Château de Blois is the Heart of the City
The Château de Blois is located in the center of Blois. And I do mean in the center! So when I say it is the heart of the city, it is true in more sense than just this physical one.
If you follow the signs for the Château looking for parking, you much just miss seeing the Château as the drive around it is almost flush to the site.
Even the official tourism site showcases a view similar to this one as it is difficult to find any location from which to get a good external photo! However, the interior courtyard is extremely ornate.
Château de Blois
If you are visiting by car instead of train then my best advice is to park the car and put on your walking shoes. This wonderful town is best explored on foot! By the time we found a free space to park, we enjoyed a lovely walk with plenty of stairways to climb.
There are plenty of steps to climb here.
A Bit of History of Château de Blois
The 9th century saw the arrival of the first château at Blois. It became the favorite residence of Louis XII and subsequently the favorite residence for other kings of France. The Château de Blois has been the residence of 7 kings and 10 queens of France.
Early in the 1500s, Château de Blois sported the first exterior spiral stair case that you seen in the picture at the top of this post. This was the only access to the apartment of King François I.
Changes in Architectural Design
French castles often morph as different owners through the ages add their own “touch” to their home. Comprised of several wings, Château de Blois spans the 13th – 17th centuries. Different kings added each of the three wings. In the photo at the top of the post, we see the François I wing (François I succeeded Louis XII in 1515) is .
The Louis XII wing is of magnificent red stone.
Louis XII Wing
Louis XII in the equestrian stonework
The next person to add his touch to the castle was Gaston d’Orléans who was the eldest surviving brother of Louis XIII. Here you can see the corner where the Louis XII and Gaston d’Orléans wings meet.
Gaston d’Orlean right left meets the Louis XII red stone wing left.
In the 1800s the Château was the first such residence in France to be restored . Now, it contains more than 35000 works of art and is classified as a museum.
Spectacle Sons et Lumières
Between Easter and the end of September, be sure to see the Sound and Light show (Spectacle Sons et Lumières). Located at the castle, it begins between 10:00pm and 10:30pm. The beauty is unparalleled.
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