What to See & Do
Blois Overall Appeal ★★★★☆
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Blois Castle | ★★★★☆ | Castle | Either | Paid |
| 02 | Town Center | ★★★★☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 03 | Blois Cathedral | ★★★☆☆ | Cathedral | Self | Free |
| 04 | Bishopric Garden | ★★★☆☆ | Garden + Panorama | Self | Free |
| 05 | Jardin des Simples | ★★☆☆☆ | Garden + Panorama | Self | Free |
| 06 | Staircase Denis Papin | ★★☆☆☆ | Staircase | Self | Free |
| 07 | Blois Market | ★★☆☆☆ | Food market | Self | Free |
| 08 | Viewpoint | ★☆☆☆☆ | Panorama | Self | Free |
| 09 | House of Magic | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Magic | Self | Paid |
| 10 | St. Nicolas Church | ★☆☆☆☆ | Church | Self | Free |
| 11 | Notre-Dame Basilica | ★☆☆☆☆ | Basilica | Self | Free |
| 12 | St. Saturnin Church | ★☆☆☆☆ | Church | Self | Free |
| 13 | Diocesan Museum | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Relic | Self | Free |
| 14 | Resistance Museum | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - WWII | Self | Paid |
| 15 | Natural History Museum | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Nat. History | Self | Paid |
| 16 | Fondation du Doute | ★☆☆☆☆ | Modern Art Center | Self | Paid |
| 17 | House of Comics | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Comics | Self | Free |
01. Blois Castle
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Castle
Visit Self or Tour
Cost Paid
Blois Castle, an architectural masterpiece, showcasing a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical architecture. It served as the residence of several French kings and queens. The castle is renowned for its stunning staircase and rich art collections.
One part of the castle houses the Museum of Fine Arts.
Right next to the castle and accessible from its courtyard, you will find the Foix Tower, whose summit offers a panoramic view.
When entering the castle, ask at the ticket office if the top of the tower is open.
02. Town Center
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Town Center in Blois is a lovely mix of medieval and Renaissance buildings. You’ll find narrow cobblestone streets, lively markets, and cozy cafes.
03. Blois Cathedral
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Cathedral
Visit Self
Cost Free
Blois Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Louis, is a striking example of Gothic and some Renaissance architecture.
An original church from the 10th century, rebuilt several times over the centuries, was destroyed by a hurricane in the 17th century. It was at this time that the cathedral was constructed. During the French Revolution, it was desecrated but later restored. It was damaged in World War II bombings but was again carefully rebuilt.
04. Bishopric Garden
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Garden + Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
Established in the 17th century, the Bishopric Garden was originally part of the bishop’s residence. It has beautifully manicured lawns and flowerbeds. The garden provides views of the Loire River and the city.
05. Jardin des Simples
Appeal ★★☆☆
Type Garden + Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
Jardin des Simples is a medieval-inspired garden focusing on medicinal plants and herbs. It also provides a view from its elevated section called Bastion du Roy.
06. Staircase Denis Papin
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Staircase
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Staircase Denis Papin is a monumental staircase decorated with vibrant and changing art installations. It connects the lower and upper parts of Blois.
07. Blois Market
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Food Market
Visit Self
Cost Free
Blois’ main food market, called Louis XII Market, takes place on Saturday mornings. There is also a smaller version on Tuesday mornings.
08. Viewpoint
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
This viewpoint from the other side of the Loire river offers a panorama of the bridge, the river, and the city.
09. House of Magic
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Magic Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The House of Magic, dedicated to the magician Robert-Houdin, is a unique museum featuring magical artifacts and live magic shows. The building itself is adorned with animated dragon sculptures.
10. St. Nicolas Church
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Church
Visit Self
Cost Free
Saint Nicolas du Foix church is originally from the 12th century and combines Gothic style with some Romanesque elements.
11. Notre-Dame Basilica
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Basilica
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Trinité is a 20th-century religious building, constructed in the 1930s and 1940s. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of the Trinity.
12. St. Saturnin Church
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Church
Visit Self
Cost Free
St. Saturnin Church, located on the other side of the river, is a small historical church originally from the 11th century. It is known for its simple yet elegant Romanesque and Gothic design.
13. Diocesan Museum
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Relics Museum
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Diocesan Museum houses a collection of religious art and artifacts from the region. It provides insight into the religious history and cultural heritage of Blois.
14. Resistance Museum
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type WWII Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Resistance Museum in Blois is dedicated to the French Resistance and the deportation during World War II. It offers detailed exhibits on the local resistance efforts, personal stories of resistance fighters, and the experiences of deportees.
15. Natural History Museum
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Natural Hsitory Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Natural History Museum of Blois showcases the region’s natural heritage with exhibits on flora, fauna, and geology. It offers educational displays and interactive exhibits.
16. Fondation du Doute
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Modern Art Center
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Fondation du Doute is a modern art center in Blois, dedicated to contemporary and experimental art. The foundation features rotating art exhibits. Installations often include multimedia and interactive elements. It challenges traditional perspectives and encourages creative exploration. The building’s design is a work of art in itself.
17. House of Comics
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Comics Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The House of Comics in Blois is a museum celebrating the art of comic books and graphic novels. It has hosted festivals and artist talks. The collection includes rare and valuable comic books.
