Château de Blois – Blois : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, the Château de Blois is one of the most visited tourist sites in France. Dating back to the 15th century, this large castle has been a notable landmark in the region for centuries and is a great stop for travelers looking to explore the region’s unique history and culture. In this blog, we will cover some interesting facts and information about the Château de Blois, as well as provide a travel guide to its many attractions and activities perfect for tourists of all ages. Read on to learn more about this remarkable site and plan your perfect getaway soon!

Interesting Facts About Château de Blois – Blois

1. The Château de Blois was built between the mid-15th and mid-17th centuries and is one of the largest castles in the Loire Valley.

2. The castle has a vast collection of ancient furniture, art objects, paintings and tapestries, and thousands of rare books from the late Middle Ages.

3. Blois was the home and birthplace of many of the leading figures in French history, including King Louis XII, Catherine de Medici and Joan of Arc.

4. Blois is one of the few French castles turned into a tourist attraction in the early 20th century. It was restored and opened to the public in 1908.

5. In the 15th century, King Louis XII had a roof garden installed on top of the castle, providing spectacular views of the city and surrounding countryside.

6. The castle has seen its fair share of warfare, having been attacked and occupied several times throughout its history.

7. During World War II, German forces occupied the castle and used it as an artillery base. After the liberation of France in 1944, the castle was used as a medical center for Allied troops.

8. The castle contains several chapels, including the Chapel of the Virgin Mary, which was built in 1564.

9. Every summer since 1961, the castle hosts a two-week-long festival dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare.

10. Blois is one of four castles in the Loire Valley listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.

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History & Information About Château de Blois – Blois

, France

Château de Blois is one of the most significant historical sites in France. The palace is located in the commune of Blois, in the Loir-et-Cher department of France. The Renaissance style palace, which was constructed between the 11th and 17th centuries, served as a residence of several members of the French royal family and their guests.

The château was originally built in the 11th century by Theobald II, Count of Blois, and has since gone through numerous renovations and additions. The palace was further developed in the 15th and 16th centuries by King Louis XII, who enlarged the wings and decorated his Orangery. King Francois I, the son of Louis XII, also spent much of his childhood in the palace and had several renovations done, adding new buildings such as the François I and Chambord wings, as well as the spectacular double-helix staircase.

Over the years the château has served as an important political center for the French monarchy, hosting many important events and meetings of the nobility. It also served as the seat of the Estates of Orléans, the provincial assembly of the French province of Orléans. The historic importance of the Château de Blois has been recognized by its selection as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Today, the palace offers a wealth of fascinating sights and activities for visitors. The public can take tours of the different parts of the palace, which include the original medieval towers, the Renaissance wings, and the French gardens. The château also houses many impressive works of art and artifacts from the monarchy, including paintings, sculptures, antiquities, and tapestries. In addition, the palace hosts a number of important festivals and exhibitions during the year, such as the annual Fête de la Lumière light show.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Château de Blois – Blois

, France

Château de Blois is the epitome of French château’s. Located in the heart of the Loire valley in Blois, France, this stunning palace dates back to the 16th century and has a wealth of History behind it. It was the residence of French kings and you can still feel the royal presence in the walls of the château. Here is a travel guide for visiting Château de Blois.

Getting There:

Château de Blois is approximately an 1.5 hour drive from the city of Paris and 40 minutes from the city of Tours. You can also take a train or bus to the nearby town of Blois and then make the rest of the journey by taxi.

If you’re travelling by car, there is plenty of parking near the Château.

Opening Hours:

Château de Blois is open from 10am-6pm daily, with extended hours during the summer months.

Tours:

Tours are available at the Château and are a great way to learn about the history behind this iconic building. You can choose from a guided tour, an audio tour or a self-guided visit. All tours are in French with English cards available.

Accommodations:

There are plenty of accommodation options in the nearby town of Blois. Some must-visit options include the Royal Hotel Blois, Citotel Grand Hôtel and Crillon Hotel.

Things to Do:

The grounds of the château are a great place to explore. Take a leisurely stroll around, and you’ll find plenty of interesting details. There is also a magnificent garden, with plenty of wildlife.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, the nearby town of Blois has plenty of options. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars.

For an amazing view of the château, take the short walk to the nearby Grand Cour de la Gare. Here, you’ll get stunning views of the Château de Blois illuminated at night.

No trip to the Château de Blois is complete without a glimpse of the Lavoisier, the ancient firewood house. Here, you can see how the palace would have gained its heat and energy hundreds of years ago.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Château de Blois – Blois

Castle

Q: Where is Château de Blois located?
A: Château de Blois is located in the town of Blois, France.

Q: How old is Château de Blois?
A: Château de Blois was built in the 13th century.

Q: What type of architecture can be seen at Château de Blois?
A: Château de Blois is known for its combination of French Renaissance and Gothic architecture.

Q: What is inside Château de Blois?
A: Inside Château de Blois, visitors can find a variety of different styles of architecture, as well as some of the castle’s historical artifacts. There is also the Château de Blois museum, where visitors can find out more about the castle’s history.

Q: What is the best time to visit Château de Blois?
A: The best time to visit Château de Blois is during the summer months when the weather is at its best.

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