Located just opposite the Château de Blois, we loved visiting the church of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul! We were charmed by this colorful little church, which is well worth a visit for its rich stucco decorations , Baroque-style choir and various pieces of sacred art.
Here are our tips for visiting the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul 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-Vincent-de-Paul worthwhile?
The little church of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul in Blois is well worth a visit! We loved the contrast between the sobriety of Blois Cathedral and the baroque decoration of this church. You'll also be amazed by the variety of sacred art (statues, paintings, altarpieces, sculptures) on display. Last but not least, you'll be charmed by the small adjoining square, perfect for a shady break.
In our opinion, it's one of the best places to visit in Blois (article coming soon)!
What you can see
Its magnificent Jesuit façade
The visit begins with the Jesuit-style façade, where various elements blend together: friezes of crowns of thorns alternating with monograms of saints on the second floor, a stained glass window on the second and a rose on the third. All framed by very different pilasters. The dome also features a lantern crowned with a fleur-de-lis.
As soon as you enter, you'll be struck by the beauty of the nave, rich in detail, which opens onto 6 chapels. We loved the contrasts of colors (pink, blue, red, gold), textures (marble, wood, stucco) and styles, making the interior of this church truly original!
Its colorful vaults
What also strikes the eye as soon as you enter this church are the different colors of the vaults. The dome adds depth to the structure, as do the intricate paintwork patterns, which add a touch of elegance to the whole.
Its Baroque choir
We invite you to take the time to visit the church choir, richly decorated and full of symbolism. At altar level, you'll see a statue of the Immaculate Conception, to which this church is dedicated. Look also at the detail of the four sculptures framing the altar. For our part, we loved the medallions on the walls representing the cardinal virtues (prudence, strength, justice and temperance) and the golden laurel branches running along the red marble columns.
Its stucco decor
The magic of this church lies in its small details, such as the stucco sculptures scattered throughout the various chapels. Can you spot all the subtleties of the building's refined decoration?
Its shimmering stained glass
We enjoyed the variety of stained glass windows in the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul church. Some still feature pieces dating back to the 19th century, although most were damaged during the 1940-1945 bombardments. That's why the contemporary stained-glass windows (below) are so successful!
Her statue of the Virgin in Piety
Take time to observe the monumental statue of the Virgin in Piety, a recurring motif in Christian iconography where the Virgin is depicted weeping over the death of her son, Jesus. Observe the contrast between the tragic motif, treated with white marble sculpture, overhung by the Cross of Calvary, and the colorful friezes on the walls or the finely star-spangled vault, which stand in stark contrast.
His organ
Don't leave the church without observing the magnificent organ and its detailed pipework, enthroned above the entrance portal. The finely-worked stucco decorations on the tribune also stand out.
Saint-Vincent-de-Paul church in Blois: how to get there
Where is Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Church?
- In the city of Blois
- 16 rue du Pont du Gast
- A 3-minute walk from the famous Château de Blois
Access by car and parking
Blois is well served by freeway: via the A10 from Paris (2h11) or Bordeaux (4h) and via the A71 from Lyon (4h30), you can easily reach the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul church by car.
You'll find parking opposite the church on rue Gallois, but if you want to be sure of finding a space, you can go to the covered parking lot on 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-Vincent-de-Paul church in just 6 minutes, or take the bus (line E/N1 to Château stop).
To plan your itinerary, we recommend you visit the official website of the public transport network here.
Visiting difficulties
There are no facilities for disabled access, and the entrance to the church has three small steps. The interior is, however, accessible to baby carriages.
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
Visit Saint-Vincent-de-Paul church: useful tips
Schedules and prices
The church is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission is free.
See the latest news on the 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 the number of visitors, especially during the summer months, and like all religious buildings, to avoid church 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. As the church is opposite the Château de Blois, you can easily combine the two visits.
We recommend a private tour of the Château de Blois to fully appreciate the complexity of its architecture and art collections.
See prices and availability.
Eating out
The church is right in the center of town, with many restaurants around it, such as:
- The Crêperie Le Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude offers tasty galettes and generous crêpes in an ultra-vital and original setting.
- Restaurant Au Rendez-Vous des Pêcheurs offers refined, flavorful cuisine in a warm setting (9min walk).
Otherwise, the church stands in front of a small square with trees and benches, ideal for a quick snack. For more inspiration, check out our article on the best restaurants in Blois (coming soon).
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
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
