Blois, France

Blois

A Loire château mixing four styles, and a good base for Chambord.

  • All year
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
Forest of FontainebleauFrance · Nature spotForest of Fontainebleau136 kmParisFrance · CityParis160 kmGivernyFrance · Nature spotGiverny166 kmProvinsFrance · Hidden townProvins182 kmRouenFrance · CityRouen207 kmHonfleurFrance · Hidden townHonfleur219 kmNantesFrance · CityNantes221 kmRennesFrance · CityRennes232 km

Things to do

2 days in Blois

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit the Château de Blois and its famous spiral staircase.
  2. AfternoonVisit the Château de Chambord, 20 minutes away, with Leonardo-style double staircase.
  3. EveningHave dinner in Blois' old town and see the château's light show in summer.

Day 2

Visit the Château de Cheverny, which inspired Tintin's Marlinspike Hall.

What to eat

Tarte Tatin, invented in the Loire Valley, and a Touraine wine.

Local tips

Make the most of Blois

Beat the crowds

Calm most of the year. Summer afternoons are busier at the château.

Best photo spot

The spiral staircase of the François I wing, and the town from the bridge over the Loire.

Getting there

Trains run from Paris and Tours. The centre is walkable.

Don't miss nearby

Château de Chambord, about 25 minutes away, and Cheverny.

Good to know

On summer evenings the château has a sound and light show. The House of Magic faces the château.

Secret spots

2 secret spots near Blois

Our most hidden places around Blois: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Blois to take with you.

33 km away
96 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Blois

Getting there

  • Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF)50 km away
  • Paris-Orly Airport (ORY)150 km away
  • Paris160 km away
  • Rouen205 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeHidden town
Good forOld towns & architecture
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryFrance

Questions

Blois: good to know

Is Blois worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns. A Loire château mixing four styles, and a good base for Chambord.

How many days do you need in Blois?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Blois?

You can visit all year. Calm most of the year. Summer afternoons are busier at the château.

How do you get to Blois?

The nearest airport is Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF), about 50 km away. Trains run from Paris and Tours. The centre is walkable.

What is there to see near Blois?

Nearby hidden places include Forest of Fontainebleau (136 km), Paris (160 km) and Giverny (166 km).

More hidden places in France (72)