Orléans is a human-scale city on the banks of the Loire, an hour from Paris by train. Close enough to the capital for the occasional meeting, far enough away to enjoy a quality of life where you can breathe. The city centre, between the cathédrale Sainte-Croix and the place du Martroi, is full of shopping streets and small squares where it's good to settle. The south bank of the Loire, more residential, also hides a few gems for those who work on that side. Freelancers, remote workers, students or entrepreneurs, Orléans has developed a solid range of workspots.

The city doesn't have the buzz of Lyon or Bordeaux, but that's exactly what makes it appealing for nomadic work: less noise, fewer people, and spots where you'll always find a seat. Coworking spaces have multiplied in recent years, and cafés that welcome laptops without a fuss aren't hard to find. Here is our selection of 6 places to work in Orléans.

Solo Palma Coffee House

Place du Châtelet, one of the emblematic squares in the city centre. Solo Palma is a small café with a large covered terrace that makes all the difference on sunny days. The atmosphere is calm but not dead, just enough life around you not to feel isolated. The drinks and snacks are organic and fair-trade, which adds a small ethical plus to your work session. The terrace is a real luxury when the sun is out.

Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm, closed Wednesday and Sunday. Recommended by Wicofi in its selection of cafés for working in Orléans. It's the kind of spot you come to for a productive morning with a good coffee, no fuss. The setting is pleasant, the prices are fair, and the welcome is naturally warm towards those who set up their laptop.

The perfect neighbourhood café for a terrace work session when the weather allows.

French Coffee Shop

Rue Louis Roguet, in a quiet part of the centre. French Coffee Shop is the classic recipe that works: free Wi-Fi, cosy atmosphere, a varied menu with food and drinks all day, and a terrace for some fresh air. The place is designed to make you feel comfortable, whether for a one-hour break or a three-hour session. Prices are reasonable, the welcome is friendly, and the setting is neutral enough to let you focus without distraction.

Open Monday to Saturday, with staggered hours early in the week (12pm–7pm Monday–Tuesday) and opening from 9:30am Wednesday to Saturday. Closed Sunday. Mentioned by Wicofi. A reliable, no-surprise spot, exactly what you need when you just want to park your laptop somewhere comfortable.

The simple, effective choice for a few hours of work without any fuss.

Garden Ice Café, Place de Loire

Place de la Loire, facing the river. The setting speaks for itself: a view of the Loire from the terrace, a hushed atmosphere inside, and welcome air conditioning in summer. The Garden Ice Café is bright, spacious, and the Wi-Fi holds up. The drinks menu is varied, and the atmosphere is calm outside peak hours. It's an unusual workspot (you won't find power outlets everywhere like in a coworking space) but the setting more than compensates.

Open every day from 11:30am to 12:30am (1am on Fridays and Saturdays). This wide range of hours is rare in Orléans and lets you work in the evening if you tend to work late. Mentioned by Vivre Orléans in its selection of working places. The combination of Loire views and extended hours makes it a unique spot in the city.

For end-of-day sessions with a view of the Loire, when you want a setting that's a bit different.

L'Atelier Papilles, Orléans Sud Loire

Rue du Pont Cotelle, on the south bank of the Loire. L'Atelier Papilles is a modern bakery with an on-site dining area, comfortable tables, and a relaxed atmosphere. The concept isn't designed for coworking as such, but outside the rush hours (avoid lunchtime), it's a very pleasant workspace. Wi-Fi is available, quiet returns quickly after lunch, and the large tables give you room to spread out.

The hours are impressive: 6:30am to 8pm, every day of the week, weekends included. If you're an early riser and want to kick off your day with a warm croissant and a coffee before 7am, this is one of the only places in Orléans that lets you do that. Cited by Vivre Orléans. For residents of the south bank, it's a golden option.

The spot for early risers and south Loire residents, with pastries as a bonus.

Maison Bécam, Orléans Sud

Rue des Montées, also on the south bank. Maison Bécam is a bakery from a network founded in Angers, with a room where you can sit. It's the kind of place where you settle in for a studious afternoon and time passes without you noticing. No Wi-Fi announced, but the quiet and comfort make up for it if you have your mobile connection or work offline.

Open every day from 7am to 8pm. Mentioned by Vivre Orléans in its recommendations. The atmosphere is that of a refined tea room without being stuffy, you can come in jeans and trainers without feeling out of place. For afternoons when you need quiet and comfort, Maison Bécam delivers.

The cosy, soothing address for focused afternoon work sessions on the south Loire side.

McDonald's, D2020 Orléans Sud

Rue Basse Mouillère, on the south bank. We're not going to sell you a dream about the décor, but the Orléans Sud McDonald's has an asset few spots in the city can claim: it's quiet outside meal times, open every day from 9am to 12:45am, with Wi-Fi. Parking is convenient if you come by car, the tables are comfortable, and the prices are what they are, unbeatable for parking your laptop for several hours.

Mentioned by Vivre Orléans in its list of spots for working, as surprising as that may seem. The ideal window: between 2pm and 5pm, when the room is almost empty and the quiet settles in. It's a perfect backup spot when everything else is closed or packed, and the extended hours save you when you need somewhere open late, or at the weekend.

The plan B that works when you need somewhere open late, with Wi-Fi and no fuss.

Looking for a terrace to work from?

If you want to work outside this summer, we've put together a dedicated selection: the best terraces for remote work in Orléans. Shaded café terraces, coworking spaces with rooftops, hotel lobbies, we've sorted through the genuinely good spots for the season.

The right spot for your needs

  • For a terrace with a Loire view: Garden Ice Café (open until 12:30am, 1am on Fridays and Saturdays)
  • For early risers on the south side: L'Atelier Papilles (from 6:30am, every day)
  • For an organic café on a terrace: Solo Palma Coffee House (place du Châtelet)
  • For a late-night backup spot: McDonald's D2020 (until 12:45am)

Orléans has a serious card to play for nomadic work. The city combines characterful city-centre cafés (Solo Palma, French Coffee Shop) and south-bank options that avoid crossing the Loire (L'Atelier Papilles, Maison Bécam). All in a city where you'll always find a seat and where rents remain reasonable compared to Paris. In short, if you're looking for a good balance between quality of life and work efficiency, Orléans is worth a stop.

We update this selection regularly as we explore and hear from you. If you try one of these spots, or know one we've missed, we want to hear about it. And if you want to explore other cities or find a spot near you, find all our guides on Deskover.