distance tours blois

Type d'itinéraire

Cet itinéraire favorise la sécurité, la simplicité et minimise les risques d’erreur de parcours. C'est l'itinéraire que MICHELIN préconise par défaut.

Cet itinéraire est celui pour lequel la distance pour se rendre à son point de destination est la plus courte, tout en restant sur des routes praticables. Cet itinéraire est souvent très long en termes de durée.

Cet itinéraire propose une route qui optimise la consommation en carburant et évite de passer par des routes à péages.

Mes options de cout

• B7 (Gazole)
• E5 (Essence)
• E85 (Éthanol)
• CNG (Méthane)
• H2 (Hydrogène)

Mes options de route

• Rapide (temps)
• Court (distance)
• E5 (Essence) 1,700 €
• Itinéraire : Rapide (temps)
• Distance en : Kilomètres
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Services à Tours

Restaurants.

• Le Dakota café
• N.Y.C Bistro

Sites touristiques

• Place de Châteauneuf
• Église Saint-Julien
• Hôtel Goüin
• Itinéraire à partir de ce lieu
• Itinéraire vers ce lieu
• Itinéraire passant par ce lieu
• Hôtels et hébergements à proximité
• Restaurants à proximité

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Arrivée à tours organisez votre voyage, hébergements, autres services, restaurants à tours.

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Sites touristiques à Tours

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Services auto

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Restaurants Où manger à Tours

• Environ 30 € La Touraine 8.2 (80 avis) 125 m - 5 Bd Heurteloup, 37000 Tours Réserver détails
• Environ 25 € Newlita 8.5 (300 avis) 146 m - 17 Place Jean Jaures, 37000 Tours Réserver détails
• Environ 19 € Bistro Rossini 8.7 (242 avis) 217 m - 14 Rue Charles Gille, 37000 Tours Réserver détails

Plus de restaurants à Tours

Sites touristiques A voir, à faire à Tours

• Centre international de congrès Vinci Le Guide Vert 346 m - 26 boulevard Heurteloup, 37000 Tours activités détails
• Palais du Commerce Le Guide Vert 559 m - Rue Jules-Favre, 37000 Tours activités détails
• Hôtel Beaune-Semblançay Le Guide Vert 566 m - 28 rue Nationale, 37000 Tours activités détails

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Distance from Blois to Tours

Distance between Blois and Tours is 54 kilometers (33 miles). Driving distance from Blois to Tours is 67 kilometers (42 miles).

Distance Map Between Blois and Tours

Blois , Orleans , France ↔ Tours , Orleans , France = 33 miles = 54 km.

How far is it between Blois and Tours

Blois is located in France with (47.5833,1.3333) coordinates and Tours is located in France with (47.3833,0.6833) coordinates. The calculated flying distance from Blois to Tours is equal to 33 miles which is equal to 54 km.

If you want to go by car, the driving distance between Blois and Tours is 67.24 km . If you ride your car with an average speed of 112 kilometers/hour (70 miles/h), travel time will be 00 hours 36 minutes. Please check the avg. speed travel time table on the right for various options. Difference between fly and go by a car is 13 km.

Estimated Travel Time Between Blois and Tours

Related distances from blois, related distances to tours.

Distance from Tours to Blois

Distance from Tours to Blois is 54 kilometers . This air travel distance is equal to 34 miles.

The air travel (bird fly) shortest distance between Tours and Blois is 54 km= 34 miles.

If you travel with an airplane (which has average speed of 560 miles) from Tours to Blois, It takes 0.06 hours to arrive.

Tours is located in France.

Tours Distances to Cities

Blois is located in France.

Blois Distances to Cities

Map of tours.

Map of Blois

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Visit Blois in the Loire Valley Guide

Pierre Robison / Getty Images

Blois, only one hour 22 minutes from Paris by train and roughly halfway between Orleans and Tours in the Loire Valley, makes a perfect center for exploring the gorgeous towns with their impressive châteaux (castles) along the river valley. It’s a delightful city, with its old streets clustered around the Château de Blois in the center of the town. Blois makes a perfect short break and is compact and easy to walk around. There's good public transport to some of the châteaux nearby and good train connections to many other French cities.

• In the Loir-et-Cher department (41)
• In the Centre-Val de Loire region
• 48,500 inhabitants

How to Get to Blois

• By car The distance from central Paris to Blois is around 159km (99 miles) and the journey takes around two hours depending on your speed.
• By train There is a good train service from Paris Gare d’Austerlitz to Blois station.
• By Bike Blois is on the main bicycle route in the Val de Loire, which offers 550 km of paths, trails and back roads specially marked out for cyclists. You can pick a part of the route, and there’s a very good section, Châteaux by Bike , that takes you past some of the castles. You'll find suggestions of accommodation, places which are friendly to bikers, places to eat and more in the local tourist offices which also have a very good free map.

A Little History

The town started as the fortified residence of the Counts of Blois in the 10th century. With such a powerful family protecting the town, it inevitably prospered and grew along the river and around the bridge that was built in the 11th century.

The town was a natural trading post on the road from Chartres to Poitou, and the move by the French kings to live in Blois ensured its prominence. Convents and churches followed and the city expanded along the Loire. In 1716 what was known as the Great Ice Break destroyed the old bridge and a new one was built. It’s a handsome structure linking the two banks and was followed by quays along the riverside.

The French Revolution did away with 15 of the churches; the Industrial Revolution brought further expansion particularly around the train station. In 1940 an air raid destroyed nearly 500 buildings; reconstruction took place between 1946 and 1950 and the result is a distinctive old quarter and new buildings that more or less fit into the cityscape.

Today Blois is a thriving city; the natural heart of the Loire Valley with good connections east and west. It makes a perfect base for exploring the Loire river, the châteaux along its banks and the numerous gardens in the area.

Where to Stay and Eat

Blois is a major center, so there’s plenty of choices from modest hotels to chic bed and breakfasts and from top-end Michelin-starred dining to friendly casual bistros down by the river.

For quick snacks and drinks, there are plenty of places along the main roads and in the square in front of the château. 

Just opposite the château, this is a good place for a drink and a snack in the small walled garden. There’s a comprehensive wine selection to buy in the cellar underneath the house and good regional products as well.

Attractions

• Château of Blois - Visiting the glorious château at Blois is the main reason most people visit the city. Dominating the town and the river, it has everything: a history of royalty and intrigue, of romance and dark deeds; spectacular architecture which takes in four centuries and four very different styles; an interior full of fine art and furniture; some wonderful events in the summer, and a truly remarkable son-et-lumiere (sound and light) show on summer evenings.
• The House of Magic (Maison de la Magie) - You can’t miss this extraordinary museum housed in an old red brick house opposite the château entrance. If you can, catch the first show every half hour when the windows open and the heads of six dragons snake out. And don’t think this is just for children; magic of this kind is for every age. The museum is devoted to Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin. Born in Blois in 1805, he made clocks and automates, many of which you’ll see in the museum as you make your way from illusion to illusion on its five levels. There are shows on selected days in the underground theater and special events.
• The Old Town - The old part of Blois stretches out from the château and the Place St-Louis around the cathedral, built during the reign of Louis XIV in 1697. The story goes that the Bishop had wanted the church of St-Nicolas for his cathedral, but as the church was higher than the château (its three spires form a great landmark), the King refused. Instead, Louis offered the site of the former Saint Solenne’s church which had just been hugely damaged by a hurricane. The Bishop had to accept and the church became Saint Louis Cathedral. Today, it’s mainly notable for a set of stained glass windows added in 2000.
• Walking around the Old Town - The Tourist Office has a good map detailing four walks, all around two kilometers long and starting in the town center. With the map, the walks are well signposted with different bronze dials embedded in the pavements.
• The Porcupine route (emblem of Louis XII) takes you along the old streets around the château and into the château’s now public gardens.
• The Fleur de Lys takes you on a circuit to the Puits Chatel district, full of Renaissance townhouses.
• The Saint-Nicolas Steeples is a trail around the western part of the city surrounding what was once an old abbey.
• The Sailing Boat walk is around the left bank area which takes you across the river. It gives you a great view of Blois and the chateau and takes you into Saint-Saturnin Church, once a major pilgrimage destination.

The rue du Commerce and its surrounding streets offer the best shops in Blois, which historically is known for chocolate making through its trading position on the Loire. The chocolate maker Auguste Poulain opened his first shop in Blois in 1847 and rapidly became the great modernizer, establishing his own brand and mechanizing his production. Bought in the 1990s, today you'll see mass-produced (but still very good) Poulain chocolates in every supermarket in France. Irresistible cakes, patisseries, and chocolates at the shop run by this meilleur ouvrier de France (best in any particular skill) and former chef at the Ritz, Paris. Chocolate or fruit cakes are a specialty; you can also eat them in the salon de the .

• Patissier-chocolatier Stephan Buret - More fantastic creations here, including the Saint-Michel (a confection of meringues with Grand Marnier butter between them).
• Markets - Blois is a natural center for the region, so it has a good range of markets.
• Daily markets Tuesday morning: Place Louis XII Wednesday morning: rue Pierre et Marie Curie Wednesday afternoon: quartier Begon-Coty Thursday morning: Place Louis XII and rue Chateaubriand Friday: Quai Amedee Contant, bio market from 5pm to 9pm Saturday morning: Place Louis XII Saturday afternoon: Quartier Republique Sunday morning: Avenue de l'Europe
• Brocante market on the Mail St Jean rue Jeanne d’Arc, second Sunday in each month

From Blois, a local coach company runs buses to Chambord, Cheverny, and Beauregard châteaux and back to Blois daily.

With such a central position, Blois is surrounded by attractions. Here are some suggestions for places to visit.

• Top Attractions in the Loire Valley
• Gardens in the Western Loire Valley
• Gardens in the Eastern Loire Valley
• Guide to the Cathedral City of Bourges

Related Articles

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Tours to Blois distance, location, road map and direction

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Turn your dream vacation into reality

What To Do in Blois (My Top List + Map)

• Milena Yordanova
• August 20, 2024

Situated between Orléans and Tours, Blois is a place you don’t want to miss in your Loire Valley itinerary. It’s a picturesque small city with medieval cobblestone streets, half-timbered burghers’ houses, a magnificent castle and an impressive Gothic cathedral!

The city reached its peak when it became the second capital of France under the reign of Louis XII in the 15th century. Actually, the royal château of Blois is considered a symbol of the French Renaissance and it’s one of the must-see castles in Loire Valley.

What to do in Blois in one day

Blois is a perfect destination for a day trip from Orléans or Tours. In fact, many tourists visit the city for its royal chateau. And while the castle is something not to be missed, I’d recommend you to dedicate at least one full day to this charming city. Moreover, thanks to its good public transport (trains and shuttle buses), Blois is an excellent base for exploring the chateaux in the central part of Loire Valley.

In this one day itinerary for Blois, you’ll find not only how to visit its royal castle (and skip the lines), but I’ll take you beyond the beaten path. This walking itinerary is suitable for all travellers without any modifications, no matter if you’re staying overnight or visiting the city on a day trip.

The itinerary starts with a visit to the royal castle, which is located on your way to the Old Town from Blois – Chambord train station. After that, you can dedicate as much time as you want (and have) exploring the Old Town.

Find a map of this Blois itinerary (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites) at the end of the blog post.

• Breakfast at Boulangerie Simonnet
• Visit the Royal château of Blois
• Taste the crepes at Le Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude Blois
• Climb Escalier Denis Papin
• Admire the Cathedral of Saint-Louis
• Relax in Jardins de l’Évêché
• Taste regional specialities at Le Castelet
• Walking around the Old Town of Blois
• Visit Maison de la Magie

Pont Jacques-Gabriel

• Admire Saint Nicolas Church

08:15 AM – 08:45 AM Start your one day in Blois with breakfast at Boulangerie Simonnet or Boulangerie Lamargot . Both bakeries offer great sandwiches and delicious pastries.

Royal château of Blois

09:00 AM – 11:30 AM The Royal château of Blois (Château Royal de Blois) was built between the 13th and 17th centuries. Once home to the powerful Counts of Blois, the castle became a royal residence under the reign of Louis XII in the 15th century. During the following centuries, 7 kings and 10 queens of France lived here, adding their own style to the architecture of the building.

Each of the four wings of the chateau has its own history and features a different architectural style – from medieval through Gothic and Italian Renaissance to Classical. You can truly appreciate the beauty of the castle from its inner courtyard, where you can see the four architectural styles represented.

Pay special attention to Francois I Renaissance wing and its richly decorated octagonal staircase. Also, don’t miss the spectacular view of the Loire from the castle’s gardens.

Note: horse-drawn carriage tours of the Old Town depart from the square at the chateau’s entrance.

Every evening from April to September, you can enjoy a Sound & Light Show in the courtyard of the chateau. The show recreates the most famous events in the castle’s history.

Lunch at Le Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude Blois

11:45 AM – 01:15 PM It’s time for some crepes! Head to Le Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude Blois , a lovely crêperie, just opposite the royal chateau. They offer a wide variety of delicious crepes, ranging from salty to sweet (you can even customize with your favourite toppings).

Escalier Denis Papin

01:15 PM – 01:30 PM The best way to reach the cathedral is via the stairway of Denis Papin. Since the 19th century, this iconic stairway has provided a link between the upper and the lower part of the town. At its top, you’ll find a statue of Denis Papin, the famous inventor from Blois. He is known for the invention of the steam digester, the forerunner of the steam engine.

Every year the 120 steps of the staircase are covered in a giant artwork responding to what’s happening in town.

Cathedral of Saint-Louis

01:40 PM – 02:10 PM The Cathedral of Saint-Louis (Cathédrale Saint-Louis), the seat of the bishop of Blois, was erected in 1697. It is built over a church from the 10th century, dedicated to Saint Solenne. You can still see the remains of the older church in the crypt. The cathedral is in Late Gothic style and it features stunning stained-glass windows by the artist Jan Dibbets.

Jardins de l’Évêché

02:10 PM – 03:00 PM Right next to the cathedral, you’ll find a beautiful garden, Jardins de l’Ancien Évêché. Created in the 19th century, this terraced garden includes a rose garden (Roseraie) and a garden of the senses (Jardin des Cinq Sens).

Also, from the garden, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Loire Valley landscape.

Dinner at Le Castelet

Finish this one day in Blois with a dinner at Le Castelet or Food & Brew – Le FaB .

For some regional and traditional specialities head to Le Castelet. The restaurant is set in a 16th-century townhouse, on a street lined with half-timbered houses!

For a casual meal and some craft beer, Food & Brew – Le FaB is the place to go. Besides the excellent draught beer, you’ll find delicious share plates made with locally sourced and organic products.

More ideas for your one day in Blois

Walking around the old town.

There are many picturesque alleys and tiny streets in Blois, but the most famous ones are Rue du Puits-Châtel and Rue Pierre. Walking on these cobblestone alleys, lined by tall stone and half-timbered houses, will take you back in time to the Middle Ages.

If you have additional time, I’d recommend you to follow some of the following scenic walks – Porcupine route, Fleur de Lys, Saint-Nicolas Steeples or Sailing Boat. They all are signposted with different bronze dials embedded in the pavements. More info about them (including maps) you can get from the Tourist Office Blois Chambord ( Address: 5 Rue de la Voûte du Château ).

House of Magic (Maison de la Magie)

Right across the Château Royal, you’ll find Maison de la Magie, a unique museum devoted entirely to magic. A large part of the exhibition is dedicated to the famous magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, born in Blois. He was so famous that Harry Houdini based his stage name on this Frenchman.

You’ll also find a variety of optical illusions and discover the history of the magical arts. Don’t miss the creative show every half hour – the windows of the building open and the six heads of a dragon monster show up.

Built in 1724, this is the oldest bridge in Blois. It is beautifully illuminated in the evenings, so if you’re staying overnight, don’t miss it!

Saint Nicolas Church

Saint Nicolas Church (Église Saint-Nicolas) is one of the oldest churches in Blois. Formerly a Benedictine abbey church, it dates back to the 12th century. The church combines Gothic elements with Romanesque style because it was rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries (due to damage during the Wars of Religion).

Château Royal de Blois – it’s one of the most popular castles in the Loire Valley, so book skip the line tickets in advance here .

Where to stay in Blois

If you’re planning an overnight stay, choose accommodation in the area between the royal chateau and Jardins de l’Évêché. All historic sights are located in that particular area, including many restaurants, so you’ll be just a short walk from everything.

Just a short walk from the Old Town, Mercure Blois Centre is a perfect base to explore not only the town but the castles in the Loire Valley as well (easy access to A10 motorway). The hotel also features an excellent restaurant, a modern bar and a wellness area with an indoor pool and a steam room. Why book – 5min walk from the Old Town, indoor heated pool, secure parking on site

Set in a historic house at the bottom of the walls of the castle, this B&B is just a few steps from downtown and many restaurants. Spacious, beautifully decorated rooms overlooking the river. Why book – near the castle, rich homemade breakfast, free parking nearby

Getting around in Blois

Find here a detailed map of this Blois walking itinerary.

Blois is a very compact and walkable city. All attractions are located just a few minutes away from each other.

How to get to Blois

Blois – Chambord station (Gare de Blois – Chambord) is the city’s main train station. It is located less than a 10min walk from the Old Town and the chateau. Check timetables and book train tickets online at SNCF official site .

Parking on the streets in the Old Town (red zone) is free on Sundays and from Monday to Saturday (between 12 PM – 2 PM and 6:30 PM – 9 AM). Outside these hours, you can park only for 2 hours. For a longer period, I would recommend you use the parking lots at the Château, Halle aux grains or Valin-de-La-Vaissière ( more info here ).

Day trips from Blois

Loire valley chateaux.

Near Blois, you’ll find some of the most popular chateaux of Loire Valley. This makes the town a perfect base to discover this beautiful region of France. For more information check out my travel guide to the best Loire Valley castles to visit , which includes a map and how to reach each of the chateaux.

Here is a list of the most popular castles near Blois (all located less than an hour away by train or car).

• Château de Chaumont – a fairytale 10th-century castle, once home to the Counts of Blois, Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers
• Château de Chambord – with its 440 rooms and 282 chimneys, this royal 16th-century castle is one of the largest in France
• Château Royal d’Amboise – another gorgeous royal residence of King François I (here you’ll also find the tomb of Leonardo Da Vinci)
• Château de Beauregard – an elegant 15th-century manor famous for its Portraits Gallery, which features more than 300 portraits of kings and political figures
• Château de Cheverny – a magnificent manor, considered to be one of the most furnished castles in the valley
• Château de Meung-sur-Loire – a 12th century castle, once a private residence of the Bishops of Orléans

A 40min away by train lies the city of Tours, the birthplace of Balzac. The city is famous for its half-timbered houses from the 15th century and medieval atmosphere. Another highlight is the Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, where you’ll find a chapel dedicated to Joan of Arc.

Find out more in my travel guide on what to do in Tours, France .

How to get to Tours Take a train from Gare de Blois – Chambord to Gare de Tours (40min journey). From the central train station, it’s just a short walk to the city centre.

How many days in Blois

Is one day in blois enough.

One day in Blois is enough to see the city, including a visit to the chateau and explore the Old Town. If you’re short on time, start with the castle and then continue with its historic centre.

1 or 2 days in Blois?

You won’t need more than a day to see the city, but Blois is a great base to explore the castles of Loire Valley. I’d recommend you to use the city as a base, you’ll need 2-3 days to see the most popular chateaux in the area.

Best time to visit Blois

If you’re visiting Blois as a part of your Loire Valley trip, the months of May, June or September are the best choice. Crowds are fewer and the weather is not hot, but nice and warm.

Carnaval de Blois takes place every year in March. The parade marches through the city from Place du Royal Château all the way to the Place de la République.

Faqs about visiting Blois

Blois is a picturesque medieval city with cobblestone alleys and half-timbered houses. It is worth visiting not only for the Royal Château but also for its pretty Old Town. The city is also a great base to explore the chateaux of the Loire Valley.

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Distance between Blois and Tours

Driving non-stop from blois to tours.

How far is Tours from Blois? Here's the quick answer if you make this quick drive without any stops. Of course, traffic is going to make a big difference so make sure you check that before leaving.

Nonstop drive: 41 miles or 66 km

Driving time: 49 minutes

Even on a short drive, it might be more interesting to stop along the way and explore the local area. You can scroll down to see the calculation if you drive with stops .

Flying non-stop from Blois to Tours

Now let's assume you have a private jet and you can fly in the fastest possible straight line between Blois, France and Tours, France. Because of the curvature of the Earth, the shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative Vincenty formula.

Flight distance: 33 miles or 53 km

Flight time: 34 minutes

The straight line flight distance is 8 miles less than driving on roads, which means the driving distance is roughly 1.2x of the flight distance.

Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/1th of the time it would take to drive.

This is a relatively short flight in a private plane, but you might be planning to book a commercial flight. In that case, your travel time would really need to include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other airport, and get to your destination.

Blois to Tours road trip

Let's say you're actually planning a road trip to Tours, and you want to stop on the way to explore. If it's a real road trip, you might want to check out interesting places along the way, or maybe eat at a great restaurant. That's what Trippy is perfect for, helping you figure out travel plans in detail.

Road trip: 1 day of driving

With the full itinerary planned out, we can estimate your total travel time for this trip.

Travel time: 1 hour on the road

Start in Blois .

Drive for about 29 minutes , then stop in Amboise and stay for about 1 hour. Finally, drive for about 32 minutes and arrive in Tours .

Plan a trip to Tours

Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Tours, France. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Tours . Click the button below to explore Tours in detail.

How far is it the other way?

The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line (or driving the same roads back and forth). But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences so go ahead and check the reverse directions to get the distance from Tours to Blois , or go to the main page to calculate the distance between cities .

If you happen to know Blois, don't forget to help other travelers and answer some questions about Blois!

More info on this route: drive from Blois to Tours road conditions alternate routes Google driving directions

Blois travel guide

Visit Blois (Centre-Loire Valley, France)

The town of Blois is found between Tours and Orleans in the Loire Valley. In recognition of the number of interesting monuments and the well preserved town centre Blois is a listed French ' Ville d'Art et Histoire' and has also been classified as a protected Historic Town in France .

Explore Blois

France This Way review: Blois is one of our favourite towns in the Loire Valley and an unmissable highlight of your visit: the town is one of the most interesting in the region, and has an impressive centre with several historic monuments as well as the renowned Chateau de Blois in the centre of the town.

Before starting to explore the centre of the town we suggest you cross the bridge in the town centre and walk a short distance along the river banks on the other side. This long stone bridge in Blois, the Pont Jacques Gabriel, dates from the 18th century. The view from here across the town is very lovely, and also helps you get a sense of where each of the main monuments in the town is situated. To help you there is an information board that highlights each of the principal monuments in Blois.

Before returning to the north side of the river you can visit the Church of Saint-Saturnin, one of the oldest churches in Blois, as well as the aitre of Saint-Saturnin: the aître is one of just a few cemeteries in France surrounded by galleries and is now the Lapidary Museum (with historic carved stones) for the town.

The north end of the bridge is a good starting point to explore the town. From here you can simply follow the streets as they meander, climb and clamber through the centre, admiring the protected historical buildings as you go, stopping of course for refreshments at a street side cafe along the route.

The main medieval centre in Blois is in the Rue des Trois Marchands (the western part of Blois) with the Church of Saint-Nicolas to the south and the castle to the north. This church is one of the most interesting in Blois and close to the Church of Saint-Nicolas you can also visit the Musee de la Resistance, dedicated to the resistance movement in the region during the Second World War.

Climb the hill and from the large square in front of the castle (the Place du Chateau!) you have nice views across the town and river. You can also find the Blois Tourist Office here and the Maison de la Magie, a popular attraction where you can learn about magic and see items that were used by Robert-Houdin and other magicians, as well as two popular restaurants.

If you follow the street next to the Tourist Ofice around the side of the castle you reach two more notable sights. The Church of Saint-Vincent is a baroque style church, and the large gardens behind the castle are also a peaceful place for a stroll and also have views across the town and castle.

Although the monuments around the castle are the most visited in Blois, we do recommend you also find the time to visit the region around the Cathedral of Saint-Louis, where you can also see Town Hall and its carefully maintained gardens and the Halle aux Grains. In the cathedral there are some very impreeive contemporary stained glass windows. Again, the views across the town rooftops and river are a large part of the attraction.

Chateau de Blois

The Château de Blois, a Renaissance château once occupied by King Louis XII, is in the center of Blois and is one of the most historically important castles in France. The castle was home to several French kings, and was also the place where Joan of Arc went in 1429 to be blessed by the Archbishop of Reims before she departed with her army to drive the English from Orléans during the Hundred Years War .

The chateau comprises several parts and wings, added as each owner tried to improve on the version before. The Chateau that we now see was therefore built over the course of several hundred years, from the 13th to the 17th centuries. The most renowned architecture in the Chateau de Blois is the spiral staircase, found in the François I wing.

The castle was neglected for much of the 17th-18th centuries, then ransacked in the Revolution, and narrowly managed to avoid demolition. The improvement in its fortunes began in 1841 when it was made a National Monument, and it has now been restored. For more information see Chateau de Blois .

Attractions nearby

A short distance north of the town centre on Rue de la Paix the Fondation du Doute features various contemporary artworks and interactive art exhibits. Near to Blois there are various pleasant woodlands and forests, including the Foret de Blois, the Parc de Chambord and the Foret de Boulogne.

To the east of Blois you can visit two of the most important castles in the Loire Valley: the Chateau de Chambord , the largest and most visited castle in the region, and the Chateau de Cheverny , a more recent castle and with the most beautiful interiors in the region.

You can find more travel ideas in the Loir-et-Cher guide and the Loire Valley guide .

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One of the most impressive of the Loire castles, the Chateau de Blois is best known for its double helix renaissance staircase

Chateau de Cheverny

Cheverny Castle is perhaps the most opulently furnished of the Loire castles, and also has very lovely gardens

Chateau de Chambord

The largest castle in the Loire Valley, Chateau de Chambord exceeds all expectations with its grandeur - despite being built as a hunting lodge and rarely occupied!

Chateau de Chaumont

The small village of Chaumont-sur-Loire is dominated by the Chateau de Chaumont, one of the largest Loire Valley castles and with a famous annual International Garden Festival

Now listed as a 'town of art and history', Vendome retains many monuments from its active past despite extensive wartime damage

A small town on the banks of the Loire River, Beaugency squeezes a remarkable number of interesting sights in a small space!

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Loir-et-Cher

Tourist classifications for Blois

Blois has received the following tourist classifications: historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé); listed town of Art and History ; village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*

Address: Blois, Loire Valley, 41000, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.585, longitude 1.33

Plan your visit to Blois, Loir-et-Cher

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby.

• Roseraie des terrasses de l’évêché: remarkable garden
• Parc du château de Beauregard: remarkable garden (7 km)
• Fougeres-sur-Bievre Chateau: national monument (15 km)
• Domaine régional de Chaumont-sur-Loire: remarkable garden (16 km)
• Talcy Chateau: national monument (22 km)
• Jardin du château de Talcy: remarkable garden (22 km)
• Réserve de Beaumarchais: zoo or wildlife park (26 km)
• Vendome : town of art and history (31 km)
• Beaugency : recommended detour (31 km)
• Amboise : secteur sauvegarde (32 km)
• Jardin du domaine de Sasnières: remarkable garden (33 km)
• Parc et jardins du château de Chenonceau : remarkable garden (35 km)

Market days in Blois, France

Regular market(s) are held in Blois each Wednesday & Tuesday & Thursday & Sunday & Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at Blois (Francais)

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