European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - April 25, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Built by the Duke of Orleans Irvlie 18th Century. But Orleans was heavily damaged in world War ii and most of the old town is gone. A Short distance away is an old Brick and half timbered construction squeezed Between modern buildings. Joan stayed in this House in 1429 As she planned the City s Rescue. The building now houses the Centre Jeanne d arc a compact and attractive museum that includes models of Orleans period costumes weapons and a diorama that uses tiny soldiers moving lights and a tape recording to explain the Battle for the City. The museum s curator will gladly play an English version of the tape if asked. There Are a few other Sites Worth seeing a such As the City s Art museum with its collection of paintings and sculptures by French artists a but your time might be better spent by taking a drive out of town. About 20 Miles from Orleans is one of the Loire River s famous chateaus. Sully sur Loire does not have one of the largest or Best known of these former Homes of French Royalty and nobility but it is still an attractive building and less crowded than those on the chateau route. Sully sits inside a double Moat surrounded by the Waters of the River Sange near the shores of the Loire. The current building was built Between 1395 and 1400 and belonged to four Noble families before passing into the hands of the local government in 1962. Visitors can take a guided tour in French or follow a Brief written room by room description in English available for the asking at the ticket window. You la miss a lot of details if you go on your own but you la miss them anyway if you can t understand the guide. One thing not to miss is the arched wooden ceiling of the chateau s upper Hall the ceiling shaped like the Hull of a ship turned upside Down was made in the Middle Ages from Chestnut Wood that had been soaked under water for Many years to remove All sap then dried in the open air for several  and coated with a disinfectant before being assembled. Unfortunately a modern Wall divides the room so it is not possible to see the ceiling unbroken. And yes Joan of arc was Here. It was during one visit that she finally convinced Charles to be crowned King. About a Quarter of the Way Back to Orleans is St. Benoit where followers of St. Benedictine established a Community in the seventh Century. During the 11th and 13th centuries when the order was flourishing a magnificent Basilica was built that still stands today. The Church has a Large porch containing Many finely carved columns outside its front Entrance. The inside is surprisingly Bright thanks to the White Stone used in much of the construction and the High ceiling which lets in a lot of Light. The Interior also has a roman mosaic and an . Construction that uses fake arcades to make it appear even larger. A there s a final Stop for those who have had the chateau do Sully is surrounded by the River Sange. Enough history and Are ready to relax. The Pari Floral at Orleans la source near Olivet is just one exit from Orleans by the toll Highway or about five Miles by smaller roads. The 74-acre Park combines gardens Floral displays a Small Lake an animal Park playgrounds  and plenty of paths for strolling. It also contains the spot where a subterranean Stream bubbles to the surface and begins the Loiret a Small River that joins the Loire South of or leans. When we were there in Early april daffodils magnolias and a few Trees were in Bloom. Judging by the amount of space dedicated to the different plants we would guess roses Are the biggest attraction so it would be Best to go while they Are in Bloom a mid june to july and again in september. A you can scout the grounds by taking a ride on the steam train that makes a Loop around the Park and then head for whatever interests you. I he Tram fare is 7 francs for adults 5 for children 4-11 and free for those younger. Travellers tips. Sis map Orleans is about 75 Miles Southwest of Paris on Auto route a-1q. If driving from Central Germany take autobahn a-6 to Saa Brucken there is a by service station that accepts Gas coupons just before the French Border and then autoroute a-32 to a-4. A-4 intersects with a-1 o at Paris. Be ready for tolls it will Cost about $27 to go All the Way by Auto routes a less expensive Way is to get off a-4 at Chalons sur Marne and take n-77 to troyes and then n-60 to Sens Mont Argis and Orleans. These Are Good roads and the scenery is much More interesting. A Orleans has a Range of hotels including three formula is 120 francs a about $22 a for a room for up to three persons and the fancier hotel Cheops Complete with pyramids in the courtyard about a Block from the Loire River. Many of the newer hotels have prices posted outside so you can shop around without leaving the car. Orleans modern information office is on a pedestrian overpass at place Albert i a few blocks from the railway station. It has information on Tours museums and events in the City and. Surrounding area hotel rooms can be booked for a slight fee. The phone number is 38-53-05-95 if calling from outside France be sure to add the country code from where you Are calling. There Are several restaurants around place do Martori a l Assi Ette next to the american express building offers buffets starting at around 100 francs a and a Cluster on Rue Ste. Catherine just off the Square. The Sainlez Catherine Brasserie serves several regional specialities including fish and cabbage filet of Salmon braised Ham with peaches plus Pigeon snails and  Are around 50 francs and full meals Start at 95 francs. Next door is the restaurant Saint Pierre slightly fancier with set meals costing Between 92 and 135 francs. Rue de Bourgogne which runs parallel to Rue de Jeanne d arc and is pedestrian Only in places has a mix of cafes pizzerias Cre Peries and Small restaurants offering couscous Oriental food and bar snacks. A. A a a a a a a a. A. A the Centre Jeanne d arc is open 9 30 . To 12 30 . And 2 30-6 30 . Daily March 15 through sept. 30 it does not close for lunch h in july and August. During the rest of the year the a museum has reduced hours and is closed on wednesdays. Admission is 8 francs for adults 4 francs for children. The chateau do Sully is open daily March 1 through nov. 30. Hours Are 9-11 45 . And 2 5 45 . During the summer months and slightly Shorter in Spring and fall. Admission is 12 francs children under.7 Are free. Parc Floral is open 9 . To 6 . April 1 through nov. 11. Admission is 17 francs for adults and half that for children. Floral shows Are held in the Park s exhibition Hall and Garden Center year round. A a John Taylor april 25, 799/ stripes Magazine 5