Scattered across a hillside overlooking the Loire River, Blois is a picturesque city that serves as the capital of Loir-et-Cher. It centres around a cobblestoned old town that’s watched over by a Gothic cathedral and is famously the birthplace of the 19th-century French magician, Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin.

Things to do

In the heart of the city is the Château de Blois, which was constructed between the 13th and 17th centuries as a residence for French kings. Its diverse architectural styles can be seen in its Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance and Classical wings, with 564 rooms that include the oldest Grand Hall in France. The château also houses the Museum of Fine Arts, where paintings and tapestries from the 16th to 19th centuries are exhibited.

Adjacent to the Château de Blois is La Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin, which is dedicated to the life and magic of the famous French illusionist born here in 1805. Learn about Middle Age jugglers and the French magician Buatier De Kolta, then be immersed in the world of “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” through Gerard Majax’s “hallucinoscope”. In addition to artefacts detailing the history of magic, the museum hosts daily magic shows.

Comic book enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the Maison de la BD, where you can get up close to original artworks by some of France’s most talented artists. Take the time to browse the library of comic books and attend one of the creative workshops or visit a temporary exhibition highlighting a comic artist.

Getting around

Blois is around two hours’ drive from Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport, with regular trains connecting from the French capital to the Blois railway station. Buses travel throughout Blois, with the city centre compact enough to explore on foot.