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Blois

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City
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Blois (France)
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Practical info — Blois

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The Château de Blois features four distinct architectural styles; grab a courtyard ticket even if you skip the interior.
  • Check the schedule for the Maison de la Magie; mechanical dragons appear at its windows at specific times.
  • Rent a bike to explore the flat, dedicated 'Loire à Vélo' paths running along the river.
  • Don't miss the Denis-Papin staircase, which is often decorated with massive, temporary art installations.

🍽 Food

🍽
Cheverny Wines

Crisp white wines from the nearby Loire valley, great at any riverside café.

🍽
Rillettes de Tours

A savory pork spread, handy for a picnic lunch bought from a local charcuterie.

🍽
Tarte Tatin

The famous caramelized apple tart, widely available in traditional patisseries in the old town.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Rue du Commerce

The main pedestrian street filled with independent boutiques and souvenir shops.

🛍
Saturday Market

Visit Place Louis XII on Saturday mornings for fresh regional produce and local honey.

🧘
Jardins de l'Évêché

Terraced gardens behind the cathedral offering a calm atmosphere and great views of the Loire.

🧘
Île de la Loire

Cross the Jacques Gabriel bridge to enjoy a peaceful walk with a view of the city skyline.

Highlights of 2026

6

Blois is a magnificent city in the Loire Valley that served for centuries as a preferred residence for French kings. Its centerpiece, the Royal Château de Blois, has a unique architectural journey, as it integrates four distinct styles around a single courtyard: Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical. The château is particularly famous for the monumental spiral staircase commissioned by King Francis I, regarded as a masterpiece of Renaissance design. The city is terraced along the northern bank of the Loire River, providing spectacular views from the Saint-Louis Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace gardens over the water and the historic stone bridge. Blois is also the birthplace of Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, the father of modern conjuring, whose legacy is celebrated at the House of Magic, an interactive museum located opposite the château. The old town features steep, narrow streets and the iconic Denis Papin stairs, which are frequently decorated with artistic motifs. Historically, Blois was a focal point for French politics, notably hosting the Estates-General during the 16th century. Today, Blois serves as a primary hub for exploring the châteaux of the Loire Valley, blending its royal heritage with a dynamic cultural life and a high quality of living.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C4471114182120171384
Rain mm594854476959545040676467

Live webcam – Blois

See what it looks like near Blois right now.

Blois › West · 0.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
53,660
Coordinates
47.58610, 1.32900

Facts

  • The Royal Château de Blois features architectural styles spanning from the 13th to the 17th centuries.
  • The House of Magic, opened in 1998, features a six-headed mechanical dragon.
  • Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, born in Blois in 1805, was the inspiration for Harry Houdini's stage name.
  • The Denis Papin monumental stairs consist of 120 steps and link the town's two levels.
  • Joan of Arc was blessed by the Archbishop of Reims in Blois before her victory at Orléans.
  • The bridge spanning the Loire at Blois was completed in 1724 and is 283 meters long.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Blois (10)

Royal Chateau of Blois🏺 historical

A former residence of French kings, famous for its unique blend of four different architectural styles around one courtyard.

House of Magic🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to the magician Robert-Houdin, featuring a dragon-guarded entrance and regular magic performances.

Saint-Louis Cathedral⛪ religious

The city's main religious landmark, this Gothic cathedral overlooks the town from its prominent hilltop position.

🕒 Mo 10:00-19:00; Tu,Th-Fr 09:00-19:00; We,Sa 09:00-18:00

Denis Papin Stairs🏙 civic

A grand staircase in the city center that is frequently transformed with creative artwork and features great photo opportunities.

Jacques-Gabriel Bridge🏺 historical

A historic stone bridge spanning the Loire river, known for its elegant arches and beautiful views of the city skyline.

Foundation of Doubt🎭 culture

An innovative contemporary art space showcasing the Fluxus movement and experimental works in a former school building.

Lac de la Pinçonnière🌿 nature

A lake in Blois that invites nature walks.

Lac de Loire🌿 nature

A lake in Blois with beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Square des Écoliers de Bas-Rivière👨‍👩‍👧 family

A safe playground in Blois for schoolchildren and families.

Bassin extèrieur👨‍👩‍👧 family

Bassin extèrieur is a swimming pool in Blois. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim here.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highlight of the Chateau de Blois?
The famous double-helix spiral staircase in the Francis I wing and the mix of four architectural styles.
What is the 'Maison de la Magie'?
It is a magic museum located directly opposite the chateau, dedicated to the magician Robert-Houdin.
Is Blois a good base for exploring the Loire Valley chateaux?
Yes, it is centrally located and has good bus connections to Chambord and Cheverny.
When is the best time to visit Blois?
From May to September, when the weather is well-suited for cycling tours along the Loire.
Are there parking facilities near the chateau?
There are several underground parking lots, such as Parking du Château, just a few minutes' walk away.
Blois: where is it located?
Blois is located in Centre-Val de Loire, France.
Blois: what is there to see?
Highlights include Royal Chateau of Blois, House of Magic, Saint-Louis Cathedral.
Blois: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Blois: why is it worth visiting?
Blois is a magnificent city in the Loire Valley that served for centuries as a preferred residence for French kings.
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