Gastronomy

As you stroll down Rue Porte Côté, let’s tempt you with a few of the delicacies that make Blois so special. The city has managed to both preserve age-old traditions and create new specialties that reflect its history as much as its terroir. And of course, we can’t talk about Blois without talking about chocolate. This is where Auguste Poulain, a native son of the city, founded his chocolate factory back in 1848. Thanks to the Loire, and later the railway, his chocolate bars quickly spread across France, and the name Poulain soon became a household brand—still inseparable from Blois today. This chocolate-making legacy even inspired a more recent creation: the Verger blésois, a dessert that blends Poulain chocolate, apples from Mont-près-Chambord, and caramelized walnuts into a treat that’s both local and refined. On the savory side, there’s Poularde 1550 with saffron, a dish that recalls a royal decree signed in Blois in 1550 regulating the trade of this precious spice. Inspired by a Renaissance recipe called galimafrée, it brings together local poultry, saffron from Sologne, and a fine regional white wine—a dish truly fit for a king. But Blois has plenty more to offer than these emblematic creations. Its traditional sweets are also worth a taste. The Pavés de Blois, for instance, are a delightful mix of nougatine, praline, and chocolate. Then there are the Malices du Loup—almond paste flavored with orange, honey, hazelnut, and a touch of anise, all wrapped in a delicate sugary crust—a little explosion of flavor for your taste buds. And if you prefer dishes from the local terroir, Blésois cuisine doesn’t disappoint: think Solognote duck, stuffed with herbs and sprinkled with brandy, or pâtés d’alouettes, once a staple on family tables. All this, naturally, paired with Sologne asparagus, fresh goat cheese, and a fine Loire wine. And here’s a fun fact: in the 19th century, Blois had several gingerbread factories, along with a local tradition of licorice juice—something that has all but disappeared today. So whether it’s royal recipes or more humble sweet treats, the gastronomy of Blois beautifully blends history with flavor. The perfect excuse, perhaps, to round off your visit with a gourmet stop…