Stay sustainably in the royal city of the Loire Valley. Blois is home to the only Loire château in a city centre — and every IMPT booking removes 1 tonne of CO₂ from the atmosphere.
Blois is one of France's great royal cities — a place where kings held court, political conspiracies unfolded behind château walls, and the Renaissance blossomed in stone. Perched on a rocky escarpment above the north bank of the Loire, the city has a dramatic topography that sets it apart from the flat, sprawling towns further downstream. Streets climb steeply from the river to the château plateau, passing through layers of medieval, Renaissance, and 19th-century architecture that read like a geological core sample of French history.
The undeniable centrepiece is the Château Royal de Blois, the only Loire château located in the heart of a city. Unlike Chambord or Chenonceau, which sit in parkland or straddle rivers in the countryside, the Château Royal opens directly onto a city square — Place du Château — where café terraces face the very walls where the Duc de Guise was assassinated in 1588 on the orders of Henri III. The château itself is an architectural encyclopaedia: four wings spanning four centuries, from the Gothic Salle des États Généraux (13th century) through Louis XII's Flamboyant Gothic wing, François I's celebrated Renaissance wing with its famous open octagonal spiral staircase, to Gaston d'Orléans' 17th-century Classical wing designed by François Mansart.
Below the château, the old town tumbles downhill in a tangle of narrow lanes, half-timbered houses, Renaissance mansions with carved facades, and unexpected staircases connecting different levels of the city. The monumental Escalier Denis Papin — 121 steps named after the inventor of the steam engine's predecessor, who was born in Blois in 1647 — provides the most dramatic passage between upper and lower town, offering sweeping views over the Loire valley and the medieval bridge that has crossed the river here since Roman times. At the foot of the steps, the lower town spreads along the riverbank, quieter and more residential, with the Loire itself flowing broad and shallow past sandy islands.
What makes Blois exceptional as a base for Loire Valley exploration is its proximity to the biggest names in the château circuit. Chambord — the largest and most famous of all Loire châteaux, built for François I with Leonardo da Vinci's possible input on its double-helix staircase — lies just 16 kilometres to the east. Cheverny, one of the most beautifully furnished châteaux in France and the inspiration for Captain Haddock's Moulinsart in Hergé's Tintin, is 17 kilometres south. Chaumont-sur-Loire, home to the world-renowned International Garden Festival, sits 20 kilometres to the west. No other Loire city puts you within such easy reach of so many world-class sites. Blois is smaller and more intimate than Tours, less touristy than Amboise, and infinitely more characterful than the ring-road hotels around Chambord itself. The city also has a strong chocolate tradition — the Poulain chocolate factory was founded here in 1848 — and hosts a famous magic connection, with the Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin, an interactive magic museum, occupying a grand mansion directly opposite the château.
The most straightforward route to Blois is by train from Paris. Direct services run from Paris Austerlitz station, taking approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. These are Intercités trains rather than TGV, so the journey is a little slower than to Tours, but the station is central and you step off the platform into the city. TER regional trains connect Blois to Tours in around 40 minutes and to Orléans in approximately 45 minutes, making it easy to combine Blois with other Loire Valley destinations on a single trip. There is no commercial airport in Blois — the nearest is Tours Val de Loire, roughly 65 kilometres to the southwest, which handles seasonal flights to destinations including London Stansted and Porto. For drivers, the A10 motorway passes nearby, with Blois roughly 185 kilometres south of Paris.
Once in Blois, the compact old town is entirely walkable, though "walkable" comes with a caveat: this is a hilly city. The climb from the Loire riverbank to the château plateau involves serious elevation gain, and cobbled streets can be slippery in rain. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. The reward for the hills is exceptional views — from the Escalier Denis Papin, from the Jardin de l'Évêché behind the cathedral, and from several terraces in the upper town. The city has a local bus network (Azalys) but you're unlikely to need it unless staying outside the centre.
For day trips, a car opens up the full château circuit with remarkable ease. Chambord is a straight 20-minute drive through the Sologne forest. Cheverny is a similar distance south through gentle farmland. Chaumont-sur-Loire is 20 minutes west along the river. Amboise — with its own royal château and Leonardo da Vinci's final home at Clos Lucé — is 35 minutes away. If you prefer two wheels, the Loire à Vélo cycling route passes directly through Blois along the river, offering flat, scenic riding in both directions. The route to Chambord through the Cosson forest is a particularly popular day ride. Evening entertainment in Blois centres on the spectacular son et lumière show projected onto the façade of the Château Royal during summer months — a multimedia retelling of the château's history that is among the best in the Loire Valley. The Maison de la Magie, with its dragon automaton that emerges from the windows several times daily, is a particular hit with families.
The historic heart of Blois, clustered around the Château Royal and Place du Château. Steep cobbled streets lined with Renaissance mansions, half-timbered houses, and a concentration of restaurants, bars, and artisan shops. You are steps from the château, the cathedral, and the Escalier Denis Papin. Best for: history, dining, atmosphere, walking access to everything.
The area surrounding the SNCF station on Avenue du Dr Jean Laigret. Flat terrain, modern hotels, and easy access to bus connections and car hire. A 10-minute walk from the château via the wide avenue. Best for: arrivals by train, parking, practical stays, day-trippers using Blois as a base.
The lower town along the quays of the Loire river. Quieter than the upper old town, with river views, proximity to the Loire à Vélo cycling path, and a handful of riverside restaurants. The Jacques Gabriel bridge gives direct access to the south bank and its walking trails. Best for: river views, cycling, tranquillity, morning runs along the water.
A residential commune just across the Loire on the south bank, offering a calmer pace and easy road access to Cheverny and the southern châteaux. Several guesthouses and chambres d'hôtes operate here, surrounded by gardens and greenery. Best for: drivers, families, those preferring a quieter setting outside the city centre.
From historic townhouse B&Bs to reliable chain hotels near the station, Blois offers accommodation across every budget. Book through IMPT and every stay removes 1 tonne of CO₂ — at the same price you'd pay on any other platform.
A modern, well-maintained hotel on Avenue du Dr Jean Laigret, directly opposite the Château Royal. Private parking is a significant advantage for those using Blois as a base for château day trips. Contemporary rooms, a reliable breakfast buffet, and friendly staff who advise on local itineraries.
Book Sustainably →A charming 2-star hotel on Place du Château itself, with some rooms offering direct views of the Château Royal's Renaissance façade. Simple, well-kept rooms at a budget-friendly price point in arguably the best location in Blois. Perfect for those who want to step out of their door and be at the château entrance.
Book Sustainably →A reliable 3-star option in a central location near the château on Rue Porte Côté. IBIS hotels deliver consistent, no-frills comfort — clean rooms, good beds, and a 24-hour reception. Its position on one of the main streets connecting the lower and upper town puts restaurants and shops on the doorstep.
Book Sustainably →Occupying a prime position on the quays of the Loire, this 4-star Mercure property offers river views from many rooms. The contemporary interior provides a comfortable contrast to a day spent exploring medieval streets. An on-site restaurant, bar, and meeting rooms make it popular with both leisure and business travellers.
Book Sustainably →A classic French hotel in the old town of Blois. The terrace overlooks the daily life of the centre, and the hotel's restaurant serves traditional Loire Valley cuisine. Rooms are traditionally decorated with good proportions. A reliable, well-located choice with parking available nearby and walking distance to all attractions.
Book Sustainably →A characterful 19th-century hotel in the heart of the old town on Rue Gallois, just a short stroll from the Château Royal. The building retains its traditional French hotel charm with high ceilings, period furnishings, and a welcoming breakfast room. Its central location puts you within walking distance of all major sights and restaurants.
Book Sustainably →The centrepiece of Blois and the only Loire château built in the heart of a city. Four wings represent four periods of French architecture: the Gothic Salle des États Généraux (13th century), Louis XII's Flamboyant Gothic wing (late 15th century), François I's Renaissance wing with its celebrated open octagonal spiral staircase (early 16th century), and Gaston d'Orléans' Classical wing designed by François Mansart (17th century). In summer, the façade hosts a spectacular son et lumière show recounting the château's dramatic history.
Directly opposite the Château Royal, this interactive magic museum occupies a grand 19th-century mansion and is dedicated to Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, the father of modern magic (and the inspiration for Houdini's stage name). A mechanical dragon automaton emerges from the building's upper windows several times daily — a spectacle that stops passersby in their tracks. Inside, magic shows, illusion exhibitions, and interactive displays make it a highlight for families.
The cathedral of Blois was rebuilt in the late 17th century after a devastating hurricane destroyed most of the original structure in 1678. The current building is a fine example of French Gothic Revival, but the real treasure lies beneath: a Romanesque crypt dating to the 10th and 11th centuries, with original stone walls and capitals that survived the destruction above. The adjacent terraced gardens offer some of the best views in the city.
A monumental staircase of 121 steps connecting the lower town to the upper town, named after Denis Papin, the inventor of the steam digester (a precursor to the steam engine and the pressure cooker), who was born in Blois in 1647. The staircase offers sweeping panoramic views over the Loire valley, the medieval bridge, and the rooftops of the old town. It's the most photographed street scene in Blois.
A contemporary art centre entirely dedicated to the Fluxus movement, housed in a converted school building in the old town. The collection, built around works donated by artist Ben Vautier, includes pieces by Yoko Ono, Nam June Paik, Wolf Vostell, and other key Fluxus figures. The building's exterior is covered in Ben's signature painted text aphorisms. A quirky, thought-provoking stop that contrasts brilliantly with the Renaissance surroundings.
Terraced gardens cascading down the hillside behind the Cathédrale Saint-Louis, offering panoramic views over the Loire river, the Jacques Gabriel bridge, and the southern plain. The gardens are beautifully maintained with rose beds, topiary, and shaded paths. In summer, the upper terraces are a favourite spot for locals to watch the sunset over the river. Free entry year-round.
The undisputed star of the Loire Valley. Built from 1519 for François I as a hunting lodge — though "lodge" hardly does justice to a building with 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, and 84 staircases — Chambord is the largest château in the Loire. Its centrepiece is the famous double-helix staircase, possibly influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, where two intertwined flights allow people to ascend and descend without ever meeting. The rooftop terrace, with its forest of towers, chimneys, and lanterns, is one of France's most iconic architectural sights.
One of the most elegantly furnished châteaux in the Loire Valley, Cheverny has been continuously inhabited by the same family for over six centuries. The pristine white Classical façade is instantly recognisable as the inspiration for Moulinsart (Marlinspike Hall), Captain Haddock's mansion in Hergé's Tintin comics — a connection celebrated in a permanent exhibition in the grounds. The château's interior is sumptuously decorated with original 17th-century furnishings, tapestries, and paintings.
Every year from April to November, the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire hosts one of the world's most prestigious garden festivals. Landscape architects, designers, and artists from around the globe create temporary experimental gardens on a given theme, resulting in installations that blend horticulture with contemporary art. The château itself — where Catherine de Médicis exchanged Chaumont for Chenonceau after the death of Henri II — is worth the visit alone.
The Loire à Vélo is an 800-kilometre signed cycling route stretching along France's longest river. Blois sits at one of the most scenic stretches, with flat, well-maintained paths following the riverbanks through vineyards, villages, and past several châteaux. The Blois-to-Chambord route through the Cosson forest is a popular day ride of approximately 32 kilometres round trip. Bike hire is available in the city centre.
3 km · 1.5 hours · Moderate (steep)
Start at the Château Royal on Place du Château. Descend the Escalier Denis Papin for panoramic views, then turn into Rue Pierre de Blois with its Renaissance mansions. Climb to the Cathédrale Saint-Louis and walk through the Jardin de l'Évêché for sweeping Loire views. Descend through the medieval lanes to the riverbank and return via the Jacques Gabriel bridge for a final perspective of the city skyline.
6 km · 1.5 hours · Easy
A flat walk or cycle along the north bank of the Loire, starting from the Pont Jacques Gabriel. Head east along the quays past sandy river islands, passing through riverside meadows and patches of riparian woodland. The path is shaded in parts and offers constant views across the wide, shallow river. Turn around at the Pont Charles de Gaulle or continue on the Loire à Vélo route towards Ménars.
32 km round trip · 3 hours · Easy-moderate
Follow the Loire à Vélo route east out of Blois, crossing the Cosson river and entering the vast forest that surrounds Chambord. The route is flat and well-signed, passing through the hamlet of Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire — the original port used to transport building materials for the château. Arrive at Chambord through its grand avenue, explore the château, and return the same route or loop via Vineuil.
The Château Royal de Blois is the only Loire château situated in the heart of a city centre. It features four wings spanning four centuries of French architecture — a Gothic hall from the 13th century, a Flamboyant Gothic wing built for Louis XII in the late 15th century, a Renaissance wing commissioned by François I in the early 16th century (famous for its open octagonal spiral staircase), and a Classical wing designed by François Mansart for Gaston d'Orléans in the 17th century. Seven kings and ten queens of France lived here, making it one of the most historically significant châteaux in France.
Château de Chambord is just 16 kilometres from Blois — approximately a 20-minute drive east through the Sologne forest. Blois is the closest city to Chambord, making it the most practical and convenient base for visiting the largest and most famous château in the Loire Valley. You can also cycle from Blois to Chambord on the Loire à Vélo route, a flat 32-kilometre round trip through the Cosson forest.
The most convenient option is a direct train from Paris Austerlitz station, which takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. TER regional trains also connect Blois to Tours (40 minutes) and Orléans (45 minutes). Blois does not have a commercial airport — the nearest is Tours Val de Loire, approximately 65 kilometres to the southwest. For drivers, the A10 motorway passes nearby, with Blois roughly 185 kilometres south of Paris via the Orléans exit.
Yes, Blois is very walkable, but be prepared for hills. The old town climbs steeply from the banks of the Loire river up to the château and cathedral. The famous Escalier Denis Papin — a monumental staircase of 121 steps — connects the lower and upper parts of the city. Comfortable shoes with good grip are essential. Despite the gradients, the compact centre means that all major sights, restaurants, and hotels are within a short walk of each other.
Blois has a rich events calendar throughout the year. In summer (June to September), the Château Royal hosts a spectacular son et lumière show projected onto its Renaissance façade, retelling the history of the château and the French kings who lived there. In October, the city hosts the Rendez-vous de l'Histoire, France's largest history festival, attracting thousands of academics, authors, and history enthusiasts for debates, lectures, and book signings. The Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin runs magic shows and exhibitions from April to September. In December, a Christmas market fills the town centre with seasonal stalls and lights.