The alleys of Orléans, soft and discreet

In these quiet alleyways, life is probably sweeter than elsewhere....

 

20 kilometers of alleys....

The Vaupulant district, whose name perhaps recalls an opulent valley, the Saint-Marc district, is in all about ten districts that make up these out-of-town, out-of-time spaces.... 

They are criss-crossed by about 20 kilometres of alleyways, these old paths that once snaked through the vines, no wider than a wheelbarrow!

Their name evokes professions... venelle de la Couture, venelle du Moulin, venelle de la tuilerie, venelle de la refinerie... or vegetable elements, among others... venelle des colchiques, venelle des bleuets, venelles des vignes...

 

Along the alleys, the first constructions

It was around 1870 that the first constructions appeared, in a rather anarchic way, it must be said!

This "urbanization" has developed little by little, without running water or sewerage, but obviously, under the onslaught of rising tides of washing machines and showers at all hours, the whole thing has gradually fallen asleep.

And then, all this reflection, this very friendly life, the biodiversity of these gardens, this inventiveness that could inspire many eco-neighbourhood designers, in the end, it's not so bad...

So, little by little, life has come back, the steps make the gravel of the paths crumble again, and the lanterns light up the neighbours' parties!

Before you get lost with nostalgia and fun, take a look at the website of the association Les Vent'Ailes, or contact these lovers of their small preserved universe...

 

Association Les Ven'Ailes
19, venelle des Vaupulents,
45000 Orléans

venailes45@gmail.com
https://venailes.weebly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/venailes/

 

Orléans Val de Loire Tourisme
SPL Orléans Val de Loire Tourisme
2, place de l’Étape 
45000 Orléans 
Tél. : 02 38 24 05 05

 


To go further....

Orléans, métropole entre nature et culture

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Paysages des bords de Loire, forêts, parcs et jardins... Orléans recèle des trésors végétaux parfois insoupçonnés. Au fil des saisons, alors que les lieux changent de visages, le photographe sarrête sur cette nature qui habille la ville. Grâce à de magnifiques clichés il célèbre le végétal, attire notre regard sur des couleurs, des formes, des variétés de fleurs, de fruits ou de légumes qui font la fierté des horticulteurs du territoire. Le texte, quant à lui, entremêle histoire, anecdotes ou citations. Entre découverte et contemplation, Orléans nous apparaît sous un autre jour, dans son écrin d'eau et de verdure.
Orléans insolite et secret

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Au fil de ses rues, de ses monuments, de ses musées et de ses espaces verts, ce livre explore au travers d’anecdotes et de faits méconnus une autre facette d’Orléans. Il constitue un guide indispensable pour tous ceux qui souhaitent découvrir ses nombreux trésors cachés.

Also to be seen in the department

Le Château de la Ferté Saint-Aubin

Escape games at the castle

placeLa Ferté Saint-Aubin - Loiret  
label Tourism, sports and cultural activities Gardens, discovery and leisure activities Museums & Collections Castles & Monuments  

The mailbox village

placeSaint-Martin d'Abbat - Loiret 
label Amazing... isn't it? cities and villages  
Boite praslines Mazet

Thanks to the Comte de Plessis-Praslin!

placeMontargis - Loiret 
label Small trades People from here Gastronomy[to eat] cities and villages  
Le canal de Briare

Briare: the barge takes the bridge

placeCanal de Briare - Loiret  
label Remarkable buildings Records: The +'s and -'s  

Discover the regions of the Great West