Château de Blois
Château de Blois - everything you need to know to visit the royal estate of Blois
Château de Blois is one of the best-known of the Loire castles. It was the preferred residence of the kings of France during the Renaissance, and is located in the heart of the town of Blois, in the Loir-et-Cher département of the Val-de-Loire.
History of the Château de Blois
Château de Blois is a former royal residence située à Blois dans le Loir-et-Cher. Il est classé monument historique depuis 1840 et fait partie des liens avec la ville de Blois. Il est accessible aux visiteurs et il possède trois ailes qui comprennent l’aile Louis XII et l’aile Gaston d’Orléans, et l’aile François 1st. The Louis XII wing houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Blois.
It was under Louis XII that the Château de Blois became a royal residence. He made it his principal residence. He also carried out major reconstruction work. François Ist had a wing built; however, he abandoned the château in favor of the Château de Fontainebleau, where he transferred the royal family library. The château was the principal residence of French monarchs François II, Charles IX and Henri III. It was briefly occupied by Henri IV. The château was then used by Louis XIII's son, before being abandoned and handed over to the servants by Louis XIV. Napoleon 1st donated the château to the town of Blois in 1810, and it soon became a destination for writers in search of inspiration, such as Alexandre Dumas. Balzac and Victor Hugo.
The château was listed as a historic monument for the first time in 1840. The château was then partially restored, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Blois was created in 1850.
Preparing your visit to the Royal Castle of Blois
Visit
You can visit the Château de Blois all year round, except on January 1 and December 25.
Access and parking
As the monument is located in the center of Blois, parking isn't easy? There are several underground parking lots nearby, the nearest being the château parking lot on avenue Jean Laigret, or the Valin de la Vaissière parking lot on quai de la Saussaye. There are also other parking lots in the town of Bliis, but you'll need to walk for more than 10 minutes.
It's easy to get to the Château de Blois from the station, or by bike.
Opening hours at the chateau
The château is open from 9am to 7pm in high season, and from 10am to 5pm in low season. The last entrance is half an hour before closing time.
Visit rates
Prices range from 6.50 euros for 6-17 year-olds to 13 euros for adults. Admission is free for the under-6s, the disabled and holders of the Blois culture pass. Reduced rates are available for students, teachers and the unemployed.
Services offered by Domaine de Blois
It is possible to visit the estate freely using the audioguide or Histopad. The estate has lockers, baby areas and stroller garages. Please note that pets are not allowed. The Château de Blois also has a gift store selling souvenirs and cultural objects.
Chateaux de la Loire - discover the estates and their gardens, architecture and history
Past testimonials
Here is a testimonial about the Château de Blois in the early 20th century:
"The Château de Blois, seen from Place Victor Hugo at sunset, produces a striking effect of originality and charm. This first glimpse of the building is unforgettable, and even those who see it over and over never tire of admiring it again. Yet this striking first impression is no guarantee of further disappointment. The famous courtyard staircase is rightly considered a masterpiece of French art. The other buildings, while not as original, are equally perfect and deserving of the same esteem. The monument which gives the artist so much to admire is of even greater interest to the historian.
Château de Blois, by Frédéric and Pierre Lesueur, 1914-1921.
