The magic of Blois is obvious from the moment you approach it. The splendid Château de Blois dominates the city and just steps away are many of its other incredible attractions – art and architecture, science and nature and a massive complex dedicated to (yes, really) magic.
A short history of Blois
Blois is on the north bank of the Loire River in central France. It has ancient origins, with evidence of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times. Its earliest recorded name was Blesu, possibly from a Gallic word meaning ‘wolf’.
When the Romans settled in the area, they built a fortress or castle, Bleso (Blisum) Castro (Blois Castle).
From the 5th century CE, a series of villages in the area joined together and the town grew steadily. In the 9th century, the fortress was attacked and destroyed by Viking invaders. The Counts of Blois rebuilt it and it became known as the Château de Blois, standing on a hill overlooking the Loire – an important strategic position. During the Middle Ages, Blois grew wealthy and influential as a centre of trade and commerce.
Today, the economy of Blois relies on agriculture, winemaking, light industry and tourism.
Château Royale de Blois
The present buildings reflect the Château’s long history.
The oldest remaining structures are from medieval times (13th century). After it became a royal residence, it was continually expanded.
The Gothic wing and the Italian gardens date from the time of Louis Xll (early 16th century); the Renaissance apartments, some of which are clearly visible from Blois town centre, were added under Francis I (mid 16th century). It was during this time the famous external spiral staircase was built.
In the 17th century, a new wing, in the Classical style, was added.
The Château was threatened with demolition during the years following the French Revolution (1789) but instead was used as a military barracks.
Today, the Château de Blois is a superb museum with exhibits focusing on art, historical treasures and the château’s architecture.
With the magic of Blois Castle’s technology, you can ‘see’, in virtual reality, how the great halls and furnishings looked at the time of the various Kings and Dukes, by using a Histopad, provided as part of your visit. Many of the rooms have real furnishings and a history of the people who lived there
A visit to the Château is a great starting point for exploring all the magic of Blois.
The art, history and magic of Blois
Blois’ Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts) is in the Louis Xll wing of the Château. It features a collection of paintings, sculpture, furniture and art objects, mostly related to the castle’s history, from the 15th and 17th centuries. You’ll see work by artists such as Botticelli, Rubens, El Greco and many others.
If you’re an art lover, you’ll find smaller galleries throughout town, such as the Fondation du Doute – an interesting building, now a Contemporary Art Centre, with exhibition spaces and studios. Established by artist Ben Vautier, it presents works by various modern artists, including Marcel Duchamp, Salvador Dalí and Man Ray. The Café Le Fluxus is a great place for a coffee or bistro lunch.
The Centre de la Résistance, de la Déportation et de la Mémoire (Resistance, Deportation and Memory) is dedicated to stories, exhibits and artifacts related to the French Resistance and the deportation of (mainly) Jewish-French citizens during WWII. Its purpose is to wage ‘a final battle… against forgetfulness’
You’ll find it in its new home, close to the Château. It’s an unforgettable experience.
Opposite the Château, you’ll find more of the magic of Blois (quite literally) in the Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin (The House of Magic). This excellent attraction is a unique museum dedicated to magic and illusion. It is named after the famous magician and illusionist Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, who was born in Blois in 1805.
You can watch magic shows, play games, participate in workshops and see the displays. It’s a huge complex, covering 5 floors. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything.
Don’t miss it. It celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023.See the website for details of opening hours and how to plan your visit.
Science and nature
Do you enjoy finding out about animals, plants and minerals? Situated in a former 17th century convent, the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle de Blois has wildlife dioramas, objects from oceanic cultures and scientific collections… all the magic of Blois’ natural history. Read more on its website.
The riverfront quays are perfect for a picnic or for the scenic views and walking paths. For more formal gardens, visit the Garden of Dr. Laennec, behind the Hôtel Dieu (a former Abbey and Hospital). Or try the Parc des Mées, which features English-style landscaping and flowerbeds.
The Jardin des Simples (Garden of Medicinal Plants) is a tranquil garden near the Château, where you can enjoy some peace and quiet and learn about traditional medicinal flowers and herbs.
Still more of the magic of Blois
In the winding streets of the Old Town (Vieux Blois), you’ll see historic buildings and landmarks. The House of Acrobats (Maison des Acrobates), in Place St-Louis, is an often-photographed 15th century timber-framed house with intricate carved figures that portray scenes from medieval plays.
Close by is the Cathedral of St. Louis (Cathédrale Saint-Louis), a major landmark in the town. Its facade combines late Gothic and early Neoclassical design and it features a superb dome-topped bell tower in Renaissance style.
The Hôtel d’Alluye was built at the start of the 16th century and, like the Château Royale, has Gothic and Renaissance characteristics.
The Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) is an elegant example of French Renaissance architecture, right in the centre of Blois.
When you’ve finished sightseeing, you’ll enjoy shopping at Blois’ markets and shops.
Marché Saint-Nicolas is a lively market in Place Saint-Louis. It offers the usual goods, including fresh produce, cheeses and preserves, as well as crafts. There are also occasional flea markets and antique markets held in the town.
Ideally, allow at least two days to discover all the magic of Blois.
See more Francy That! recommendations for Places To Go
Further afield
Blois is an excellent base for exploring the beautiful Loire Valley and its many châteaux:
- Château de Chambord is a favourite destination with plenty to see inside and seemingly endless gardens and woods. It is only 14 km from Blois
- The charming town of Cheverny (18 km from Blois) also has an elegant Château, renowned for its lavish interiors
- The medieval city of Beaugency (30 km away), with its ancient streets and bridges along the Loire, is also an enjoyable place to visit
- The royal Château d’Amboise is another highlight of the area, with its lovely gardens and panoramic views of the river and nearby countryside. It is in the centre of the small town, just 35 km from Blois and easily accessible
- Also in Amboise, just a few hundred metres from the town centre, you’ll find the Château du Clos Lucé, the home of Leonardo da Vinci. It has excellent displays of his art and inventions and you can walk through the furnished rooms where he lived, and died
- The Château de Chenonceau (43 km away) is another appealing place for a day out.
Information
LOCATION: Centre-Val de Loire, along the banks of the Loire River.
DISTANCE FROM PARIS: 170 km (106 miles) southwest of Paris.
POPULATION: 45,000+
NEAREST AIRPORT: Tours Loire Valley Airport (TUF), about 60 km (37 miles) southwest of Blois.
NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Gare de Blois-Chambord.
TOURIST INFORMATION: 5 Rue de la Voûte du Château.
MARKETS: Marché Saint-Nicolas; indoor markets.
MUST SEE: Château de Blois; Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin; the Old Town (Vieux Blois); the Cathedral.
