Blois

On the banks of the Loire River, the town of Blois, a city of art and history, offers a choice stopover during a B&B stay in Loir-et-Cher! Immerse yourself in history on a tour of Blois and the surrounding area. Discover all the things to do and where to stay in Blois to enjoy all its facets.

What to do in Blois

To start their visit to Blois, visitors will have plenty of time to stroll through the town. They’ll be able to admire theEscalier Denis Papin, the Pont Jacques Gabriel and numerous monuments such as the Cathédrale Saint-Louis and theEglise Saint-Denis.

You can continue your visit to Blois by visiting its museums, such as the Museum of Natural History. You’ll also find the Maison de la magie Robert Houdin, just a stone’s throw from the Château de Blois.

This rare museum is entirely devoted to magic. The name Robert Houdin is reminiscent of Harry Houdini. Indeed, Houdini was a great fan of the modern founder of magic, Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, a native of Blois.

If you’re looking for an outdoor activity in Blois, relax with a stroll through the gardens of the Ancien Évêché. From May to September, take advantage of the rose garden, which offers a magnificent blend of colors and scents.

You’ll also find Le Jardin des Sens, which, as its name suggests, aims to stimulate the five human senses. The gardens of the Bishopric of Blois offer a number of unique viewpoints. They are also very popular with children, who come to play in the play areas.

Last but not least, the Fondation du doute, created by Ben, features works in the Fluxus movement and spirit. The Fluxus movement brought together artists from a wide range of disciplines in the 60s and 70s, including Yoko Ono.

Visit the Château Royal de Blois

If you’d like to find out more about the heritage of Blois, you’ll want to stop off at the not-to-be-missed Château royal de Blois. A visit to the Château de Blois allows you to discover the architectural styles of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, as well as the history of the royal family. The Château is one of the many Loire Valley châteaux that can be visited in the Loir-et-Cher region. It’s also home to a rich history that’s well worth a visit when you’re in Blois.

What to do in Blois when it rains?

Has the sunshine in Blois given way to rain? Your program of activities won’t be disrupted, as there are plenty of places to visit, even in fickle weather. You’ll be able to visit the Château de Blois, its museums and foundations, or its cultural heritage such as the Cathédrale Saint-Louis. Among the various museums in Blois, don’t miss the Musée des Beaux-Arts, during your visit to the royal castle. Located on the second floor of the Louis XII wing, this museum is packed with nearly 35,000 works of art, including major works by Rubens and Boucher.

If you’re on a family vacation in Blois, the Maison de la BD is sure to delight young and old alike. This unique venue hosts the annual BD Boum Festival, the first free comic book festival in France. The Maison de la BD explains the history of comics and offers visitors exhibitions and sometimes workshops.

Another fun activity for rainy days in Blois is the Maison des parapluies. In this store, umbrellas are handmade and customizable. Don’t hesitate to take a look around this artisanal umbrella and parasol maker! Depending on the date of your visit, manufacturing demonstrations are available. Ask the boutique for details!

What to do around Blois?

Just 15 km from Blois, you can continue your journey through history in a place that has marked its time. Near Blois is the legendary Château de Chambord.

This Renaissance château built by François Iᵉʳ with its central keep, four cylindrical towers and inner courtyard is well worth a visit! The famous 180-degree spiral staircase is an architectural marvel. Added to this are its 440 ornate rooms that never fail to amaze visitors.

But the interior of the château isn’t the only thing to discover, as the gardens of Château de Chambord are also remarkable. Indeed, it is the largest enclosed forest in Europe. Marked footpaths have been laid out for the enjoyment of walkers.

However, another of the Loire Valley’ s must-see castles also awaits visitors. You can choose to visit the superb Château de Cheverny, 15 km away, where you can immerse yourself in the world of Tintin, with the “Secrets of Moulinsart” exhibition.

In addition, there are other marvellous buildings to see nearby, such as Château de Villesavin, 17 km away, or Château de Fourgères sur Briève, 19 km away. Visitors looking for a nature break will find everything they need at the Maison de la Nature et de la Réserve.

Where to stay in a B&B near Blois?

To make the most of your stay in Blois and the many places to visit, there are several types of accommodation available for short or long stays. Among them, you can opt for a bed and breakfast near Blois, staying at La Ferme des Bordes.

Bed and breakfast near Blois: Take advantage of the ideal location of La Ferme des Bordes

Our B&B in Pontlevoy near Blois is ideally located for discovering the Blois region and its many attractions. The town center can be reached in 30 minutes. It’s also just 13 km to the Château de Fougères sur Briève, 25 km to the Château de Cheverny and 30 km to the Château de Villesavin.

Finally, you can reach many other towns and places of interest close to our bed and breakfast, such as :