We visited the town of Blois in September 2023. It is one of our favourite towns in the Loire Valley and an unmissable highlight of your visit. 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. 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.
The 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. Saint-Saturnin’s, the parish church of the old suburb of Vienne, is one of Blois’ older churches. Circa 1500,
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. If you 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.
The Royal Château is a synthesis of the Loire Châteaux. Located high on its rocky perch, the Royal château of Blois dominates the city and the Loire. Its four facades, each of a distinct style, offer a rapid overview of French architecture and the history of the Châteaux of the Loire. A unique feature of the Royal Château is that it is the only one to have hosted no less than 10 queens and 7 kings of France, including Louis XII and Francis I, his nephew and successor. Both sovereigns added to the building: while Louis XII built a new wing, Francis I added a magnificent stairway to the royal courtyard.
If you follow the street next to the Tourist Office 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.
The main medieval centre in Blois is in the Rue des Trois Marchlands (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.
An iconic attraction in Blois, the monumental Denis-Papin staircase overlooks the town, provides an unforgettable panoramic view, and regularly enlivens urban space with its original, grandiose decorations.
The Saint Vincent de Paul church is the former Saint Louis church of the Jesuits. Located in the centre of Blois, opposite the château, it was built in the 17th century to plans drawn up by two architects from the Society of Jesus. Its architecture conforms to the criteria laid down by the Catholic counter-reformation. The building's slow construction was completed thanks to donations from Gaston d'Orléans. Devastated during the French Revolution, it was returned to worship in 1828 and restored by Jules de la Morandière in 1847. The façade is typical of Jesuit churches, with three Doric and Corinthian tiers linked by wide volutes. Another remarkable feature is that the façade faces south-east. The interior features 19th-century painted decoration, a five-sided apse, a sculpted altarpiece with red marble columns (1670) and two memorials erected by Gaston d'Orléans' daughter in honour of her father (1677). One of the statues is a profane representation of a young lady of the period, the other an allegory of Piety in prayer. In 1793, the urn protecting Gaston d'Orléans' heart was broken and the benefactor's heart thrown away. Sadly, the Revolution caused further destruction, including the side chapels, a marble mosaic floor, the choir screen and the magnificent marble tomb of a Polish princess.
The Bishop's Gardens (Rose Garden of the Terrasses de l'évêchéare) are located in the historic centre of the town. Laid out in terraces, they overlook the city and Loire.
Music: Harry Hayes
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