Today we are going to visit Blois. Main city of the Loire Valley, Blois is an ideal city to stay during a road trip to discover the castles of the Loire.
The town of Blois, which also has a castle, is one of the must-see places for a stay in the valley. We will see in this article, what to do and what to see in Blois but also what are the good addresses to stay in the city. Indeed, the city of Blois is an ideal place to stay to visit the castles of the Loire.
We will also discuss the visits to be made around the city of Blois, there are many with in particular the discovery of the main castles of the region.
- What to do and see in Blois?
- Where to sleep in Blois?
- Visit Blois: What to do around Blois?
- Practical advice for visiting Blois
What to do and see in Blois?
Let's start with the essentials of a visit to Blois, these places, monuments or museums that you should not miss during your visit to the city.
- The medieval center of Blois
- The town hall and its gardens
- The royal castle of Blois and its Museum of Fine Arts
- Saint Louis Cathedral
- The House of Magic
- The Center for Resistance, Deportation and Memory
- The Doubt Foundation, contemporary art center
The medieval center of Blois
You cannot visit Blois without exploring its remarkable old centre. Indeed, the richness of the buildings in its historic center has contributed to obtaining the City of Art and History label.
Lose yourself along the streets and admire the half-timbered houses and medieval streets that have retained all their charm. Among the most beautiful houses, the House of the Acrobats is one of the oldest buildings in the old town. Decorated with sculptures of artists, jugglers and acrobats, its facade catches the eye of all passers-by.
Strolling through the streets, you will certainly see the magnificent Halle aux Grains de Blois, converted into a convention and culture center, or the Denis Papin staircase which overlooks the city and is regularly redecorated with frescoes, each more original than others.
The town hall and its gardens
Destroyed by the bombardments of the Second World War, the town hall was transferred to the former episcopal palace of Blois, built at the beginning of the XNUMXth century. The interior fittings have lost their authenticity, but the exterior of the building has retained all its prestige.
Attached to the building, the superb gardens of the Bishop's palace, dating from the same period as the episcopal palace, are laid out on a terrace and offer a breathtaking view of the Loire. It is an ideal place to take a break during your visit to the city!
The royal castle of Blois and its Museum of Fine Arts
The Royal Château of Blois is one of the most prestigious of the Loire châteaux. Considered the favorite residence of seven kings of France during the Renaissance, the estate was enlarged and refurbished many times over the centuries.
Classified as a historical monument in 1845, the building is today a remarkable witness to the evolution of architectural styles.
During your visit, you can admire:
- Medieval buildings from the XNUMXth century: the seigniorial hall, the tower of Foix, three other towers and part of the rampart of the original fortress.
A Gothic wing, called “Louis XII wing”: ordered by Louis XII and built between 1498 and 1500, it houses a new dwelling for the King. Its brick facade stands out from the rest of the castle, giving it additional charm. This wing remains largely inspired by French architecture, even if certain decorations suggest the beginnings of the influence of Italian architectural styles. The Museum of Fine Arts of Blois is now installed there. - A Renaissance wing, the François I Wing: Erected between 1515 and 1518 at the start of the King's reign, this new building follows the style of the Italian Renaissance. Its richly decorated facade is pierced with balconies, which allowed the King to see and be seen when he moved around the castle. The centerpiece of this wing is a monumental semi-exterior polygonal staircase, which gives the building unparalleled prestige.
- A classic wing, the Gaston d'Orléans Wing: between 1635 and 1638, the brother of Louis XIII had a new dwelling built around the courtyard of the Château de Blois. The work will be interrupted at the birth of the future King Louis XIV who will remove Gaston d'Orléans from the throne of France. The unfinished wing is no less remarkable and heralds the classical style with Greek influences that will inspire the future Palace of Versailles.
Buy your entrance ticket for the Château de Blois online and avoid the queues at the entrance to the château. Learn more
Visiting the royal castle is one of the essential activities to do in Blois. Digital tablets and interactive screens will immerse you in the heart of history and make your visit unforgettable. And if you are staying in Blois between April and November, don't miss the sound and light show that illuminates the facades of the castle at nightfall!
Saint Louis Cathedral
Seat of the bishopric of Blois, Saint-Louis Cathedral was erected in the XNUMXth century on the foundations of the collegiate church of Saint Solenne which dated from the XNUMXth century, of which some vestiges still remain in the crypt and at the base of the bell tower.
Devastated by a hurricane in 1678, the Saint-Louis cathedral was rebuilt between 1680 and 1700 by Colbert, according to the Gothic style of the time.
Apart from the addition of the Notre-Dame chapel in 1860, an ambulatory in 1867 and the replacement of the stained glass windows destroyed during the bombings of the Second World War, the building has seen very few modifications since 1700.
During your visit, you will notably be able to discover inside the building a superb organ, donated by Louis XIV in 1704, when the church was raised to the rank of cathedral.
Bright and original with its lack of transept and its Gothic style with classical influences, the Saint-Louis de Blois cathedral is to be discovered during your visit to the city!
If you appreciate religious heritage, you can visit other remarkable churches in Blois: the pre-Romanesque church of Saint-Saturnin, the Romanesque church of Saint-Nicolas, the church of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul (former Jesuit church) or still the Basilica of Our Lady of the Trinity, built between the two world wars.
The House of Magic
Opposite the Château de Blois, the Magic Museum is housed in a bourgeois house dating from 1856, the Massé house. Since its opening in 1998, the establishment offers, in addition to the presentation of a permanent collection of magic, a live show renewed every year.
The facade of the building is adorned with a six-headed dragon that appears at the windows every half hour, surprising passers-by. The Maison de la Magie will allow you to discover the history of this art and many exhibitions embellished with optical illusions and surprises of all kinds. If you want to visit Blois with your family, this activity will delight young and old alike.
The Center for Resistance, Deportation and Memory
Dedicated to the Resistance in the region, the Center offers a permanent exhibition presenting the history of the local Resistance as well as temporary exhibitions. The collections have been enriched over the years by donations and testimonies bequeathed by people who lived at that time: deportees, resistance fighters, inhabitants of Blois.
The Doubt Foundation, contemporary art center
In 2013, the artist Benjamin Vautier better known as "Ben" created the Fondation du Doute within the School of Art and the Music Conservatory of Blois. The Fluxus, a contemporary art movement of the 1960s, is widely represented there. The Fluxus is a state of mind around which gather artists advocating humor, derision, but also friendship, freedom and sharing.
Nearly 300 works by 50 different artists are presented, encouraging visitors to question and reflect. Temporary exhibitions are also offered; a free access café and a shop will complete your visit to this unique place.
Where to sleep in Blois?
If you are looking for accommodation in Blois or around the city to enjoy the beauties of the Loire Valley, then here are some addresses. There is something for everyone: high-end establishments, AirBnb, or budget hotels.
Read the article: Where to stay to visit the castles of the Loire?High-end hotels to stay in Blois
Let's start with three top-of-the-range establishments to sleep in and around Blois.
Hotel Mercure Blois
A well-known chain of top-of-the-range hotels, Mercure welcomes you in the city center of Blois, on the Quai Saint-Jean. You can take advantage of the many services offered by the establishment: gym, heated swimming pool, sauna or hammam. The Mercure de Blois hotel offers spacious and perfectly equipped rooms. Service, Decoration, Location See rates
Grotteaux Castle
Located outside of Blois, about 7km from the city, the Château des Grotteaux offers you to sleep in a real castle with spacious rooms with richly worked decoration. You can also enjoy a swimming pool and a tennis court. Service, Setting, Reception See rates
Domain of the Hauts de Loire
Perhaps the most prestigious address in the region, the Hauts de Loire estate offers you a breathtaking setting. This mansion, set in the middle of a large 70-hectare park, has a pond, a swimming pool and a gourmet restaurant. This 4-star establishment is located 20km from Blois. Standing, Decoration, Calm See the prices
AirBnb where to stay in Blois
Now let's move on to AirBnbs. Ideal for a short stay, these accommodations are numerous in the city.
F2 in Blois
Take advantage of an apartment type F2 of approximately 50m2 including a separate bedroom. The apartment is located on the south bank of the Loire, 6 minutes walk from the city center. The apartment has free parking at the foot of the building. 2pers, Parking, Pitch See prices
Studio in Blois
Ideally located in the historic center of the city of Blois, this studio which can accommodate 2 people offers you the opportunity to enjoy a whirlpool bath. A charming studio ideal for a romantic stay in Blois. 2pers, Equipment, Pitch See prices
Charming apartment
Located on the left bank of the Loire, this charming apartment can accommodate up to 6 people. The "Art Deco Chic" decoration is the major asset of this apartment. Its location will allow you to fully enjoy your stay in Blois. 6pers, Decoration, Pitch See prices
Unusual accommodations where to sleep in Blois
Increasingly fashionable, unusual accommodations delight both children and adults alike. These are numerous in the region, here are three examples.
cabin on the water
Spend a night in a real cabin on the water. This atypical accommodation can accommodate two adults and two children. You can enjoy its beautiful terrace equipped with a barbecue. The area offers access to the playground, the petanque ground and even a heated swimming pool and a sauna. 4pers, swimming pool, play area See the rates
Cottages
Spend the night in small chalets of around 25m2 that can accommodate 4 people. The chalets are located in the heart of a very beautiful estate not far from the town of Blois. You can enjoy the heated indoor swimming pool, the tennis courts or the table tennis tables. 4pers, swimming pool, pony See the prices
safari lodge
An accommodation that will appeal to young and old alike. These Safari lodges offer you to sleep in unusual accommodation in the heart of a beautiful estate close to the Château de Chambord. 4pers, Jacuzzi, Sauna See the prices
Cheap hotels where to sleep in Blois
Ibis Budget Blois
The famous Ibis hotel chain has established itself in the center of Blois with their low-cost offer: Ibis Budget. Small rooms equipped with bathroom, in a modern and simple style. The location and price are clearly the strengths of this hotel. Rate, Pitch See rates
Hotel de France and De Guise
Housed in a 100th century building, the Hôtel de France et de Guise is located at the gates of the historic center of Blois, XNUMXm from the royal castle. The hotel offers simple but well-decorated rooms at attractive prices. Decoration, Location See prices
Hotel Louise of Savoy
Located about 400m from the castle of Blois, the Louise de Savoie hotel offers rooms with decoration combining period style and modernity. The hotel has a private car park. Rate, Pitch See rates
Visit Blois: What to do around Blois?
Even if the city of Blois is worth the detour on its own, it is rare for visitors to Blois to limit themselves to visiting the city. Indeed Blois is ideal for visiting the many places of interest in the surrounding area. Several towns near Blois are also worth a look, such as the city of Tours, or the city of Amboise.
It is also the entire Loire Valley and of course its castles that are worth the trip. Here is a brief overview of the places not to be missed around Blois:
- Tours: located about 45 minutes drive from Blois, I invite you to go through the city of Tours. With its historic heart listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will discover an interesting city with a renowned cultural richness. From Saint-Gatien Cathedral to Place Jean-Jaurès, take the opportunity to visit the Château de Tours, the Charlemagne Tower or one of the city's museums.
- Amboise: About thirty kilometers south of the city of Blois is Amboise. High place of the Loire Valley, Amboise is worth the detour in more ways than one. First of all for its town centre, for its royal castle but also and above all for the famous Clos Lucé, the last home of the illustrious Italian architect – painter – inventor, Leonardo da Vinci.
- The castles of the Loire : In addition to the surrounding towns, the entire Loire Valley is worth a look with its countless castles. Chambord, but also Chennonceau, Villandry and Azay-Le-Rideau are among the most famous.
- Beauval Zoo: About forty kilometers south of the city is probably the most famous zoo in France, the ZooParc de Beauval. One of the largest zoos in France where you can see hundreds of different species.
Practical advice for visiting Blois
This last part will be devoted to practical advice for visiting Blois in the best possible way.
How to reach Blois?
Several possibilities are available to you to get to Blois:
- By car : Blois is located between the cities of Tours, 40 minutes to the South West, and the city of Orléans, 40 minutes to the North East on the A10 linking Paris – Orléans – Blois – Tours – Poitiers. Paris is about 2 hours away.
- By train : Blois is a city rather well served by train. Orléans and Tours are both accessible by TER, the first in 40 minutes, as for the second it will take you barely 35 minutes. Blois is connected to Paris by a direct train in 1h30, to Nantes in 2h15, to Bordeaux in 2h30 and to Lyon in 4h30.
- By plane : The nearest airport is Tours Val de Loire, located 40 minutes from Blois. Orly airport is 1h40 away.
How long does it take to visit Blois?
To visit Blois, count on a good day. This is the time you will need to enjoy the historic center of the city, its royal castle and some of its museums, such as the famous magic house, at your own pace.
When to visit Blois?
The Loire Valley is a relatively rainy region. Even if it can be visited without problem throughout the year, favor the summer period, between May and September.
Where to park by car to visit Blois?
The city offers several parking offers, via aerial car parks, underground car parks as well as on the road. You can find more information about parking in Blois on the website of the city of Blois.
