Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Blois, France

The historic city of Blois is centrally located within the Loire Valley World Heritage Site, where the rich presence of Renaissance châteaux is undeniable.

However, Blois encompasses much more than just a passage to the region’s major landmarks, as it boasts an abundance of magnificent stately townhouses.

Moreover, the Château de Blois, situated in the heart of the city, is recognized as one of the essential palaces within the Loire Valley.

Stroll along ancient stone streets, explore the vibrant Saturday market, and embrace the beauty of the Loire River, whether from its banks or on the water.

Let us discover the top attractions in Blois:

1. Château de Blois

In Blois, one is fortunate to find one of the Loire Valley’s premier châteaux, conveniently located amid the city’s attractions.

Seven kings and ten queens of France have resided at the Château de Blois, and the remarkable architecture conveys the grandeur of the French court during the Renaissance.

The iconic image of the palace is the 16th-century Aile (wing) François I, renowned for its stunning spiral staircase.

While capturing the castle’s conspiracies, assassinations, and plots is no small feat, it suffices to say it could fill an entire historical drama series!

2. Fondation du Doute

Following an immersive experience with châteaux, you might require a shift in cultural pace, which you will find at the Fondation du Doute.

This museum is dedicated to the avant-garde movement Fluxus, a loose, cross-disciplinary collective of artists from the 1960s and 70s, including Yoko Ono, “Ben,” and John Cage.

Fluxus, in a broad sense, challenged traditional notions of “art” and examined how art interacts with everyday life.

The museum’s permanent collection includes 300 works from 50 artists, among them Yoko Ono and Wolf Vostell, providing valuable insights into this movement.

3. Maison de la Magie

Adjacent to the Château de Blois lies a unique museum dedicated entirely to the art of magic, which also serves as a performance venue for illusionists, alongside being a workshop for magic enthusiasts.

This attraction honors Blois native Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, the 19th-century magician recognized as the modern architect of this craft.

Harry Houdini, deeply influenced by him, even adopted the Frenchman’s name as his stage moniker.

The Maison de la Magie provides extensive background on Houdin’s life, while younger visitors will be captivated by both the live magic shows and charming exhibitions that evoke the golden age of stage magic and carnival illusions from the 1800s.

4. Château de Chambord

To not visit the largest and arguably the most impressive of all the châteaux in the Loire Valley would be a missed opportunity during your stay in Blois.

It is astonishing to consider that this 16th-century palace, initially constructed as a modest hunting lodge, was never fully finalized.

Standing at an impressive height of 56 meters, the chateau’s grandeur is unforgettable, especially the renowned façade adorned with a plethora of cupolas and chimneys.

Inside, one can find Louis XIV’s royal apartments while the iconic double helix staircase, purportedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci, has left visitors in awe for centuries.

5. Les Jardins de l’Ancien Évêché

The municipal hall of Blois is housed within the former Episcopal Palace, which was constructed following the establishment of the diocese in the late 17th century.

This historical context inspired the name of these elegantly terraced gardens.

At the lowest tier is the roseraie (rose garden), which is open from May to September, presenting a captivating combination of colors and fragrances during late spring.

Ascending higher, with panoramic views of the Loire, is Le Jardin des Sens (Garden of the Senses), where horticultural students have collaborated on a garden designed to engage all five senses through its plants and landscaping.

6. Escalier Denis Papin

While this may merely be a stairway, the Escalier Denis Papin is noteworthy due to its construction during the city’s street realignment in the 1800s.

As you ascend, be sure to appreciate the beautiful flower bed nestled in the middle of the stairway, accompanied by intricate wrought iron fencing.

At the summit, a statue of Denis Papin, the inventor of the precursor to the pressure cooker and steam engine in the 1600s, stands proudly.

From this vantage point, you can enjoy a delightful view along the Pont Jacques Gabriel spanning the Loire.

7. Place Louis XII

One of the most engaging experiences in Blois occurs on Saturdays in this centuries-old square.

Each Saturday, around 120 vendors establish their stalls for a lively market, offering an array of products from fresh produce to a delightful selection of cheeses, honey, wines, and pastries.

During other times, consider relaxing in the shade of the plane trees, or enjoying a drink while conversing at one of the nearby terraces.

On the eastern edge, there is also the Fountain of Charles XII, dating back to 1511, exhibiting intricate sculpted trefoils and fleurs-de-lys.

8. Tour Beauvoir

One of the oldest structures remaining in Blois is a square tower that was originally erected in the 1100s.

Interestingly, the tower initially formed part of a fortress belonging to the Lords “Seigneurs” of Beauvoir, who served as vassals to the Count of Blois.

During the 13th century, however, the tower was integrated into the city’s protective ramparts, and the prison previously located at the Château de Blois was subsequently relocated here.

This incarceration facility remained operational in the tower in various forms until as recently as 1945.

9. Rue du Puits-Châtel

One avenue that exemplifies the historical significance and prestige of ancient Blois is Rue du Puits-Châtel, which runs parallel to the river, situated just below the Hôtel de Ville and the cathedral.

This narrow, cobblestone path is flanked by imposing stone houses, so be sure to remain vigilant as you explore, for these houses conceal courtyards that unveil their true magnificence, featuring Renaissance arches, stone towers, or half-timbered galleries.

10. Hôtels Particuliers

During the Renaissance, the nobility required proximity to the royal court in Blois, leading to the proliferation of stately townhouses throughout the city.

Therefore, Blois possesses an impressive number of “monuments historiques,” many of which are Hôtels Particuliers.

Very few open their doors to the public, except during heritage days in September, yet this will not hinder your quest to discover the most notable examples around the city.

The Hôtel de Villebresme, also referred to as the Maison de Dennis Papin, is a stunning half-timbered edifice featuring mullioned windows and intricate carvings of mythical creatures and acrobats on its beams and corbels.

Constructed from stone, the 16th-century Hôtel Alluye stands as the largest private residence at 30 meters wide, showcasing an intriguing transitional design featuring gothic corbels and Renaissance ornamental scrolls.

11. Château de Chaumont

A short 15-minute journey down the Loire leads you to this remarkable attraction, also known as the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire.

Positioned on a natural rise next to the river, the castle’s grandeur is striking, with its fantasy-like qualities originating from a complete reconstruction in the 1400s.

Chaumont embodies the classic vision of a castle, boasting a drawbridge and imposing circular towers topped with spires and sloping roofs.

Catherine de Medici resided here in the 1560s, entertaining notable guests such as the famous astrologer Nostradamus.

The estate is equally significant due to its international garden festival, held annually from April to October, which showcases the creativity of top landscaping talents from around the globe.

12. Château de Cheverny

Château de Cheverny is deserving of your attention for numerous reasons, primarily due to its distinct architectural style that diverges from the typical Loire Valley châteaux.

Unlike the Renaissance architecture found in many nearby châteaux, Cheverny is a Baroque structure built in the 1620s.

Additionally, the opulent interior decoration and furniture surpass that of any other stately residence in the region.

You can admire Flanders and Paris tapestries, along with paintings by Raphael’s school and renowned artists such as Rigaud, Clouet, Mignard, and Maurice-Quentin de La Tour.

Visitors can also enjoy the waterways for summertime boating, and if the name Château de Cheverny sounds familiar, it served as the inspiration for Captain Haddock’s Marlinspike Hall in Hergé’s Tintin series.

13. Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre

The final château, located a brief distance south of Blois, may be smaller and less frequented, but it certainly does not lack in character.

Initially established as a fortress, this castle later adopted a more elegant façade during the Renaissance period.

Approaching the castle is a delight, with its fortified entrance flanked by two round towers enhancing its imposing presence.

Internally, you will meander through passageways and up winding stairs, observing the exquisite craftsmanship evident in the wooden sloping roofs.

The grounds feature a medieval kitchen garden with raised beds supplied with water from the Bièvre stream.

14. Loire River Trips

From May to October, visitors can embark on a traditional “toue cabanée” vessel for an hour-long cruise along the Loire, guided by an experienced narrator who shares insights into the river’s historical significance.

These boats, which have remained largely unchanged since the 1700s, feature a sail and a wooden cabin.

Such excursions are available in both Blois and Chaumont, just a short drive downstream.

Additionally, in Vineuil, close to Blois, you can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to explore the Pays des Châteaux at your leisure.

15. Châteaux à Vélo

Embracing a car-free experience in Blois enhances your perspective of the Sologne countryside as you traverse through it on the designated and well-maintained cycling trails.

Visits to Chambord, Cheverny, or Chaumont can be accomplished in less than an hour, with a full network of rental centers available to equip you with everything you might need.

Being in the Loire Valley means the journey is quite pleasant.

The only hills you may encounter are situated away from the river, such as those in the Bois de Boulogne on the path to Chambord, where you will ride through scenic landscapes of orchards, vineyards, birch forests, and blackcurrant bushes.