Blois is a historic town in the Loire Valley, in the French department of Loir-et-Cher. It sits on the banks of the Loire, and its streets rise from the river towards a hilltop château that has long shaped the town's character.
The château and the town
The town is best known for its Renaissance château, which served as a residence of French kings. Walking through the old centre, visitors pass the château's walls and the lanes that climb towards it, giving a clear sense of how the town grew up around royal life. The château is the natural starting point for most trips here.
What a visit offers
- A tour of the château and its historic rooms, reflecting its role as a royal home.
- A stroll through the old town and along the Loire riverside.
- A base for exploring the wider Loire Valley, a region rich in châteaux and river scenery.
Blois suits visitors interested in French royal history and Renaissance architecture, and those who enjoy a relaxed pace by a river. Because the château and the old town are close together, a visit can be planned around a single day, though many travellers choose to stay longer to explore the surrounding valley.
