Orléans, << AWR lee uhnz or `awr` lay AHN >> (pop. 114,782; met. area pop. 435,235), is an important commercial center in north-central France. The city lies along the Loire River. It is the capital of the administrative region Centre-Val de Loire.
Orléans is in the Loire Valley, a region that is famous for its many estates and châteaux (castles). The city has a number of medieval buildings—including the Gothic Cathedral of St. Croix and the University of Orléans. Orléans grows most of the commercially raised roses in France. Its many other products include automobiles, candies, clothing, computers, electric appliances, farm machinery, liqueurs, and pharmaceuticals.
Roman soldiers established a colony at the site of what is now Orléans in 52 B.C. In 1429, Joan of Arc led the French army in saving the city from English invasion (see Joan of Arc, Saint).
