Louis XII Square and Fountain

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. At its center stands the magnificent Louis XII Fountain, one of the city’s oldest and most precious landmarks. It already existed in the 13th century under the name *Arsis des comtes de Blois*, near the grain market. Under Louis XII, around 1511, it was rebuilt in Renaissance style by the master fountain maker Pierre de Valence, as part of a vast water supply project for the city. Look closely and you’ll notice the carved vine and grape motifs, a nod to the historic importance of winegrowing in the region. Classified as a Historic Monument as early as 1840, the fountain has survived the centuries, weathering both the French Revolution and the bombings of 1940. Originally built into houses that once lined the area, it became free-standing when the square was created. Today, the square perfectly captures the Blésois art of living, with its café terraces, arcaded shops, and the bustling Saturday morning market. A place where eight centuries of urban history blend seamlessly with the gentle Loire way of life!