If you want one château that tells the story of French royal power, architectural innovation, intrigue, and art — all in one place — Château de Blois is a must. Located in the ancient Loire Valley town of Blois, this royal château spans from medieval fortress to Renaissance splendour to classical elegance, wrapped within the walls of its four distinct wings. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture admirer, or simply looking for a beautiful place to explore, Blois offers a rich, multi-layered experience.
History: From Counts to Kings to Preservation
Blois was originally a fortified settlement. By the 12th-13th centuries the stronghold already included a “great tower” and the Salle des États Généraux (“Estates General Room”), one of the oldest and largest surviving Gothic civilian halls in France.
Under Louis XII (reign beginning 1498), the château was transformed with a Gothic-influenced wing characterised by brick and stone facades. François I followed, adding the famous François I wing, including the elegant corkscrew (spiral) staircase. Gaston, Duke of Orléans, added the classical wing (17th century), although not fully completed, reflecting symmetry and classical orders.
After the reign of Louis XIV, the château declined and served various uses. In 1840 it was listed as a Monument historiqueand restored under architects like Félix Duban.
Because each monarch rebuilt or extended the château in his own reign — and because architectural fashions changed across centuries — the Château de Blois grew in stages rather than being designed all at once. This is why today’s visitor finds four strikingly different styles — medieval, Gothic, Renaissance and Classical — side by side in the same courtyard.
Architectural Styles & Wings
Château de Blois is unique because the four main wings are from different periods and in different styles. From the courtyard you can see and feel the transitions in time.
| Wing | Approximate date | Style | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medieval fortress (keep, towers, some remains) | 13th century and before | Medieval military architecture | Thick walls, defensive towers, crenellations. |
| Louis XII wing | c. 1498-1500 | Late Gothic / early Renaissance | Brick & stone façade, decorative chimneys, Gothic windows, large halls. www.billets-chateaux-de-la-loire.fr+1 |
| François I wing | c. 1515-1520 | French Renaissance | Ornate façades, loggias, the famous spiral staircase (scale decorative detail). Blois+1 |
| Gaston d’Orléans (classical) wing | 17th century | Classical French | Classical orders, symmetry, more restrained decoration. Blois+1 |
Main Attractions at Château de Blois
One of the joys of visiting Château de Blois is that you don’t have to follow a rigid path — but there are some unmissable highlights. Here’s what most visitors make a point to see:
The Courtyard & Four Wings
Stand in the Cour d’Honneur to admire all four architectural styles — medieval towers, the brick-and-stone Gothic Louis XII wing, the ornate Renaissance François I wing with its famous spiral staircase, and the classical Gaston d’Orléans wing.The François I Spiral Staircase
Perhaps the château’s most photographed feature: a corkscrew staircase rising on the courtyard façade, decorated with carved reliefs.The Salle des États Généraux (Estates-General Room)
One of France’s oldest and largest surviving civil Gothic halls, used for assemblies and justice.Royal Apartments & Chapel
Restored Renaissance rooms, painted ceilings, carved fireplaces, tapestries and the Gothic Chapel of St. Calais — a window into courtly life.The Musée des Beaux-Arts
Located in the Louis XII wing, with works by Rubens, Ingres, Boucher and more, plus decorative arts and furniture.Assassination of the Duke of Guise Site
The infamous 1588 event where Henry I, Duke of Guise, was killed on the orders of King Henry III — a reminder of the château’s dramatic history.Sound & Light Show (Son et Lumière)
In summer evenings the façades become a canvas for projections that animate the château’s history.
These highlights give you a balanced picture of Blois without having to know every room’s name in advance. You can still explore more intimate chambers and temporary exhibits at your own pace.
Blois makes an excellent base for visiting other Loire châteaux too — see my posts on Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau for tips.
Practical Info: Tickets, Hours & Accessibility
(Always check the official website for current details.)
Opening hours: open all year except 1 January and 25 December. Winter (Jan-Feb) ~10:00-17:00; Spring-Autumn ~9:00-18:30. Last ticket 30 min before closing.
Entrance fees & tickets: adult tickets plus combined options (château + House of Magic or sound & light show). Free entry for children under 6; reduced rates for students and disabled visitors/carers.
Visit types: self-guided with information boards, audioguide or HistoPad (interactive tablets).
Accessibility: ground floors, courtyard, chapel accessible; some stairs and upper floors less so. Facilities for hearing/visually impaired visitors.
Best Time to Visit & Tips
Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid groups and get better light for photos.
Allow 1.5–2 hours for a standard visit; 2.5–3 hours if you want museum, shop and extras.
Wear comfortable shoes — cobblestones and stairs.
In summer, attend the Sound & Light Show.
Check for temporary exhibits or special tours — often worth a repeat visit.
Where to Eat / Stay Nearby
Around the Place du Château there are cafés and restaurants for lunch or a snack, many with views of the château.
Blois has a good range of hotels, B&Bs and smaller inns. Staying in town gives you evening access to the château area without commuting.
Blois is a convenient base for visiting other Loire châteaux such as Chambord, Cheverny and Chenonceau.
Planning a multi-day château tour? Combine Blois with Château d’Azay-le-Rideau or Château de Chambord for a perfect Loire weekend.
Final Thought
Château de Blois isn’t just another Loire château — it is a living timeline. Each wing tells part of a story: medieval courts, royal renaissance, court intrigue, architectural evolution, splendid art, and even modern tech (HistoPad, projections). If you plan well, you’ll leave not only enchanted by the beauty, but with a sense of how France’s monarchy, culture and architecture developed over centuries.