Blois

The Royal Castle of Blois presents a true panorama of the architecture and history of the Loire Valley castles. Residence of seven kings and ten queens of France, it is a place evocative of the power and daily life of the Court during the Renaissance. The royal apartments, furnished and adorned with magnificent polychrome decorations testify to this.

The castle has four wings of different styles. The Etats Généraux room is the largest early 13th century Gothic civil hall visible in France. The first half of the 16th century marks the apogee of the castle under the sumptuous reigns of Louis XII and François I, who rebuilt the castle in the taste of the Renaissance. The Francis I wing and in particular its famous spiral staircase are certainly the most famous part of the castle. Finally, the Gaston d'Orléans wing, designed around 1635 by François Mansart, is a masterpiece of French architecture.

The execution of the Duke of Guise is one of the most famous events in the history of the castle: his assassination was ordered on 23 November 1588 on the orders of Henri III, his political rival at the Estates General in Blois.

The Royal Castle of Blois is also a real museum. It presents part of its collections in the royal apartments of the wing of Francis I, and on the occasion of temporary exhibitions.

Just opposite the castle, a completely different atmosphere awaits you at the House of Magic. Enter the world of illusions! This performance venue, museum and interactive site on the arts of magic, will never cease to amaze you!
From the outside, first discover the six-headed dragon, guardian of the magic temple, in the windows. Then initiate yourself to the magic arts on more than 2,000 m² and 5 levels: automatons, optical games, history of magic, a real magic show combining great illusions and magical effects and other animations which we leave you the surprise...

A stroll through the pedestrian shopping streets of the town centre, then along the majestic Loire River is a must to recover from all the emotions felt and surprises experienced.