Loiret

The Loiret department is in central France, in the Centre-Val de Loire region, and its capital is Orléans, a city with deep historical ties to Joan of Arc. Located within part of the Loire Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage site), it includes the agricultural plains of Beauce in the north and the vast Orléans forest (France's largest state-owned forest) in the south. Its economy combines agriculture, logistics and small industries. With less than an hour to Paris by train, a lower cost of living and high quality of life, Orléans is a popular destination for those seeking calm with access to the capital.

Orléans, Olivet, Montargis

• Université d'Orléans – Campus d'Orléans-La Source

Orléans is a medium-sized city with student, business and calmer suburban neighborhoods. As always, you should be a bit more alert around the station and the city center, but overall it is acceptable and typical for students.

Orléans has a tram network (TAO) and buses, and the city is connected by TER and Intercités trains to Paris, Orléans-La Source and other towns in the region.