Orly is a commune in the southern suburbs of Paris, located 7.9 miles from its centre. A commune is the lowest level of administrative division in the French Republic, roughly equivalent to incorporated municipalities or villages. With a population of over 21,000 inhabitants, Orly is part of both the region of Ile de France and the Val de Marne department, while its chief town is Creteil.

Orly started life off in the 12th century as a village belonging to the canons of Notre-Dame de Paris. In 1360, during the Hundred Years War, the British mounted an attack on the village wiping out 45% of the adult male population. The creation of a modern city started to take place in the 19th century with the building of its first two schools, its first town hall and church square as well as the organisation of a public transport service. 1956 saw a period of unplanned urbanisation with 24,000 new residents moving to the city. Today the city continues to grow with the prospect of regaining the Seine River.

A two-day trip
Two days is the perfect amount of time to discover all the charm that the city of Orly has to offer. Premiere Classe Hotel Orly Rungis is just a short taxi ride away from the city centre so once you’re settled head on in. For your first day why not visit the church of Saint-Germain. Located in the neighbourhood of Old Orly, the church was partially restored last century after being destroyed in 1360 during the Hundred Years War. Next head to the castle park Melies for some relaxation. The park belonged to the city’s mayor in 1896. For your second day why not visit the castle at the Hamlet of Grignon before exploring the Castle Park, created during the reign of Louis XVI.

A one-week break
A week is the perfect amount of time to not only get to know Orly but also to explore the Ile de France region. With Paris not too far away why not venture to the French capital where there is an endless amount of fun to be had. Whether it is visiting the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre or any of the city’s other famous landmarks and attractions you will not regret your trip. Another place to visit in the region is Versailles where its famous Palace and surrounding gardens will keep you more than busy for the day.

A family holiday
Orly is a great place to take the whole family! Whether it is a visit to Cinema Orly, the city’s theatre, the Municipal School of Arts or one of the many scenic parks there will be something for everybody!

Transport
Orly is served by the Paris-Orly Airport which is located partially in Orly and partially in Villeneuve-le-Rois. It is a major hub for flights to European cities as well as for flights to the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, North America and Southeast Asia. It is also the busiest French airport for domestic traffic. The airport is connected to the city by both the Orlyval shuttle train and the Orlybus. The city is also served by two stations on the Paris RER line C: Les Saules and Orly-Ville which have regular trains to Paris and then onto the rest of France. If you’re travelling by car then the A6 to the north connects the city to Paris while to the south it will take you to Lyon. Stay at the Premiere Classe Hotel Orly Rungis to be close to everything,

Gastronomy
The food of Orly is very similar to that of Paris and in France as a whole. This means high quality food second to none around the world! Whether it is ‘steak tartare’ (finely chopped mince beef), ‘foie gras’ (duck liver) or a ‘croque-madame’ (a ham, cheese and egg sandwich) you wont be disappointed with what you try.

Events
With Paris a short ride away, the French capital offers more than enough events throughout the year. The French Open in June boasts the world’s finest tennis players battling it out for the Grand Slam title and is definitely a must-see. The Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, including a parade and fireworks, are always spectacular. While there is also the international music festival of Rock en Seine in August as well as the outdoor cinema event of Cinema en Plein Air in July just to name a few.

Interesting fact
The name of Orly came from Latin Aureliacum – ‘the villa of Aurelius’. Aurelius were a Plebeian family during the Roman era.

Useful links
http://www.mairie-orly.fr/
http://www.parisinfo.com/
http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage