Royal Castle of Blois

The royal château of Blois

The Blois audio-guided tour takes you to the royal château, the monument par excellence of the city and one of the jewels of the Loire Valley. A favourite residence of the kings of France during the Renaissance, it offers an exceptional journey through art and history.

Seven kings and ten queens

In total, seven kings and ten queens of France lived in the château of Blois, which was the scene of countless dramas, intrigues and power games. Each sovereign left their architectural mark, so much so that the building today brings together four styles around its courtyard: medieval Gothic, the flamboyant Gothic of Louis XII, the Renaissance of Francis I and the classicism of Gaston d'Orléans. A true open-air manual of architecture.

What there is to see

The château is visited around its courtyard, where you admire the famous spiral staircase of the Francis I wing, a masterpiece of the Renaissance. Inside, the royal apartments, their restored decors and the memory of the assassination of the Duke of Guise plunge the visitor into the history of the court of France. It is an essential visit of the Loire Valley.

Practical information

The royal château of Blois stands in the heart of the historic centre, dominating the city. The visit follows its own schedule, with a charge, whose opening times may vary with the season. A sound and light show is offered there in the warm season; it is advisable to check the visiting conditions in advance.

How many kings and queens lived in the château of Blois?

In total, seven kings and ten queens of France resided there, making the château one of the great royal residences of the Renaissance.

Which architectural styles does the château bring together?

Four styles around its courtyard: medieval Gothic, the flamboyant Gothic of Louis XII, the Renaissance of Francis I and the classicism of Gaston d'Orléans.