Château de Blois

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

The Chateau de Blois

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Château de Blois mini guide

Guide point	Details
Department:	Central France > Loire Valley > Loir-et-Cher >
Switch board number:	+33 (0)2 54 90 33 33
Quick links to accommodation:	Accommodation near Château de Blois - Hotels in Château de Blois Show accommodation in Loir-et-Cher - Self catering in Loir-et-Cher - Bed and Breakfast in Loir-et-Cher properties with pools in Loir-et-Cher -

Built in the middle of the town that it effectively controlled, the château of Blois comprises several buildings constructed from the 13th to the 17th century around the main courtyard. Its most famous piece of architecture is the magnificent spiral staircase in the François I wing.

Brilliantly decorated with gold trimming, carved pillars, and stained glass, this chateau is unique in the Loire. Blois is often called the "Versailles of the Renaissance," the second capital of France, and the "city of kings." It was a residence of several French monarchs including Louis XII and François I, and it was as influential in the late 15th and early 16th centuries as Versailles was in later years.

Joan of Arc went there in 1429 to be blessed by the Archbishop of Reims before departing with her army to drive the English from Orléans.