If you're passing through Blois, don't miss out on the Church of Saint-Nicolas! We were charmed by this harmonious little church, which is well worth a visit for its Gothic facade topped with slate spires, its nave filled with sculpted capitals, and its enchanting collection of modern stained-glass windows.
Here are our tips for visiting Saint-Nicolas church 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 Saint-Nicolas worthwhile?
The answer is yes. It's already worth the detour for the leap into history it offers. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, it's the oldest church in Blois! Its architecture perfectly illustrates the transition between Romanesque and Gothic art.
It is also remarkable for its dazzling collection of stained glass windows, which we invite you to view in detail.
What you can see
The majestic façade
Built on 3 levels, the visit begins at the façade, where different elements blend together, and we invite you to pay particular attention to:
- The elegant arcaded gallery stretches the full width of the façade,
- The magnificent 17th-century rose window,
- The tall spires, brought in by Anatole de Baudot in the 19th century, are now emblematic of the church.
The magnificent portal
Once you've admired the upper part of the facade, you can stand just below the portal and admire the lacework of the stonework on the voussoirs. Beneath these representations of saints and bishops, you can also note the wooden door, finely carved with angels and vegetal volutes.
As you enter the church, you'll be struck by the majestic nave, whose impression of grandeur is reinforced by the narrowness of the bays. On the day of our visit, the church was being renovated, but the reflection of the stained-glass windows on the protective canvas gave curiously poetic reflections!
Take the time to observe the sculpted capitals, depicting acrobats, imaginary beasts, plants and battle scenes. This great diversity of motifs represents the folklore of medieval legends.
The collection of dazzling stained glass
What makes this church so special are its numerous stained glass windows, rebuilt in 1955 after being destroyed by the 1940 bombings.
The shimmering motifs created by master glassmakers Max Ingrand, Janssen and Chevalier give the church a striking and unique atmosphere.
The choir and its dome
We also really liked the church's choir, which features a semicircular apse supported by six pillars with capitals. The second level features blind pointed-arch arches, while the third features stained-glass windows by Max Ingrand. On the altar, you'll notice the dolphin motifs on the torchères, typical of the decorative arts of the Louis XIV period, and the two pairs of gilded wood candelabras. Another architectural curiosity? The dark cupola at the transept crossing, adorned with niches and a few stained-glass windows.
The sublime chapel of the Virgin Mary
Don't leave the church without visiting this chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. You'll see the Assumption of the Virgin carved in limestone by Gaspard Imbert (17th century), and a painting of the Immaculate Conception surrounded by medallions depicting the mysteries of the rosary. Not forgetting, of course, the magnificent stained glass windows that adorn the chapel with hypnotic reflections!
More surprises
The church of Saint-Nicolas is home to other curiosities that you can discover with a keen eye:
- A bas-relief of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, created in the 12th century (photo below).
- A 15th-century limestone altarpiece depicting Saint Mary the Egyptian.
- A 16th-century statue of the repentant Saint Madeleine, holding a bottle of perfume by her side and a skull in her left hand.
The elegant bedside table
Take the time to walk around the church and admire its chevet from rue Saint Laumer. The church's cachet is immediately apparent when you take a closer look at its elegant buttresses, powerful buttresses and the rear of the ambulatory chapels.
View of the church from the Foix terrace
To admire the church in its entirety, we recommend a trip to the Chateau Royal de Blois. From the terrace of the Foix, you'll see the sturdy silhouette of the church, seemingly towering over the town with its pretty slate spires.
Saint-Nicolas church in Blois: how to get there
Where to find Saint-Nicolas church
- In the city of Blois
- Quartier des Arts, rue saint-Laumer
- 5min walk from Château de Blois
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). However, as the church is located in a narrow street, we advise you to park at the Parking du Château, 2 Avenue du Dr Jean Laigret.
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.
Public transport access
From Blois train station, you can walk to Saint-Nicolas church in just 10 minutes, or take the bus (line E/N1 or B to Château stop).
To plan your itinerary, we recommend you visit the official website of the public transport network here.
Visiting difficulties
No particular difficulties for visitors. The church is on one level, with wide aisles, making it accessible to wheelchair users.
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Visiting Saint-Nicolas church: useful tips
Schedules and prices
The church is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.
See the latest news on the city's official website here.
How long
The church can be visited in 10 to 15 minutes.
Best moment
We advise you to visit in the morning to minimize crowds and enjoy the beautiful light through the stained glass windows. And as with all religious buildings, avoid service times.
Direction of visit
There's no set direction for your visit, but we recommend that you first take a closer look at the façade before discovering the details hidden inside. Refer to the church plan to understand the different architectural layers that are superimposed.
Eating out
The church is in the heart of the Arts district, with many restaurants around it, such as:
- Restaurant Au Rendez-Vous des Pêcheurs offers refined, flavorful cuisine in a warm setting (3min walk).
- For a quick snack, we recommend Boulangerie Sim's for tasty pastries or generous sandwiches on the go (3min walk).
Hotels
Since you're in the center of Blois, you'll find some great sleeping options in and around the town, as the Loire Valley is very welcoming! Here are our recommendations:
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
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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