Things to do in Blois
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Château Royal de Blois
Blois' château and the former royal seat was intended more as an architectural showpiece than a military stronghold, and successive French kings have left their creative mark over the centuries. From the château's huge central courtyard you can view four distinct periods of French architecture: the Gothic Salle des États and original medieval castle; François I's Renaissance north wing (1515–24); the classical west wing (1635–38) constructed under Gaston d'Orléans, brother to Louis XIII; and Louis XII's red-brick Flamboyant Gothic east wing (1498–1503).
The impressive Salle des États Généraux (Estates General Hall, c 1220) has a soaring double barrel-vaulted …
reviewed
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Loire Valley Cycle
8 days (Blois)
Visit the vineyards and chateaux of the Loire valley at your own pace.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,590 -
Chateaux of the Loire
8 days (Blois)
A walking adventure to discover the chateaux, vineyards and forests of the Loire Valley.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,290 -
Loire Valley Cycle - 6 Day
6 days (Blois)
Visit the vineyards and chateaux of the Loire valley at your own pace.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,190 -
Cathédrale St-Louis
The 17th-century Cathédrale St-Louis, with its lovely multistoreyed bell tower is dramatically floodlit after dark. Most of the stained glass inside was installed by Dutch artist Jan Dibberts in 2000.
reviewed
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House of Magic
Facing the chateau and dedicated to the all-time great, Blois-born magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin - after whom the escapist Houdini named himself - the Maison de la Magie museum features interactive exhibits and fascinating clocks invented by Robert-Houdin. Be sure not to miss a trick at the magic show.
reviewed
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Gardens of the Loire by Bike
8 days (Blois)
Explore the gardens and chateaux of the Loire Valley at handlebar level.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,490 -
Tours of Blois
The tourist office offers English-language walking tour brochures and guided tours in French. Better yet, château guides run 1½-hour historically oriented city tours (adult/child €5/3), also in French.
Horse-drawn carriage rides clop around town from the château's main gate. Book at the tourist office, or wait outside the château for the next carriage.
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Velvet Jazz Lounge
Lodged under artful lights, 13th-century vaults and contemplative Buddhas, Blois' funkiest bar hosts regular jazz acts after dark, and in winter offers a selection of 30 (count 'em) hot chocolates in its alternative guise as an afternoon salon de thé.
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Old City
Despite serious damage by German attacks in 1940, Blois' old city is worth exploring, especially around the 17th-century Cathédrale St-Louis, with its lovely multistoreyed bell tower, dramatically floodlit after dark. Most of the stained glass inside was installed by Dutch artist Jan Dibberts in 2000.
Across the square, the facade of Maison des Acrobates is decorated with wooden sculptures taken from medieval farces, and one of the few 15th-century houses to survive. There's another example at No 13 called Hôtel de Villebrême.
Lovely panoramas unfold across town from the peaceful Jardins de l'Évêché and the top of the Escalier Denis Papin.
reviewed
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Musée de l'Objet
This brilliant modern arts museum is based on the collection of the artist Eric Fabre, and concentrates on artworks made using everyday materials. Among the best pieces are a sculpture of coat-hangers by Man Ray, an objet scatologique (involving a large high-heeled shoe) by Salvador Dalí and a TV Buddha by Nam June Paik.
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Maison des Acrobates
The facade of Maison des Acrobates is decorated with wooden sculptures taken from medieval farces, and is one of the few 15th-century houses to survive.
reviewed
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Maison de la Magie
Opposite the château you can't miss the former home of watchmaker, inventor and conjurer Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin (1805–71) when, on the hour, dragons emerge roaring from the windows. It has entertaining live magic shows (three to four daily), exhibits on the history of magic and loads of optical trickery including a mysterious 'Hallucinoscope'. It's goofy, good fun! The great Harry Houdini named himself after Houdin, and there is a short historical film about the American magician.
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L'Orangerie
Polish up those heels and dust off that suit! Tucked behind wrought-iron gates opposite the château, the Orangery is cloud nine for connoisseurs of haute cuisine. Plates are artfully stacked (duck liver, langoustine, foie gras) and the sparkling salon would make Louis XIV green with envy. On summer nights, opt for a courtyard table. The only warning: desserts sometimes have jarring flavour combinations.
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Loch Ness Pub
The Scottish theme isn't convincing, but the boozing students and late-night drinkers don't seem to mind. Big-screen sports, karaoke and occasional gigs pack 'em in.
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Les Banquettes Rouges
Handwritten slate menus and wholesome food distinguish quiet, charming Red Benches: rabbit with marmalade, duck with lentils, and salmon with apple vinaigrette, all done with a spicy twist and a smile.
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Le Castelet
Rusticana and rural frescoes cover the walls of this country restaurant that emphasises seasonal ingredients, organics and vegetarian options.
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Au Bouchon Lyonnais
Classic neighbourhood bistro with a flavour of bygone days. The food is straight out of the Lyonnais cookbook: snails and duck steaks. Peasant food done to perfection.
reviewed
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