Orléans: At the Crossroads between Tour de France and Olympic Games

IN SHORT

Orleans in line of sight : impact of Tour de France and some Olympic flame.
Economic opportunities: tourism, infrastructure And sport events.
Improvement of the visibility of the city on a national and international scale.
Mobilization of local actors to boost the cultural and sporting offer.
Events planned to attract an audience diversified and numerous.

In the heart of France, Orléans stands out as a rising star on the map of tourist destinations. With the imminent arrival of the Tour de France and the passage of the Olympic flame, this city rich in history is preparing to experience strong moments and attract an ever-widening audience. Its lively streets, its emblematic monuments and its festive atmosphere create an ideal setting for hosting these major events. So, is Orléans looking to reinvent itself, to rise to the forefront of the tourist scene and establish itself as an essential destination? Whispers around the preparations underway point to a promising future, propelled by the energy of sporting competitions and the creative enthusiasm that surrounds them.

The impact of major sporting events on tourism #

THE Tour de France and the Olympic flame are sporting events that attract the attention of not only sports enthusiasts, but also tourists from all over the world. Orléans, already known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, saw a significant influx of visitors thanks to these two events. The period from July 8 to 10 thus marked a turning point, with record attendance at the tourist office. This demonstrates to what extent these events can boost the local tourism sector.

For example, on July 8, during the Tour’s rest day, the office recorded 2575 visitors, well beyond the usual average of 800. This figure illustrates Orléans’ ability to attract a diverse public, curious to discover its attractions.

A city that is transforming into a destination of choice #

Over the years, a trend has emerged: tourists are taking more and more time to explore Orléans. According to Marie-Philippe Lubet, vice-president of the metropolis, while previously visits were often limited to a weekend, the length of stays has increased, now averaging around four days.

This development is also accompanied by a sharp increase in the number of foreign tourists. In July 2023, Orléans experienced an increase of 24% international visits, attracting a varied audience, ranging from Europeans keen on history to visitors from further afield in search of nature.

The assets of Orléans to attract visitors #

Orléans has several advantages that make it an attractive destination, including:

A rich historical heritage : The city is marked by its history, notably with emblematic sites such as the Sainte-Croix Cathedral.
A diverse cultural offering : Festivals and cultural events throughout the year enrich the visitor experience.
Outdoor activities : The proximity to nature and green spaces allows tourists to enjoy moments of relaxation.

The combination of these elements, coupled with the beneficial effects of Tour de France and Olympic Games, places Orléans on the map of must-see destinations.

Promising prospects for the future #

Jean-David Hestin, deputy director of the tourist office, emphasizes that cities that succeed in attracting an international audience see their notoriety and attractiveness increase. According to him, the stages of the Tour and the Olympic flame were able to reveal the potential of Orléans as a dynamic host city.

With the arrival of Olympic Games, optimism is in order. Tourism stakeholders hope that this event will mark a turning point and strengthen enthusiasm for Orléans. In the meantime, the city continues to assert itself as a destination where history, sport and culture meet, making it a dream location for future visitors.