Things to Do in Blois: Royal City of the Loire Valley

Blois sits right in the middle of the Loire Valley, and that geography is basically the whole point of stopping here. Three of the region’s most famous châteaux, Chambord, Cheverny and Chaumont, are all within a 20-minute drive, which makes this walkable little city a genuinely smart base camp rather than just another stop on the list.

Blois is best explored on foot in about half a day: start at the Château Royal de Blois, cross to the Maison de la Magie, then wander the old town up to Saint-Louis Cathedral and the Denis Papin staircase for a panorama over the Loire. Add one or two extra days to reach Chambord, Cheverny and nearby vineyards, all within 20 minutes by car. For the wider regional picture, our guide to things to do in the Loire Valley and the best wine tours in Loire Valley are worth bookmarking too.

Best things to do in Blois

Wander the Château Royal de Blois

This is the reason most people first hear of Blois, and it earns the reputation: the château packs four centuries of French architecture into one courtyard, from Gothic halls to the Renaissance wing built by Jacques Gabriel for King Louis XII and the François I staircase where Catherine de’ Medici once lived. Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours inside, tickets run around €15, and the courtyard alone (free to peek into) gives a sense of scale before you commit to the full visit. The city’s designation as a French Town of Art and History makes this the natural starting point for the rest of the old town.

Step into the Maison de la Magie

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Facing the château, a six-headed dragon pokes its heads out of the windows of this odd, wonderful building, which has run as a magic museum since 1998. Inside, exhibits trace the story of illusion through the work of Robert-Houdin, with live shows that make it one of the better family-friendly attractions in Blois. Budget an hour, and check showtimes at the door since performances run on a schedule.

Discover the Fondation du Doute

A short walk from the château, this museum is dedicated to Fluxus, the loose, playful international art movement that counted George Maciunas, Ben Vautier and Joseph Beuys among its key names. It’s an unexpected contrast to the Renaissance architecture next door, and worth an hour if contemporary and conceptual art interests you. Look out for temporary exhibitions that rotate through the year.

Climb the Denis Papin staircase for a panorama over the Loire

Named after the local inventor, this monumental staircase climbs from the banks of the Loire near the Pont Jacques Gabriel up into the old town, and it doubles as a canvas for the city’s sense of humor. In 2020 it wore a giant Mickey Mouse design for the BD Boum comic festival, and in 2019 a trompe-l’oeil Mona Lisa covered the steps to mark 500 years since Leonardo da Vinci’s death. Climb it at golden hour for the best light over the river and rooftops, it takes maybe 10 minutes at an easy pace.

Explore the old town’s charming little squares

The historic center of Blois rewards slow walking more than any single monument. Rue du Puits-Châtel has the oldest half-timbered houses in the city, and the tangle of lanes climbing toward the cathedral is where Renaissance mansions and timber-framed façades sit side by side. Give yourself 45 minutes to an hour just to wander without a fixed route, and pop into a spot like Librairie Labbe if you want a browse among the small independent shops and squares that do not show up on a map.

Visit Saint-Louis Cathedral and the gardens of the former bishop’s palace

Blois Cathedral crowns the top of the old town, and behind it the royal gardens of the former Évêché open onto one of the best panoramas in Blois, especially in late afternoon. Below the garden, a rose collection adds color from late spring through summer. Entry to both the cathedral and garden is free, and 30 minutes covers a relaxed visit to both.

What to do Around Blois?

Once you’ve covered the town of Blois itself, the real bonus of staying here is what sits just beyond it. Blois works as the heart of the Loire Valley precisely because three of the region’s most photographed châteaux and a handful of vineyards are all within a 20-minute drive, no long transfers, no full day lost on the road.

Discover the Loire Valley Chateaux

The “Region of 1,000 Castles” is home to treasures in every direction, just a few minutes from Blois. Choosing the most beautiful or the most opulent ones is quite a challenge, given the vast selection, but it must be said that certain castles and parks truly stand out. If you plan to visit the three most beautiful castles around Blois, we recommend setting aside at least two extra days in the area. This could make for the perfect itinerary! Spend three days in Blois, with a morning castle tour in the department and an afternoon of cultural sightseeing or a stroll back in the city center.

Here are our top 3 Loire Valley castles at 20 minutes from Blois:

1. Château de Chaumont
2. Château de Cheverny
3. Château de Chambord

Take a Loire wine tour near Blois

Loir-et-Cher isn’t the Loire’s most famous wine name, but the Cheverny and Touraine appellations around Blois produce crisp whites, light reds and a good Crémant de Loire, worth a stop if you’re touring châteaux by car.

Explore the city of Tours

Tours adds a livelier dimension to a trip around Blois. With its historic center, market halls, and wine bars, the city lets you extend your experience in a more lively atmosphere. It’s an ideal destination for mixing things up while staying within the world of Loire wines. Don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Tours.

Good to know before visiting Blois