Blois: exploring the Centre-Val de Loire region

Cover photo credit: iStock / Vladislav Zolotov

Founded in 832, Blois offers a fascinating glimpse into history. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this iconic town in the Centre-Val de Loire region blends elegant architecture with a rich royal past. Stroll through its narrow streets, admire the majesty of the Loire River, and experience centuries of art and culture in an enchanting setting.

What to Do While Visiting Blois

A walk through nature

Admire the roses in full bloom as you explore the Roseraie des Jardins de l’Évêché (Bishop’s Garden Rose Garden). Stroll among collections of botanical and heritage varieties, and take in the view from the lower terrace. It’s the ideal location for a peaceful moment surrounded by nature.

Climb aboard a fûtreau, a traditional flat-bottomed boat, for a unique journey along the river. Accompanied by a guide, observe the wildlife of the Loire (terns, plovers, egrets), and enjoy a stopover on an island where you might spot beavers.

Visit the Natural History Museum to explore the permanent exhibition “Le Blésois, carrefour de régions naturelles” (The Blésois Region, Crossroads of Natural Regions). Discover the richness of the local environment through themes such as nocturnal wildlife (owls, bats) and the microcosm of forest litter. A fascinating and educational experience.

An active hike

The Royal Forest of Blois, a natural treasure on the outskirts of the city, is one of the finest oak forests in France. Once a royal hunting ground, this historic site now offers an exceptional setting to reconnect with nature.

The Val des Cigognes trail, 3.5 km long, offers a gentle and accessible walk — ideal for a family outing or a short nature escape. Along the way, you may spot storks, chickadees, and other species that inhabit the treetops. The loop takes about 45 minutes to complete, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the play of light filtering through the foliage.

For enthusiasts of longer hikes, the Pinçonnière trail offers a 7.5 km loop starting from the Stade des Allées car park. The route takes about an hour and a half and leads walkers through a variety of landscapes: dense undergrowth offering welcome shade, bright clearings, and wetlands where wildlife is particularly active.

For those seeking more active thrills, the Blois forest also offers dedicated mountain biking trails. With circuits ranging from 15 to 23 km, cyclists can explore varied — and sometimes challenging — routes that alternate between wooded paths, short climbs, and technical descents.

Visit the Castles of Blois

Château royal de Blois  

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Royal Château of Blois, a witness to the dramas, intrigues, and power struggles of the French court. Explore a place steeped in history and symbolism, with 17 rooms of royal apartments, nine rooms of the Museum of Fine Arts, and four historical areas. Discover the 237 candelabra in the studiolo, and the monograms of emblematic figures such as Francis I, Catherine de Medici, and Henry III. From the interpretation room to the terraced gardens and the château’s sumptuous décor, each space tells a part of French history.

Château de Beauregard  

Listed as a historic monument since 1840, the Domaine de Beauregard is a true treasure of the Loire Valley. Once a hunting lodge for François I and later home to royal ministers, it welcomed iconic figures such as Richelieu and the Sun King. Stroll through a 40-hectare landscaped park, home to the Jardin des Portraits, designed by the renowned Gilles Clément and listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments. Enjoy guided tours, family-friendly activities, and picnic or dining areas for an unforgettable day out.

A must-see: the renowned Gallery of Illustrious Figures, a monumental work featuring 327 portraits that trace over three centuries of political and artistic history in France and Europe.

Château de Troussay  

Nestled among the vineyards near Cheverny, the Château de Troussay is the smallest château in the Loire Valley, imbued with a unique atmosphere and inhabited by the same family since 1900. Its English-style grounds offer a haven of peace, ideal for relaxation and unforgettable events. Ideal for weddings, receptions, or retreats, this peaceful and welcoming estate also makes a perfect base for exploring the châteaux of the Loire Valley.

To explore: this fully furnished Renaissance gem invites you on a journey through time, from the 15th century to the present day.

The Centre-Val de Loire offers an experience where history, nature, and serenity blend in perfect harmony. Stroll through the narrow streets of Blois, explore its iconic castles, or lose yourself in the region’s gentle landscapes, and let yourself be carried away by a place that knows how to captivate and amaze. Every visit, every walk, every discovery reveals a terroir rich in character and emotion. It’s a true invitation to slow down, reflect, and savour the moment in a setting steeped in charm and authenticity.

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By Emilie Fallot Nguyen