4 Castles in One!

The Royal Chateau of Blois

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The Royal Chateau of Blois

The varied architectural styles of the Chateau of Blois, ranging from medieval to Renaissance, and its historical significance spanning over 600 years, make it one of the most regal chateaux in the Loire Valley. Located in the heart of the destination, discover this extraordinary royal residence and the secrets it holds...

Home to 7 Kings and 10 Queens of France
A Breathtaking Night Show
Houses the Museum of Fine Arts

ARCHITECTURE LIKE NOWHERE ELSE

A Chateau Shaped by the Whims of Kings

Before the 1800s, preserving ancient constructions was not a priority. Each sovereign sought to impose their own style. The Royal Chateau of Blois perfectly illustrates this trend.

Fortunately, successive monarchs rarely completely demolished existing structures. Today, we have the privilege of exploring four different architectural styles within a single chateau...

STRENGTH AND PROTECTION

The 13th Century Medieval Fortress

In the 9th century, a promontory overlooking Blois and the Loire housed a fortress and a comital palace. Over time, numerous extensions were carried out.

Today, only remnants from the 13th century remain: the great hall, part of the ramparts, three towers integrated into the François I wing, and the Foix tower.

Château royal de Blois - Salle des États Généraux ©Daniel Lepissier

AT THE DAWN OF THE GOTHIC ERA

The Louis XII Wing

Starting in 1498, Louis XII sought to modernise the comfort of his residence. The medieval fortress began to transform into an urban palace. In the Gothic era, the king wanted to follow the trends of his time!

On the courtyard side, an open gallery allows for sheltered access between the stair towers. On the square side, the fashionable bricks frame the equestrian statue of the king. Here, the early influences of Italian art can already be seen. Today, the Louis XII wing houses the Museum of Fine Arts.

Château royal de Blois - Aile Louis XII ©François Christophe

BRILLIANCE AND SPLENDOUR OF THE RENAISSANCE

The François I Wing

The nickname "Builder King" is well deserved! Upon ascending to the throne in 1515, Francis I embarked on his first major project at the Royal Chateau of Blois. What was his main inspiration?

The Italian Renaissance, of course! The staircase at the Chateau of Blois is a majestic symbol of this influence. Thanks to this creation, the king and his court could display themselves and be seen, both inside and outside. After Blois, one of his most impressive creations would naturally be the Chateau of Chambord...

Château royal de Blois - Aile François 1er ©Yann Couty

A MASTERPIECE AT THE HEART OF THE CHÂTEAU

The Staircase of the Royal Château of Blois

As soon as you enter the chateau's courtyard, these imposing and nearly immaculate ellipses immediately catch your eye. Representing the Italian Renaissance influences, the staircase of the Chateau of Blois stands out due to its "hors d’œuvre" position, meaning it straddles both the courtyard and the interior of the Francis I wing. Designed as an instrument of prestige, this staircase was envisioned by its extravagant builder to be admired by his court.

A CLASSICAL STYLE FOR AN UNFINISHED WING

The Gaston d'Orléans Wing

Exiled by his brother, King Louis XIII, Gaston d'Orléans settled at the Chateau of Blois. Driven by grand royal ambitions, he commissioned the architect François Mansart to construct his new chateau.

The sumptuous elements of Versailles are evident, such as the spectacular vaulted ceiling adorned with trophies and masks, topped with a dome. However, due to insufficient financial resources, the work was never completed, leaving the Gaston d'Orléans wing sadly empty.

Château royal de Blois - Aile Gaston d'Orléans ©Cécile Marino

Visite du château royal de Blois ©Loïc Lagarde

Château royal de Blois - Statue de Louis XII à cheval ©Daniel Lepissier

Château royal de Blois - Chambre du roi ©Daniel Lepissier

Château royal de Blois - Galerie de la Reine ©Daniel Lepissier

Château royal de Blois - Fleur de lys royale ©Cécile Marino

Château royal de Blois - Visite ©François Christophe

Programme Your Clients' Visits Exploring the Royal Chateau of Blois Blois

Fancy travelling through the centuries, room by room? Discovering the architectural evolution from the medieval fortress to the sumptuous wings of the Renaissance kings? Find all the practical information you need to plan your visit to the Royal Chateau of Blois.

Château Royal de Blois

A ROYAL PAST

The Historical Figures of the Château of Blois

Over 600 years, from Thibaud I, nicknamed "The Trickster" in the 1080s, to the death of Gaston d'Orléans in 1660, the Royal Chateau of Blois has hosted numerous sovereigns!

Rivalries, plots, wars, as well as the splendour of the court and grand ceremonies, the great names of this royal chateau have shaped its tumultuous history. These illustrious figures, among many others, have marked the pages of your history books... But can you still remember their faces?

Thibaud 1er, fondateur du château royal de Blois

Bénédiction de Jeanne d'Arc à Blois en 1429

Le Duc de Guise, assassiné au château de Blois

TREACHERY AT COURT

The Assassination of the Duke of Guise

Among the notable events at the Royal Chateau of Blois, the assassination of the Duke of Guise is perhaps the most famous. For many years, King Henry III had faced the plots and ambitions of the Duke.

On 23 December 1588, Henry III ordered his assassination in the "cabinet vieux" of the chateau. Upon seeing his rival dead and bathed in blood, the king allegedly declared: "He is greater dead than alive!" It was a time when cruelty often went hand in hand with sarcastic remarks!

HIDDEN TREASURES WITHIN THE WALLS

The Museum of Fine Arts of Blois

Do you remember? In 1810, Napoleon I ceded the Royal Chateau of Blois to the municipality. Used for a time as a military barracks, the city of Blois decided in 1850 to highlight the local culture and create an artistic centre.

Château royal de Blois - Musée des Beaux-arts ©Daniel Lepissier

1850: CREATION OF AN EXCEPTIONAL MUSEUM

In 1850, the first Museum of Fine Arts at the Royal Chateau of Blois opened its doors in the Francis I wing. Donations quickly poured in from individuals, artists, and even the state, enriching the artistic collections.

By 1851, it became necessary to open new rooms. During this time, the architect Duban was restoring the Louis XII wing, which would later house the Museum as we know it today...

AN EXTRAORDINARY VISIT

In 1869, the Museum of Fine Arts permanently settled in the Louis XII wing. Works by Ingres, Rubens, Boucher, and many others are part of an innovative tour route. Each room offers a thematic approach, departing from traditional chronological paths.

Entertaining and educational, the collections captivate both art enthusiasts and young audiences eager for discoveries...

Sound & Light Show

"Thus Blois is Told to You"

An exceptional scenography for an unmissable night-time spectacle filled with light and history. On the four wings of the Royal Chateau, the life of the court and the Kingdom of France unfolds in front of your eyes...

Château Royal de Blois - Spectacle son et lumière ©Cécile Marino

MAGICAL DECORATIONS AND ANIMATIONS

Enchanted Christmas at the Royal Chateau of Blois

Throughout December, the Château of Blois is adorned with luminous decorations and offers a variety of animations to immerse you in the magic of Christmas! For both young and old, the château shines brightly to provide you with an unforgettable Christmas experience...

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