Attractions and Places To See around Blois - Top 20

Within Blois, you can visit the Château Royal de Blois, a significant royal residence showcasing various architectural styles. The Saint-Louis Cathedral in Blois, a Gothic cathedral, offers stunning architecture and city views. Don't miss the unique Denis Papin Staircase, which connects the upper and lower parts of the city and features annual art installations. You can also wander through the charming Old Town streets with their half-timbered houses and private mansions.

Blois serves as an excellent base for exploring several renowned Loire Valley castles. The most popular is Chambord Castle, the largest and best-known, built by François I. Another must-see is Cheverny Castle, celebrated for its well-preserved classical architecture and interiors. You can also visit Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle, known for its impressive structure and international garden festival.

Yes, the region around Blois is excellent for cycling. You can find various routes, including a scenic forest cycle path near Chambord, which is away from traffic. For more options, explore the Cycling around Blois guide, which includes routes like the 'Loop between Blois and Chambord' and 'Blois to Chaumont-sur-Loire'.

Absolutely. The Royal Forest of Blois, one of France's finest oak forests, offers numerous trails for walking and mountain biking, such as the Val des Cigognes and Pinçonnière trails. You can also find diverse natural areas like the Roquezon spur and the Grand-Pierre and Vitain valleys for hiking. For easier options, check out the Easy hikes around Blois guide, featuring routes like the 'Chambord Canal Promenade'.

For picturesque views of the Loire River, head to the Jacques-Gabriel Bridge, which offers superb panoramas of Blois and the river. The Gardens of the Former Bishop's Palace (now the town hall gardens) also provide splendid views. Additionally, the Port of Chaumont-sur-Loire and the View of Cour-sur-Loire offer charming river vistas, often with traditional wooden sailboats.

Blois offers several family-friendly attractions. The Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin, located opposite the Château Royal, is a unique museum dedicated to illusion and magic, captivating visitors of all ages with its moving dragon facade. Many of the castles, such as Chambord and Cheverny, are also considered family-friendly, often featuring extensive grounds for exploration.

Beyond the famous castles, Blois boasts several distinctive cultural sites. The Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin is a must-visit for its dedication to the art of illusion. For contemporary art enthusiasts, the Fondation du Doute celebrates avant-garde artists, particularly from the Fluxus movement. You can also explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts within the Château Royal, the Maison de la BD (Comic Book Museum), and the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle.

The spring and summer months (April to October) are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Blois and the Loire Valley. During this period, the weather is pleasant for cycling, hiking, and exploring the castle grounds and gardens. Summer also brings the popular sound and light show at the Château Royal de Blois.

While specific rules can vary, many natural areas around Blois are suitable for walks with dogs, often on leash. The Royal Forest of Blois provides extensive trails. When visiting specific attractions like castles or gardens, it's always best to check their individual dog policies beforehand, as access might be restricted to certain areas or require dogs to be carried.

The Banks of the Loire River offer picturesque settings for walks and admiring the panorama. The Gardens of the Former Bishop's Palace (Roseraie des terrasses de l'évêché) provide beautifully manicured spaces with splendid views. The Royal Forest of Blois is an extensive oak forest perfect for nature walks and cycling. Additionally, sensitive natural areas like the Roquezon spur and the Grand-Pierre and Vitain valleys offer opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.

Yes, the area around Blois is suitable for gravel biking, offering routes that combine paved roads with unpaved paths through forests and along the river. You can find various options in the Gravel biking around Blois guide, including routes like 'View of Cour-sur-Loire – Port of Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire loop from Blois - Chambord' and 'The Loire River – Port of Chaumont-sur-Loire loop from Chouzy'.