In the heart of the Loire Valley, Orleans is a historic, ancient city capital of the kingdom of France. The river that crosses the city, the Loire, has played an essential role in its development by making it a major port city since antiquity. The city has also experienced many royal coronations.
“My France, summer” makes you discover this old town as well as the the Loire Valley which is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
To fully understand the heritage of this city, a historical sailor and iconic on the Loire tells you the story of Orléans. Bertrand Deshayes returns to the importance of skippers in the development of the city, as for the capital of Paris. In the 18th century, it was no less than 10,000 boats who were stopping in Orleans. They were depositing hundreds of tons merchandise.
Whether Bertrand Deshayes knows these stories well, it is because he tells them regularly when he takes passengers on board the tern, his traditional wooden boat. Historically, his “toue” type boat traveled up the river from Nantes at Orleans. It offers rides for up to twelve people from the port of Chatillon-sur-Loire to the commercial port of Briare.
Bertrand Deshayes is a descendant of a family of vinegar makers, which was the main business of Orléans at the time of the inland waterways.
The tradition of the master vinegar and mustard makers of Orléans
It is a real local heritage, but the vinegar and the mustard d’Orléans have become increasingly rare. Since 1983, the Martin Pouret vinegar factory has been the one and only house to perpetuate the tradition of the master vinegar and mustard makers of Orléans. The beginning of its activity dates back to 1797.
Due to its geographical location, the city of Orleans inherited after the Renaissance from all the wines that turned up the Loire towards Paris. Orléans has produced up to 80% of vinegars of France with its few 300 vinegar makers.
The good shots of Anne-Sophie
Anne Sophie loves her city and she shows it on her instagram account “Picture thief”. This amateur photographer since 2016 never misses an opportunity to share the city’s must-sees: streets, works of street art, exhibitions… She shares unusual places like The Paillotea tavern on the banks of the Loire.
She recommends the Fête des Duits which will take place from August 11 to 16. An event in the middle of nature where culture mixes with modern and contemporary creation. Photography, music, dance, architecture and cinema: there is something for everyone.
On the “legend” side, you will know more about the crypt of Saint-Aignanbuilt by King Robert the Pious in the 11th century.
Finally, Julien Lebrize will introduce you to its “cyloposter”: a device for collecting bio-waste by bike to promote composting thanks to a cargo bike. He presents his association and its objectives.