Crowded dark narrow streets, lots of noise and rush, at the highest market price? Did someone say Paris? However, the French capital might be the perfect place to find a dream job. Big hubs such as Paris CDG or Paris ORLY offer a wide range of vacancies in the aviation industry - legacies, low-cost, ultra-low-cost, hybrid, short/medium or long-haul, passenger or cargo airlines, everything is available in Paris!
This being said, sometimes commuting from outside the capital allows for some savings for people who prefer a more rural Zen environment. If living further away from the romanticized French capital sounds appealing, let’s check out what the nearby city of Orleans has to offer!
Accommodation:
Orleans is located 120 km southwest of Paris, in the valley of Loire. It is the capital of the central region and one of the major cities in the area.
Despite its small size (27.5 km2), the city offers many accommodation options, at convenient prices. As a reference, the monthly rent for an unfurnished apartment can go as low as 11 euros/m2. A real bargain compared to Paris! Property acquisition prices are also lower than in Paris - averaging around 2500-3000 euros/m2.
Still, the rental procedure remains as complicated as in any other French city - if curious about it, see here.
City life: 🚦
After saving some money with the rent, let’s check out what Orleans has to offer! The city is divided by the Loire in 2 sections: North and South. Most city life is concentrated towards the north, surrounding the beautiful city centre. In the centre, there is a tourist office that can provide travel guides and maps on request. One of the most impressive buildings recommended to visit is the cathedral, often compared to Notre- Dame.
The access is free so it is a nice spot to admire the unique architecture and learn a bit of the city’s history, honoring the famous Jean d’Arc.
The city is well connected from N/S and E/W by tram or bus. A 24-hour transportation pass costs around 4-5 euros. The castles around the Loire Valley are a must-see! Orleans has many parks all over the city - such as the Parc Floral de la Source, located south. This park also has a butterfly 🦋 serre that is unfortunately closed during the winter season. For IKEA lovers, there is also a nice commercial area in the south of the city. Typical French spots such as brasseries or boulangeries 🥯 are really common at all corners! Food is simply delicious (enjoy these delicacies in moderation.. 🙌)
Conclusion:
With its impressive cathedral, tiny streets and affordable life costs, Orleans can be considered an alternative to Paris, thanks to its connectivity and infrastructure. With the possibility of enjoying long walks along the Loire, visiting the nearby castle or enjoying local cuisine, Orleans offers a nice city vibe and many attractions to the tourists curious to discover its authentic charm.
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