WHAT TO SEE & DO
Overview Table
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blois Castle | ✦✦✦✦✧ | Castle | Either | Paid € |
| 2 | Town Center | ✦✦✦✦✧ | Town Center | Self | Free |
| 3 | Blois Cathedral | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Cathedral | Self | Free |
| 4 | Bishopric Garden | ✦✦✦✧✧ | Garden + Panorama | Self | Free |
| 5 | Staircase Denis Papin | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Staircase | Self | Free |
| 6 | St. Nicolas Church | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Church | Self | Free |
| 7 | Food Market | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Food market | Self | Free |
| 8 | Viewpoint | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Panorama | Self | Free |
| 9 | Jardin des Simples | ✦✦✧✧✧ | Garden | Self | Free |
| 10 | Notre-Dame Basilica | ✦✧✧✧✧ | Basilica | Self | Free |
| 11 | St. Saturnin Church | ✦✧✧✧✧ | Church | Self | Free |
| 12 | Diocesan Museum | ✦✧✧✧✧ | Museum - Relics | Self | Free |
| 13 | House of Magic | ✦✧✧✧✧ | Museum - Magic | Self | Paid € |
| 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 | ✦✧✧✧✧ | Exhibits - Comics | Self | Free |
1. Blois Castle
Appeal ✦✦✦✦✧
Type Castle + Museum + Panorama + Light Show
Visit Self-guided or Guided Tour
Cost Paid
French Name
Château Royal de Blois
Castle
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.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
⚙️ Visitor Info (Official Website)
Fine Arts Museum
One part of the castle houses the Museum of Fine Arts.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
Viewpoint
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.
Nighttime Light Show
From spring to mid-autumn, sound and light shows take place in the evening on the castle’s façade.
2. Town Center
Appeal ✦✦✦✦✧
Type Walking Around
Visit Self-guided
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.
3. Blois Cathedral
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Cathedral
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free
French Name
Cathédrale Saint-Louis de Blois
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.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
4. Bishopric Garden
Appeal ✦✦✦✧✧
Type Garden + Panorama
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free
French Name
Jardin de l’Évêché
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.
5. Staircase Denis Papin
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Staircase
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free
French Name
Escalier Denis Papin
The Staircase Denis Papin is a monumental staircase decorated with vibrant and changing art installations. It connects the lower and upper parts of Blois.
6. St. Nicolas Church
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Church
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free
French Name
Église Saint-Nicolas du Foix
Saint Nicolas du Foix church is originally from the 12th century and combines Gothic style with some Romanesque elements.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
7. Food Market
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Outdoor Food Market
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free
French Names
Marché de Blois
Marché du Centre-Ville
Marché Louis XII
Blois’ main food market, called Louis XII Market, takes place on Saturday mornings.
There is also a tiny version on Tuesday mornings.
8. Viewpoint
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Panorama
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free
This viewpoint from the other side of the Loire river offers a panorama of the bridge, the river, and the city.
9. Jardin des Simples
Appeal ✦✦✧✧✧
Type Garden
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free
French Names
Jardins des Simples et des Fleurs Royales
Parc des Lices
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.
10. Notre-Dame Basilica
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Type Basilica
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free
French Name
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Trinité
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.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
11. St. Saturnin Church
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Type Church
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free
French Name
Église Saint-Saturnin
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.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
12. Diocesan Museum
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Type Relics Museum
Visit Self-guided
Cost Free
French Name
Musée Diocésain d’Art Religieux
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.
13. House of Magic
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Type Magic Museum
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid
French Name
Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin
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.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
14. Resistance Museum
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Type WWII Museum
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid
French Names
Centre de la Résistance, de la Déportation et de la Mémoire
CRDM
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.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
15. Natural History Museum
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Type Natural Hsitory Museum
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid
French Name
Musée d’Histoire Naturelle
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-guided
Cost Paid
French Name
Fondation du Doute
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.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
17. House of Comics
Appeal ✦✧✧✧✧
Type Comics Exhibitions
Visit Self-guided
Cost Paid
French Name
Maison de la BD
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.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN LOIRE VALLEY
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Things to Do in Chenonceaux Village
Things to Do in Cheverny Village
Things to Do in Fontevraud-l’Abbaye Village
Things to Do in Montrésor Village
Things to Do in Montreuil-Bellay Town
Things to Do in Montsoreau Village
