Have you decided to visit Blois in 1 day? Excellent idea, you won't have time to get bored! With a rich heritage stretching from the 12th to the 20thcentury , Blois is famous for its majestic Château Royal, which combines four architectural styles.
The city also reveals other treasures through its cultural and religious heritage, not to mention its verdant quays, among the most beautiful on the Loire!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting Blois in 1 day
What can you see in Blois in 1 day? Is it long enough?
One day is all it takes to see the highlights of Blois, including the Château Royal, Saint-Louis Cathedral and a stroll through the historic center or along the Loire River. However, we can't recommend staying overnight enough to take your time, especially as the town is an ideal base from which to explore the famous Châteaux of the Loire Valley.
Maps of must-see attractions
To help you find your way around our itinerary below, here's our map of the main tourist attractions in Blois:
Getting around Blois
Getting around Blois on foot is ideal in the historic center, as most streets are pedestrianized and the atmosphere is very pleasant.
Most points of interest, such as the Château Royal, town houses and Saint-Louis Cathedral, are just a few minutes away.
The farthest sites from the historic center are the quays of the Loire (14min walk) and La Fondation du Doute (12min walk), but these are still very reasonable.
Although the town can be steep, with steep streets and numerous staircases, it's still an enjoyable place to explore. Please note, however, that the Escalier Denis Papin is well worth the few steps and that a car will be needed to explore the surrounding areas of Blois, such as the castles, as these sites are not served directly by public transport.
Where to stay in Blois?
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
Our ideal itinerary: 1 day in Blois
9am-12pm: Visit to the Château Royal de Blois
The Château Royal de Blois is well worth a visit! This may not be the best-known château in the Loire region, but it's nonetheless one of the most interesting. Outside alone, you'll get a quick lesson in architecture, as you observe the Château's 4 wings ranging from flamboyant Gothic to Classicism.
Once inside, you'll be charmed by the opulent decor of the apartments and the collections of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, also housed in the Château.
Find out more in our article dedicated to the Château de Blois.
12:30-2pm: Gourmet lunch
After a morning full of discoveries, it's time to regain our strength.
In fine weather, we recommend Restaurant L'Oratoire (5min walk from the Château), offering fusion cuisine on a lovely terrace. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we recommend the Restaurant Au Rendez-vous des Pêcheurs, a must in Blois for lovers of authentic, inventive cuisine. Find out more in our gourmet article!
2pm-3.30pm: Digestive stroll through the historic center
There's nothing like stretching your legs after a good meal! The historic center of Blois will charm you with its picturesque lanes, timber-framed houses (especially those on rue Saint-Lubin) and charming little squares. Take a look at the Hôtel d'Alluye, one of the finest of the town's 20 private mansions, or discover the baroque heart of theEglise Saint-Vincent.
3pm-4pm: Discover Saint-Louis Cathedral
Overlooking the Loire with its elegant allure, Blois' Cathédrale Saint-Louis is well worth a visit! Its Gothic-Classical façade makes a striking first impression, with its imposing Renaissance bell tower.
Inside, 360 sq. m. of contemporary stained glass flood the nave with soft light, allowing visitors to appreciate the sacred art pieces housed within.
And don't miss the peaceful Jardin de l'Evêché just beyond, with its panoramic view over Blois!
6pm-7pm: Sunset on the banks of the Loire
It's the perfect place to take a bucolic break after a day of exciting discoveries! The banks of the Loire near Blois are particularly photogenic. To enjoy this peaceful, poetic picture, simply cross the Pont Jacques Gabriel and go to the Quais Amédée Constant.
You can then dine in one of the town's restaurants. And why not at Restaurant l'Amour Blanc? This restaurant in theHôtel Fleur de Loire boasts sublime views over Blois and an exquisite menu created by Michelin-starred chef Christopher Hay.
Finally, if you feel like ending on a cultural note, why not try a show at the Halle aux Grains? Find out more about the eclectic programming of this national stage on the official website here.
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.
Alternative 1: Blois off the beaten track
Immerse yourself in contemporary art at the Fondation du doute
The Fondation du Doute is the place to go to discover contemporary art and the Fluxus movement. This international art movement, born in the 1960s, advocates the abolition of elitist boundaries between art and life, and between different disciplines. In this astonishing museum, over 300 works by 50 different artists can be discovered, including the emblematic Marcel Duchamp, George Brecht, Nam June Paik and Ben Vautier, who founded the museum.
The Denis Papin staircase: an unusual work of art in Blois
Don't overlook the Denis Papin staircase which each year is given a new look by an artist. When we went there, we were surprised to discover a typographic décor in volume inspired by the world of George Maciunas, a major artist of the Fluxus movement. Find out more on the town's website here.
Explore Blois' rich heritage: churches and town houses
The diversity of buildings and architectural styles over the centuries makes Blois an interesting destination for history buffs.
We admired more than 8 hôtels particuliers (including Belot, Villebresme and Sardini), but our favorite is the Hôtel d'Alluye with its richly ornate facade.
Don't miss the Tour Beauvoir, originally a keep surrounded by a moat, which became the property of the Counts of Blois in 1256, and the Pavillon Anne de Bretagne, the last remaining example of the royal gardens at Château de Blois.
Religious heritage also takes pride of place in Blois, which boasts some very fine religious buildings, including the Eglise Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, theEglise Saint-Nicolas and the modern Basilique Notre-Dame de La Trinité, a listed historic monument that stands out from the crowd with its 60m-high bell tower!
A boat trip on the banks of the Loire
Embark on an unforgettable experience on the peaceful waters of the Loire!
Here's an original way to discover the royal river, aboard a fûtreau, a traditional flat-bottomed Loire boat. You'll be able to observe the local fauna (terns, gravelots, egrets), perhaps take a break on a Loire island, and above all admire the scenery in and around Blois.
Find out more on the Loire Valley website here.
Alternative 2: Amboise as a family
Opt for a fun tour
If you want to delight your children, go to the House of Magic!
This atypical museum offers an immersive tour of the world of illusion, with over 700 objects and works of magic, as well as a number of activities to make the visit even more fun. Every day, several magic shows are presented in the Grand Théâtre to surprise and amaze young and old alike!
Alternatively, you can opt for the bd Boum-Maison de la BD, dedicated to comics and featuring some great exhibitions.
Don't forget snack time!
The sacred moment of the day for the little ones! You'll find many tearooms in the city, including the Douce Heure tearoom, which we tried out, and the BloMaid tearoom for its crazy cookies.
If you're pressed for time, opt for a sweet picnic in one of the city's parks. Sim's Bakery is a great alternative.
Explore the city through the route
Here's a fun way for your kids to discover Blois! Follow the path marked by bronze porcupines on the ground and ask them to guide you! This little animal, emblem of King Louis XII, will help you find your way around the old town's landmarks. Find out more here.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on the Loire, register:
Alternative 3: Blois nature
Discover the banks of the Loire on foot or by bike
Treat yourself to an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Loire Valley from Blois. You can rent your bike in the town center (there are several rental companies) and take the famous Loire à vélo route.
We also recommend the Randonnée des trois ponts, a 2.5-hour loop to enjoy the Loire, majestic views of Blois and, if you're lucky, local wildlife! (more information here).
In summer, you can even enjoy the guinguettes on the quays of Amédée Constant, in La Creusille (more info here), and admire the sunset with live music.
Stroll through the Bishop's garden
The Jardins de l'Évêché, located behind Saint-Louis Cathedral, offer a haven of peace in the heart of Blois. With its lush green terraces and plunging views over the Loire Valley, it's an ideal spot for a picnic or a break during a day's sightseeing. The Roseraie features over 50 varieties of roses blooming in spring, while the Jardin des Sens invites you to explore medicinal plants.
Walking in the Blois state forest
It's the perfect getaway to unwind and treat yourself to a breath of fresh air! The Blois state forest, with its shady paths, majestic hundred-year-old oaks and secret glades, offers a rejuvenating walk.
DON'T MISS THE BEST CASTLES IN the Loire Valley
- The most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley
- The most beautiful gardens
- Where to stay in the Loire castles: unforgettable hotels!
- The best Loire castles to visit with your family
- Castles you can visit with a dog
- Chambord or Chenonceau: our comparison
- itineraries: weekend - 3 days - 4 days - 5 days - 1 week
- Castles around Blois, around Amboise, around Saumur, around Tours, around Angers and around Nantes.
- or our list of over 100 Loire castles
Other suggestions around Blois
Explore the Châteaux of the Loire
Blois has the advantage of being at the crossroads of several emblematic Loire Valley châteaux, such as Château de Chambord (20min to the south) and its iconic double spiral staircase, or Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire (20min to the west) and its incredible International Garden Festival.
Need more inspiration? Read our article on the castles around Blois!
Explore a nearby village
In addition to the nearby Châteaux de la Loire, the town of Blois is surrounded by pretty villages to explore, such as medieval Montrichard or the village of Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, where visitors are delighted by the peace and quiet that exudes from the river and its lanes invaded by nature. The hardest part will be choosing!
See our selection of the most beautiful villages in our dedicated article.
Treat yourself to an epicurean break
Here's an original idea: discover the city through its cuisine! Blois' culinary scene will delight gourmets with its varied and inventive offering, where local chefs compete in creativity to showcase local produce.
Highlights include Restaurant Assa, with its Franco-Japanese fusion cuisine, and Restaurant La Botte d'Asperges, renowned for its refined creations.
And for lovers of excellence, Michelin-starred restaurants such as Ezia, Amour Blanc, or Christopher Hay (2 stars) promise a real trip!
Find more restaurants in our Where to eat in Blois article!
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What you need to know for your day in Blois
The weather in Blois
We advise you to come and enjoy the city of Blois in fine weather, especially as we consider the banks of the Loire in Blois to be the most beautiful in the region!
However, the climate remains mild all year round and very pleasant throughout the Loire Valley, so come whenever you like!
Crowds in Blois
The towns of the Loire Valley are popular destinations the world over. As the summer season is very touristy, the number of visitors can be higher. We therefore advise you to make advance reservations at Blois' restaurants, which are often crowded between castle visits.
Adapt your itinerary when it rains
If it rains during your day in Blois, don't panic, because the town's must-see sites - the Château Royal and the Fondation du Doute - offer a wealth of sheltered trails! You can also visit the Museum of Natural History (more info here) or one of the city's 3 churches.
Also note that the town organizes numerous cultural events, the program of which can be found on the official website here.
Blois is also a perfect town for epicureans who don't want to get wet, as the many restaurants in the center are within easy walking distance.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
