Château de Blois
6 Place du Château, Blois, Centre-Val de Loire, 41000
The exteriors of the castle are impressive in and of themselves, with four wings surrounding an interior courtyard. Inside, you'll find royal apartments spread across two floors, including the royal chambers of numerous erstwhile monarchs—Catherine de Medici is believed to have died in the Queen's Chamber. Nine rooms of the Louis XII Wing have served as a fine arts museum since the 19th-century. Single and multi-day Loire Valley tours, most of which depart from Paris, tend to make stops at Château de Blois.
The basics
Showcasing three distinct architectural styles and almost 800 years of history, the Château de Blois is a less popular but equally interesting alternative to some of the area’s more famous chateaux. Although the French Revolution left it in poor conditions, the chateau was used as military barracks for a period, which helped save it from being razed.
Things to know before you go
- The exterior courtyards and the Francis I Wing are wheelchair accessible.
- Audio-guides are available in eight different European languages.
- Sound-and-light shows are held here in spring through early fall; they require an extra cost.
How to get there
As the name suggests, Château de Blois is located in the Loire Valley city of Blois, just a 10-minute walk from the local railway station. If you’re coming from Paris, you’ll need to switch trains about Orleans, which is about an hour away by rail. The biggest city in the area is Tours, a 50-minute train-ride away.
When to get there
The castle is open throughout the year, except on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Opening hours vary, so check ahead before planning your visit. Note that the castle closes for lunch during November through March. The sound-and-light show runs from April through September.
The House of Magic
Across the street from the castle is the House of Magic, a museum dedicated to Blois hometown magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, whose name later inspired Houdini’s stage name. Here you'll find all sorts of whimsical exhibits, including a gargantuan kaleidoscope and a six-headed dragon automaton, along with plenty of displays and ephemera related to magic and illusion.
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