Blois (Loir-et-Cher)

Known for its beautiful countryside, its temperate climate and its refined way of life, "La Loire, Chateaux Country", was between the 14th and 16th centuries, a region much loved and appreciated by the Kings of France who were happy to build their castles here.

Picturesque and lively, Blois is a good base for visitors without a car, with a selection of sightseeing coach tours on offer from the tourist office, and bicycle to rent opposite the château (in summer) or from Velo-Cycles Leblond (all year). Barouche rides around the old town on the banks of the Loire are also very popular.

The famous Château de Blois, a Renaissance château once occupied by King Louis XII, is located in the centre of the city, and an 18th century stone bridge spans the Loire. As Blois is built on a pair of steep hills, winding and steep pathways run through the city, culminating in long staircases at various points. To the south of the city, the Forêt de Russy is a remainder of the heavy woods that once covered the area.

Blois gardens are ideal for a stroll.

Eugène Robert-Houdin’s "Magic House" exhibits mirrors, optical illusions, magical gadgets all pay tribute to the celebrated Blois magician.

The National Stud in Blois plays a key role in the breeding and preservation of race horses.

Events

• Shedding light on French history: Sound and light show "Tales of Blois" in the Château’s courtyard, is a marvellous journey back in time. Every evening, from mid-April to mid-September.
• Music Festival "Everyone on the bridge": End June - 13 July. Jazz and other types of concerts, theatre and shows.

Eating out

Most of Blois' traditional restaurants can be found on or around rue Saint Lubin, between the Château and the river.

The small square at the end of rue Vauvert, on the east side of town, has a number of crêperies and pizzerias with tables set out under the trees.

About the location

Blois is located in the Loir-et-Cher department, on the banks of the lower river Loire between Orléans and Tours.

Public transport available

Airports: Paris offers the nearest international airports; either one is equally convenient to Austerlitz station from where you can take a train to Blois.

Trains: The train station of Blois is served by trains operating between Tours and Orléans. Some trains coming from the train station of Paris - Austerlitz stop also in Blois.

Tourist information website

http://www.ville-blois.fr/, http://www.loiredeschateaux.com/

Tourist information contact email

info@bloispaysdechambord.com, info@loiredeschateaux.com

Tourist information switch board number

+ 33 (0)2 54 90 41 41

Tourist information address

23 place du Château BP 199, 41006 Blois Cedex, France

Local places of interest

Château de Blois (0.10 km)

The Château de Blois dates from the 13th century and is in the middle of the town of Blois. read more...

Château de Cheverny (13.46 km)

The elegant, perfectly symmetrical Château de Cheverny built between 1625 and 1643, is the region''s most magnificently furnished chateau. The chateau is an original jewel among the more famous monuments that stretch along the Loire Valley. Sitting amid a sea of beautifully manicured gardens, the chateau is graced with a finely proportioned neoclassical facade. The grounds shelter the 18th-century Orangerie, where Leonardo da Vinci''s Mona Lisa was hidden during WWII. read more...

Château de Chambord (14.25 km)

One of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its very distinct French Renaissance architecture that blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Italian structures. read more...

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