Orléanais

Located on both sides of the middle Loire River, the chief cities of this region are Orléans, Chartres, and Blois. The Château of Blois, built during the sixteenth century was one of the great gastronomic centers of royal France and famous particularly for its game specialties.

The countryside surrounding Orléans, at the heart of this province, is noted for its fine produce. Its beef and poultry are highly prized in neighboring Paris and Tours. The asparagus from Vendôme, to the east of Orléans, is in demand throughout France when it is in season.