If you're passing through Blois, don't miss a visit to the Jardins de l'Evêché, behind Saint-Louis Cathedral. This carefully staged green setting offers a bucolic break, a breathtaking view over the rooftops of Blois and the Loire, and a varied rose garden, classified as a Remarkable Garden.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Jardins de l'Evêché in Blois.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to the Jardin de l'Evêché worthwhile?
Set against the backdrop of the Cathédrale Saint-Louis, the terraces of the Evêché are well worth a visit, and a must on your list of places to visit in Blois. A small haven of peace in the city, the garden offers a fragrant, bucolic break with a breathtaking view over the Loire Valley.
What you can see
The terraced structure
We loved walking around the two-storey garden and learning that it had inherited a history of over 300 years, evolving from a private bishop's garden to a public space. Part of the 19th-century geometric parterre design has been preserved for a contemplative stroll.
Panoramic view of Blois
We loved getting up high and admiring the slate roofs of Vienna, the former district of the bargemen who, until the 19th century, were responsible for transporting goods up and down the river. The Loire River and its verdant valleys are also the backdrop to this charming panorama.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
The rose garden
That's the main attraction of this garden! Carefully designed, the rose garden, with its 400 varieties, enchants with its symphony of colors and shapes. The spaces, bordered by hedges of purple beech and ornamental apple trees, are home to a variety of compositions.
You'll find a clearing featuring white, cream and yellow roses, alongside another combining pink and purple. Finally, the central pond, surrounded by botanical and antique rosebushes, bears witness to a rich horticultural heritage.
Botanical areas
After the Rose Garden, we enjoyed stopping off at the Jardin des Sens and Jardin des Aromates in Blois. Designed to awaken visitors' senses, they offer a break that's both fragrant and instructive.
A statue of Joan of Arc
The famous Joan of Arc stopped off at Château de Blois in 1429 on her way to deliver the city of Orléans from its English siege, and a statue pays tribute to her. Add a touch of history to your bucolic stroll!
Alley of chestnut trees
We really enjoyed strolling down this avenue of 28 trees (Aesculus carnea Briotir), a decorative variety of chestnut trees that bring a touch of serenity to the walk.
WHERE TO STAY IN Blois
Downtown
Enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.
- Fleur de Loire Hotel - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Château des Basses Roches - prices, pictures and availability
In the southern countryside: Chambord, Chevery
Surrounded by castles and charming villages, less than 30 minutes from Blois
- Hotel Relais de Chambord - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Les Sources de Cheverny - prices, pictures and availability
In the northern countryside
For a little peace and quiet, but close to the city. Fewer castles.
- Hotel Le Grand Cèdre - prices, pictures and availability
Botanical garden in Blois: access
Where is the jardin de l'Evêché?
- In downtown Blois
- Behind Saint-Louis Cathedral
Access by car and parking
Blois is perfectly served by freeway: via the A10 from Paris (2h11) or Bordeaux (4h) and via the A71 from Lyon (4h30). Several paid parking spaces are available on Place Saint-Louis, and bike and motorcycle parking spaces are available on entering the courtyard of the town hall just behind Saint-Louis Cathedral. However, as these spaces are quite popular, another open-air parking lot is available along the quays: the Mail parking lot.
Public transport access
Blois is served by regular connections from major cities such as Nantes (2h20) and Paris (1h30). From the station, it's a 20-minute walk to the Evêché gardens, or an 11-minute bus ride (lines B,C,F stop République).
To plan your itinerary, we recommend you visit the official website of the public transport network here.
Visiting difficulties
The Évêché terrace has ramps on part of the site, but the lower floors are not accessible.
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Visit the jardins de l'Evêché: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Terraces are open from 8am to dusk.
The rose garden is open during the summer season (May 6 to September 30) from 11am to 6.30pm on weekdays, and from 2pm to 6.30pm at weekends.
Please note that access is via Blois town hall.
Find all the latest news on the official website here.
How long
You can walk around the garden in 15 minutes, but perhaps you'd like to take it a little longer and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Best moment
We recommend that you visit the gardens when the roses are in bloom, to take full advantage of the splendor of the site and its chromatic palette. It usually takes place in June.
Direction of visit
Visiting the site is completely free.
If you're curious about the history of the site, there are explanatory panels on the first terrace.
Eating out
During the summer season, a kiosk is available for visitors, offering fast food and refreshments. As the gardens are located in the city center, you can also enjoy a meal at one of our favorite addresses, which are listed in our article.
Hotels
You're right in the center of Blois, where you'll find some great addresses that we've detailed in our dedicated article.
DISCOVER Blois
- Things to do in Blois - coming soon
- Where to sleep in Blois: best hotels
- Where to eat in Blois: best restaurants - coming soon
- Visit the Château de Blois - coming soon
- Visit Blois Cathedral - coming soon
- The best castles around Blois
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