Blois Touring -
The Château and the town of Blois

Blois touring - Just under 180kms (about 2 hours drive) from Paris centre is Blois - the town that serves as an eastern gateway to the Châteaux of the Loire valley. Blois is also referred to as the city of the kings - Louis XII was born here and the Château de Blois was often the preferred home of François I over the Château Chambord, which was mainly used as a hunting lodge.


Blois Touring TIP:
Blois can be correctly pronounced by saying "Bull-wah" very quickly... not "Blah"! In French, when you see "oi" together, it's pronounced "wah" as in "Loire" ("L-wah"), and "Roi" ("R-wah" for king), "voir" ("v-wah", to see), etc.



Blois - touring the town centre by foot is a good way to discover this lovely town. As it is built on a hill, there are some steep sloping streets to navigate. There are also lush terraced gardens around the Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) that are worthy of a visit. The château is in the town centre so its one of the easiest chateaux to visit.












Blois Château - Entrance to this chateau is through the main gates over which presides a statue of King Louis XII astride a horse. The chateau exhibits are spread over four wings: the Gothic assembly hall statesroom, the Renaissance Louis XII & François 1 wings & finally the Gaston d'Orléans wing in the 17th century French classical style designed by François Mansart in 1635.




The Blois Chateau has a wealth of interesting museum pieces of royal origins including furnishings and paintings dispayed in sumptuous rooms.
















There is also a gallery of 16th and 17th century tapestries and beautiful stained glass windows including those by Claudius Lavergne.









The famous architecture of the Blois Chateau incorporates Gothic, Renaissance and Classic styles. The semi external spiral staircase is seen at the François I wing.


Blois Touring TIP:
If you are staying the night in Blois, take advantage of the magical spectacle of the Blois château illuminated in technicolour. Runs usually every evening from 10 pm commencing 5th of April until September 28th (except on June 21 and July 13). Tickets can be bought half an hour before the spectacle begins and cost ranges from 7 € just for Lightshow or 11,5 € for combination Chateau and Lightshow, more if you include the "House of Magic". Children (6-17 years) are roughly half price. The show is to music with commentary in French. English version is usually on Wednesdays. Check with the tourist office to be sure of times, costs, etc. so as not to be disappointed


For Blois Château opening hours, visit official website (available in French only)

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