Blois

Rich city, Blois does not lack of patrimonial or historical attractions, which attract lovers of beautiful stones and pretty legends.

• Tourist pride of Blois, the royal castle dominates the streets of the old center of the city and offers a perfect synthesis of the different castles of the Loire, through its architecture and its particular history. On its façade, one can indeed discover a fine example of French architecture between the Middle Ages and the 17th century. Royal residence of seven kings and ten queens of France, it still seduces today with its magnificent polychrome decors. Classified as Historical Monuments and labeled the Musée de France, it houses over 30,000 works, some of which are exhibited in the Musée des Beaux-Arts in the Louis XII wing. Also worth seeing are the royal apartments of the François Ier wing, the temporary exhibitions, or the incredible staircase that made the château famous.
• Carried by Ben, famous French artist, the Doubt Foundation is a place of culture and artistic expression. In the spirit of Fluxus, created in the 60s, several hundred works are exhibited on nearly 1,500 m².
• In a large bourgeois house of the nineteenth century, hides the best of the art of magic. Shows, incredible objects or other extraordinary surprises unfold on more than 2000 m² of paradise.
• City since 2010 of the prestigious cycling tour "La Loire à Vélo", Blois has become a must for cycling enthusiasts.
• The former convent of the Jacobins now houses two interesting museums, the Museum of Religious Art and the Museum of Natural History.
• Devastated in 1678, the cathedral of Saint-Louis was rebuilt with the help of Colbert's finances to become an impressive Gothic building. Since 2000, the site has decorated with superb stained-glass windows.
• Do not miss the town hall, set in the former bishopric of the eighteenth century, as well as its superb terraced gardens overlooking the Loire. It offers an incredible view of the city and the river.
• In the national stud farm, housed in a former convent of Carmelites of the 19th century, it is possible to discover about thirty stallions, as well as fine specimens of percherons, draft horses of the region.
• Do not forget to visit the Beauvoir tower which is the oldest monument of Blois since this dungeon dates from the end of the eleventh century. It is also the oldest prison in France, as early as the fourteenth century. For lovers of thrills, the dungeons have been transformed into "dungeons", that is to say you can sleep there. From the terrace you will have a beautiful view over the whole city of Blois. A tip: it is better to call before for the visit to +33 6 88 15 62 64.

Focused on culture, the city of Blois keeps organizing every year many events of all kinds that animate the ancient royal city. History, music... everyone is happy!

• Blois's big cultural event, the Rendez-Vous of History attracts nearly 25,000 people each year. Created in 1998, they take place over four days during which more than 300 debates and conferences are organized, with nearly 700 renowned speakers. Writers, historians, filmmakers, journalists meet to discuss a general theme chosen each year by a Scientific Committee. A cinema cycle is also organized with the projection of some fifty films and other documentaries. The event usually takes place during the month of October.
• Comics town, Blois organizes each year, in November, the autumn festival of comics, BD Boum. The opportunity for 20,000 visitors to discover nearly 150 authors and their publishing houses.
• Organized by Maison de Bégon, the Mix'Terres festival is a cross-cultural arts event. 18 professional and amateur shows, of which two-thirds are free, are organized, with the program: street art, music or even modern dance and circus. The appointment is in the course of May.
• In the summer, the city of Blois kisses to the sound of the Festival Des Lyres d'été. Throughout the city, there are free concerts, fairy tales, film shows or circus performances. In all, more than 200 appointments are offered. Between November and January, the equivalent is offered with Des Lyres d'hiver, including a beautiful Christmas market.
• New must-attend event, Blois International Choreographic Festival: Blois Danse, transforms the city into a dance ground in early July. Initiated by the professional dance company New York Azoth Dance Theater, which recently moved to Blois, the festival features performances by international companies, short dance films, workshops with choreographers, a dance workshop and a stage open to schools and associations in the region. A delicious, invigorating and unique event in the central region!

• From 21 june to 20 september 2024
• Office de Tourisme Blois-Chambord
• The summer of Blois-Chambord. Every day, from the end of June to mid-September, Blois-Chambord offers a variety of activities : concerts, theater, street shows and movie screenings. More than 200 events will enchant you with their diversity : concerts, theater, strolls, dance, magic, cinema, games, walks, well-being workshops and unusual visits.