, what Google Maps showed us: There is no parking space for motorhomes in the city. There are plenty of parking garages, mostly underground, but Herbert (especially in height) is too big for that. Otherwise, the city is mostly filled with buildings, and only residents park on the street. But don't despair, ask mom: There was a very large parking lot with plenty of empty spaces at the train station, only 15 minutes from the city center. Or rather to the Sainte-Croix Cathedral. The footpath led us through the shopping mile to the equestrian statue of Jeanne d´Arc. Joan of Arc, as she is also called, is worshiped on practically every corner of the city. The reason for this is that she expelled or rather defeated the English from the city in the Hundred Years' War. At the age of only 19, she was burned at the stake in Rouen for various reasons and declared a martyr years later. She is considered a national heroine throughout France, but in Orléans she is particularly honored. Last night we read her biography, it's really exciting and interesting.

We continued from the equestrian statue along Rue de Jeanne d´Arc directly to the cathedral. You rarely see something as impressive as this! It is said that a church was built on the same spot in the 1st century, which was repeatedly destroyed, rebuilt, and enlarged. The foundation stone for the current cathedral was laid in 1601, but it too was damaged or even almost destroyed from time to time. However, it was officially consecrated in 1829 and further beautified in the following years. The towers are 86m high, the spires even 114m. What is particularly striking about this 6,300 sqm structure is that the transept and the nave form the Christian cross. There are countless chairs for the worshippers in the nave, and numerous small chapels are lined up along the edges. Some of them look like altars dedicated to various clergy, or they are chapels for the faithful from the surrounding towns, where newcomers can pray. The huge windows, which depict numerous little stories, are also incredibly impressive. You can also buy candles (for a donation) everywhere and light them for the deceased. Of course, we did that too. All in all, the cathedral is definitely something you should see if you are in the region. The size and the interior are incredibly impressive, I can't really put it into words.

Afterwards, we accidentally discovered the Hôtel Groslot, a museum that you can visit for free. Among other things, there was a room where city council meetings took place until 1981. You could also visit a hall that was a royal bedroom until the 16th century, but is now used as a wedding room. The great thing about this museum was the old furniture, chandeliers, and wall decorations.

All in all, it was a great trip to the big city, although we never actually intended to visit cities. But it was definitely worth it.

Afterwards, we drove to the parking space for the next night in Chézy (287km for the day). Located directly on the Loire, the place made a very good impression. However, we had to realize that Herbert had a little problem, because the underbody cover had come loose and was hanging down. The caretaker, however, immediately and honorably helped us and brought cable ties. Thanks to the translation app, who knows the word for cable tie in English or even French?

At the end of the day, we fired up the grill once again and enjoyed ourselves. Unfortunately, thousands of tiny flies spoiled our evening outside, so we are now sitting comfortably indoors and will soon go to sleep. See you tomorrow

Best regards

Die3Bolis