Tour
4 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
Welcome to Place Louis XII, one of the liveliest squares in Blois! You’re right in the heart of the historic center, in a largely pedestrian area where heritage and the French art of living come together beautifully. The square was laid out between 1819 and 1823 to link the royal château towering above with the old neighborhoods of the lower town. Read more
On your left is the Denis Papin staircase, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Step closer if you’d like to get a better look. 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
Here you are, standing in front of one of Blois’ most iconic landmarks: the Jacques-Gabriel Bridge. For almost three centuries it’s linked the historic city center to the Vienne district, stretching elegantly across the Loire. Its story begins back in 1716, when a massive flood swept away the old medieval bridge. 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
On Saint-Louis Square, one house in particular immediately catches the eye: the one on your left. This is the House of the Acrobats, one of the finest residences in Blois. Built around 1470 during the reign of Louis XI, it’s among the city’s oldest examples of civil architecture. Read more
You’re standing in front of the cathedral that dominates both the city and the Loire. Originally, this was the site of the Church of Saint-Solenne, but on the night of June 6 to 7, 1678, a violent hurricane almost completely destroyed it. By order of Louis XIV, and with the support of his minister Colbert—whose wife was from Blois—reconstruction began at the end of the 17th century. 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
From the Bishop’s Garden, your eyes are drawn straight to the Loire. Wide and majestic, this royal river has shaped both the history and the identity of Blois. Just below, the tightly packed slate roofs of the old town recall the days when the city revolved around its château and bustling river port. 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. Its earliest origins go back to 1634, with the intention of building a chapel for the Jesuit college founded a few decades earlier. 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
Facing the Royal Château of Blois, you can’t miss this grand 19th-century building. And if it already looks impressive from the outside, just wait until you step inside… Welcome to the House of Magic, the only museum in Europe entirely dedicated to the art of illusion. Read more
Welcome to Rue Saint-Lubin, a true gem of Blois’ historic center and a genuine journey back to the 15th and 16th centuries! The street owes its name to Saint Lubin, Bishop of Chartres in the 6th century, preserving the memory of the former Church of Saint-Lubin, once the main place of worship in Blois until it was destroyed by fire in 1114. Read more
Saint-Nicolas Church is the oldest religious building in Blois and one of the true gems of the Loire Valley! Look up at its majestic silhouette, standing proudly over the banks of the Loire for nearly nine centuries. What you’re seeing is a remarkable example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic art, built between 1138 and the early 13th century. 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
Vous avez encore un peu de temps à Blois ? Découvrez tous nos conseils pour compléter votre visite. Read more
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An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
21 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
An exclusive experience between history and flavors in the heart of the Loire Valley castles
An absolute symbol of the French Renaissance, Chambord impresses with its monumental scale and its double-helix staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. Surrounded by a vast enclosed forest park, it is a must-visit, both for its architecture and its landscapes.
This château, still inhabited by the same family for over six centuries, is renowned for the elegance of its richly furnished interiors. Its park and its permanent exhibition dedicated to Tintin make it both a historical and family-friendly visit.
Around Blois, several lesser-known castles are well worth a visit. Beauregard captivates with its Gallery of Illustrious Figures and landscaped park. Chaumont-sur-Loire overlooks the Loire and draws visitors with its International Garden Festival. Talcy retains a simple, poetic charm, linked to Ronsard and Cassandre. Finally, Fougères-sur-Bièvre immerses visitors in the medieval atmosphere of a 15th-century fortress.
The town of Amboise is home to a royal château overlooking the Loire, associated with Charles VIII and Francis I, whose chapel holds the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. Right next door, the Clos Lucé was the Italian master’s final residence, today transformed into an interactive museum dedicated to his inventions. A perfect double visit to understand the legacy of the Renaissance.
Nicknamed the “Ladies’ Château,” it spans the River Cher with incomparable elegance. Its history was shaped by prominent women such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici, and its gardens are magnificent.
Famous throughout Europe, the gardens of Villandry are a masterpiece of topiary art and symmetry. The ornamental vegetable garden, unique in the world, is just as worth visiting as the château itself.
South of the city, this 19th-century stud farm tells the story of horse breeding and French equestrian traditions. Visitors can explore the stables, see the horses, and sometimes attend events that bring this unique heritage to life.
A vast green lung of 2,000 hectares at the gates of Blois, the Forest of Russy is ideal for a walk, a bike ride, or a family outing. It is home to varied wildlife, including roe deer and stags, and offers a true moment of nature.
Founded in the 11th century, this Benedictine abbey has preserved fine medieval remains. Discreet and little-known, it bears witness to the region’s religious importance and ranks among the most remarkable historic sites near Blois.
These natural caves offer an unusual spectacle: water rich in limestone gradually transforms objects into stone. The underground tour reveals this rare phenomenon, fascinating both nature lovers and the simply curious.
200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world
DownloadThe Loire Valley is brimming with castles — around 300 in total — although not all are open to the public. The most iconic, like Château de Chambord, attracts nearly 2 million visitors each year. This Renaissance masterpiece is a must-see in the Pays de la Loire. Another highlight is the Royal Château of Blois, which also deserves your attention. Then there’s Château de Chenonceau — often considered one of the most beautiful castles in the region, if not the country. Like Chambord, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 15th century, this stunning castle never fails to impress.
Architecture lovers and castle enthusiasts should absolutely include Blois in their itinerary. The town’s rich history is reflected in its charming atmosphere. Blois is known for its Royal Château, once a residence of French kings during the Renaissance, its Saint-Louis Cathedral, and the elegant Jacques-Gabriel Bridge that spans the Loire River. Unlike bigger cities, Blois isn’t overrun with tourists, which makes for a much more pleasant visit.
Blois offers a variety of scenic walks. Start with the cobblestone streets of the historic center — perfect for a relaxing stroll as you admire half-timbered houses and long-standing shops. Since the Loire runs through the city, you can also enjoy lovely riverside walks along the quays.
The easiest option is to stay in the historic center of Blois. This puts you close to major sites like the Royal Château and Saint-Louis Cathedral. Aside from a few luxury hotels, you’ll find plenty of comfortable accommodations, whether you prefer hotels or Airbnb rentals.
Blois is a small city that’s easy to explore on foot. Most of the main attractions are located in or near the city center.
The city of Blois is crossed by the Loire River.
The postal code for Blois is 41000. It is the capital of the Loir-et-Cher department.
Blois offers a great quality of life, combining history, nature, and peace. Set along the Loire River, the city enjoys a preserved natural setting that’s perfect for outdoor activities. Its exceptional heritage — including the Royal Château and charming historic streets — gives it a unique appeal. Blois is also a human-sized city, offering quality services, local shops, and a friendly atmosphere. Centrally located in the Loire Valley, it’s well connected and close to larger cities like Tours and Orléans. With a lower cost of living than big urban centers, Blois is a popular choice for those seeking tranquility without giving up modern conveniences.
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