The Count of Orléans was the ruler of an area of modern France around the city of Orléans. The title was most commonly used in the Merovingian and Carolingian eras.
When Hugh Capet became King of the Franks, the county of Orléans became a part of the royal domain. The lands formed part of the appanages granted to various younger sons of Kings of France with the title Duke of Orléans.