Tour
4,3 km
1h45
21 audios
Text version
Halfway between Tours and Orléans, the charming town of Blois has just as much to offer as its famous neighbors. With a history spanning over a thousand years, the capital of the Loir-et-Cher region and its mild climate are sure to delight visitors. Home to a majestic castle on the banks of the Loire River and a number of picturesque half-timbered houses, the city hasn’t been named a City of Art and History for nothing. It’s been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000 and has long been admired for its stunning scenery. It’s no wonder that it was a favorite of French kings. Now, it’s your turn to discover why. Join us for a royal getaway along the Loire River.
Blois, a city crossed by the Loire River, is a haven of green spaces and parks. You're now in the perfect spot to take in the surrounding scenery and snap an Instagram-worthy photo of the river flowing under the Jacques Gabriel Bridge. Read more
As with many spots in Blois, Louis XII Square is a place where people meet and socialize. Laid out as early as 1825, with a vegetable market on one side and the city theater on the other, the square is home to one of the last remnants of the city's 13th-century water supply system. Read more
The Denis Papin Staircase is a must-see attraction in Blois. Climbing its 120 steps is a bit of a workout, but the dizzying views from the top are worth it. For your information, I'm using 'dizzying' both literally and figuratively here. Read more
The Jacques Gabriel Bridge has connected Blois's city center to its left bank ever since the 18th century. It came to replace a medieval bridge that had been largely damaged by the river's waters, and helped the city keep its status as a river and trade hub. Read more
Nestled in the heart of the city's historic center, Puits-Châtel is a district with a rich history. It's known today as the eastern part of the city, and stands as a vivid reminder of its medieval past, beautifully preserved thanks to 19th-century urban redevelopment projects. Read more
They say that the best way to discover a city's hidden gems is to simply lose yourself in its streets. One look at this Gothic building before you, and you'll see why this suggestion is spot on. Read more
Are we in Alsace or the Loire Valley? Truth is, this beautiful building on your left might throw you off a bit. This half-timbered beauty is one of the oldest houses in town, and is much photographed by passers-by. Read more
Introducing the Saint-Louis Cathedral, standing tall in its namesake square. Construction began in 1544, spanning two whole centuries. The cathedral has weathered numerous storms, including a devastating hurricane in 1678 and the American bombing raids of World War II, and was thus remodeled time and time again. Read more
With those French flags and the Republic's motto inscribed on the facade, it's pretty clear that we're standing in front of the Blois Town Hall, located just behind the Saint-Louis Cathedral. But it hasn't always been a town hall. It's seen its share of changes over the centuries. Read more
Now's the time to relax and take in the stunning views over Blois and the surrounding area. Take a quick break, or find a cozy bench and let your worries drift away, soaking up this beautiful panorama from this serene spot where the royal river meets the lower town. Read more
The gardens of the Bishop's Palace are a popular hangout spot nestled above Blois and the Loire River. It's home to a small collection of plants and it's just perfect if you're looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle. Read more
Built by the first Dukes of Orléans and the Counts of Blois back in the 15th century, the Corn Exchange was once divided into two parts, with the actual market on the ground floor and a courthouse upstairs. Read more
Introducing the Beauvoir Tower, thought to be one of the oldest monuments in Blois, and perhaps even in France. It has stood the test of time, having been built between the 11th and 12th centuries by the Lords of Beauvoir, vassals of the Counts of Blois, whose fief stretched from here all the way to the Loire River. Read more
From the 15th to the 16th century, Blois was the royal capital under Louis XII and saw the construction of numerous mansions to accommodate the royal court. Among them was the Alluye Mansion, on your right. Read more
While not as big and famous as its neighbor, aka the Blois Castle, the Church of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul is well worth a visit. It dates back to 1634, when King Henri III called for the construction of a chapel for the Jesuit College he had just founded. Read more
Introducing the Royal Castle of Blois, the crown jewel of the Loire Valley, known for its great history and architecture. It was a favorite residence of French royalty and has seen centuries of royal dramas, schemes and power plays. You see, it has welcomed a total of seven kings and ten queens. Read more
Surtout, ne vous laissez pas intimider par le premier coup d'œil donné à cette bâtisse. Reconnaissable entre mille, la Maison de la magie est une étape indispensable de Blois. Read more
Since we're out and about, we might as well take you down some of Blois' most famous streets. You know how every city has that one place? Read more
Saint-Nicolas Church is arguably one of the greatest landmarks in the Loire Valley. Built between the 12th and early 13th centuries, this religious edifice stands on the site of an earlier abbey church and monastery, founded by Benedictine monks fleeing Norman invaders. Read more
Introducing the Hôtel-Dieu of Blois, a monumental complex of great importance, nestled on the banks of the Loire River. Originally a monastic property owned by the Benedictine order since the Middle Ages, the building underwent a complete transformation in the 19th century to become a full-scale hospital. Read more
Découvrez Blois avec l’application navaway®
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
20 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
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You’ve probably explored every nook and cranny of the historic center, but there are still secrets waiting to be uncovered. The thing is, this city of Art and History still has more aces up its sleeve.
First up, there’s the Fondation du Doute, the Foundation of Doubt. It’s neither a museum nor an art center per se. This unique space, curated by French artist Ben, is as intriguing for its name as it is for the art it houses. You’ll find 1,500 square meters of eclectic works, inviting you to question and interpret art in your own way. Come and learn all about the Fluxus, the contemporary art movement of the 1960s.
For a more contemporary art experience, head to the Maison de la bd, the Comic Book House – a haven for comic book lovers, nestled in the center of town, and a unique attraction in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Time to immerse yourself in the Ninth Art. There are two temporary exhibitions and two permanent exhibitions all year round, with free access for visitors who wish to share and exchange ideas about comic strips and their creators. And if you’re a true fan, be sure to visit during the bd Boum festival in mid-November.
If you’re interested in art history, you can visit the Blois Fine Arts Museum, home to over 300 paintings, sculptures and collectibles signed by both local and famous artists like Rubens and Ingres. Prepare for a fascinating journey through European art from the 16th to the 19th centuries, all within a setting fit for royalty.
No visit to Blois would be complete without a tour of the surrounding area. This city is the perfect starting point to explore the castles of the Loire Valley. Follow in the footsteps of kings and queens, and head for Chambord, Beauregard, Cheverny and many other famous castles. And trust me when I say, you won’t have to look far for your next adventure, with nearly 3,000 castles to choose from.
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