Acrobats’ House

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. With its timber framing, overhanging upper floors, and wooden staircase inside, it stands out above all for its beautifully carved façade. Take a closer look and you’ll spot knights, courtly scenes, religious figures—and of course the playful little acrobats that gave the house its name. You can almost feel the humor and imagination of 15th-century craftsmen, who managed to breathe life into the wood as if their figures were about to move. Listed as a historic monument since 1922, the house has witnessed more than 500 years of history. Even Victor Hugo, who stopped in Blois in 1825, praised it as “precious.” Today it’s privately owned and transformed into guest rooms, but still faces Saint-Louis Cathedral, offering a striking contrast between religious and secular art. Take a moment to admire this façade—it remains one of the most distinctive treasures of Blois’ heritage.