"An Architectural History of Chateau-Building" Top 5 Page for this destination Blois by hquittner

Blois Travel Guide: 94 reviews and 312 photos

Francois I Wing (entire courtyard view) - Blois
Francois I Wing (entire courtyard view)
Why Blois?

On our second visit, we took our four grown sons and their wives to spend an afternoon at Blois. In the morning we had visited Chenonceau from our base at a"bed-dinner abd breakfast" chateau near the Chambord (See Lodging Tip under Centre-Chateau Colliers).After previously sightseeing at most of the prominent chateaux in the valley, we chose the three finest and most varied examples to visit as their first taste. The chateau is a partial textbook of architecture of castles, at least as living quarters. (we had seen Versailles from Paris days earlier).

What We Missed
Outside the Louis XII Wing at entry - Blois

Outside the Louis XII Wing at entry

Each of our trips to Blois have been day trips. The first time we devoted a little energy to seeing the outside of the castle and some of the old town. It is quite a climb up and down. We looked into the Cathedral at that time, but took no pictures because we were not experienced enough to recognize its finer late Gothic rebuilding.

The Chateau
The Gargoyle is Happy to See Us - Blois

The Gargoyle is Happy to See Us

The chateau is minimally furnished. It is really a set of museums and plays host to any groups of French schoolchildren since some of France's history (including murder) took place here. We went for the beautiful architecture in many styles. There are preserved archeologic remains and original castle stone carvings, a picture gallery and authentic pieces and reproductions that emphasize the history in appropriate places.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:A Top Ranking Chateau and an interesting City
  • Cons:Takes plenty of time and walking to see it all.
  • In a nutshell:Do Not Miss It
  • Last visit to Blois: May 1998
  • Intro Written May 18, 2007
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Reviews (15)

A Ground Floor Room - Blois The Francois I Ground Floor Has Exhibits Things to Do (15)

If you have time, the ground floor level of the Francois I Wing has many objects of interest and explanations, old... more travel advice

Louis XII Mantel (The Porcupine) - Blois The Louis XII Wing Interior is an Art... Things to Do (15)

The rooms of the Louis XII Wing have been converted into the Museum des Beaux Arts. Some of the fine mantels remain and... more travel advice

The Hall and its tapestry - Blois Exit Through the Salle des Etats-General Things to Do (15)

This large chamber is the oldest part of the Chateau (13C), the feudal hall of the Counts of Blois. It was used by the... more travel advice

The "Bargueno" (Secretary cabinet) - Blois The Displays of Fine Antique Objects Things to Do (15)

When we return to the lower floor we can see the fine accessories that are on display before exiting through a... more travel advice

Comments (2)

  • Reply
    iandsmith's Profile Photo
    Nov 3, 2012 at 4:55 PM

    Good comments and photos, thanks for sharing. Cheers, Ian

  • Reply
    Aafia's Profile Photo
    Jul 8, 2007 at 8:02 AM

    Greetings from Cape Breton, Canada. You have some wonderful photos and thorough tips. Brings back fond memories of happy days spent there.

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