​Blois, the city with the most iconic château

Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, the city of Blois bears testimony to the fabulous history of the Loire Châteaux. Within this "Ville d’art et d’histoire" (City of art and history), you can visit the old town, lively centre and admire its fine buildings. The royal château, once home to Francis I, is just as prestigious site as the nearby Châteaux of Chambord and of Cheverny.
 

The Royal Château: a synthesis of the Loire Châteaux

Located high on its rocky perch, the Royal château of Blois dominates the city and the Loire. Its four facades, each of a distinct style, offer a rapid overview of French architecture and the history of the Châteaux of the Loire. 

A unique feature of the Royal Château is that it is the only one to have hosted no less than 10 queens and 7 kings of France, including Louis XII and Francis I, his nephew and successor.

Both sovereigns added to the building: while Louis XII built a new wing, Francis I added a magnificent stairway to the royal courtyard.
 

Blois, a town to explore on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage

The interesting features of Blois are not limited to the castle! In order to gain a sense of its prestigious past, take time to explore the town, which seems to be mysteriously frozen in time. 

Visitors will perhaps find the answer to the mystery in the Maison de la magie (House of magic). Located in Place du Château, it reveals all the art of conjuring through a series of exhibitions and shows.

Wander along the lively little lanes of the old town and seek out the hidden courtyards and paved squares on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage: the perfect way to sink gently back into the life of Blois of past centuries...

Two religious buildings are worth a detour: the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Louis with its high Renaissance-style tower and the church of Saint-Nicolas, which offers a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles.