Visit the Château de Blois: tickets, prices, times

Want to go back to time during a stay in the Loir-et-Cher? Don’t hesitate to visit the Château Royal de Blois, the Châteaux de la Loire!

The Royal Castle of Blois is a monument built between the thirteenth and seventeenth century which was the place of favourite residence of many kings and queens through the epochs, and which was a place of witness to many of the secrets of the Court of France. A true witness of history, he hosts many objects of time, some of which belonged directly to royalty. Architectural prowess, it combines four different styles. A peculiarity that classifies the Château de Blois among the most beautiful castles of the Loire.

So, for a few hours, we invite you to visit the Château de Blois. Follow the guide and discover without further delay what this historic monument is for you!

History of Blois Castle

It all starts in the ninth century. The castle was born in medieval fortress after a few developments throughout the chapel of Saint-Calais.

Under the reign of Louis XII, the Château is chosen to host the Archduke of Austria. The opportunity to start some renovations in Gothic style, like buildings and towers. A few days later, François 1er decided in turn to redesign the place with a Renaissance wing. It was only in the 17th century that the Château de Blois undergoes its last modification: the addition of the classic wing underneath Gaston d’Orléans .

Of course, with its many years of life, this castle has seen many wars. Many, too, are the kings and queens to have chosen their home! In addition to its coveted crown, the Château de Blois has hosted other illustrious characters, such as Louis de Blois, Anne de Bretagne and Henri IV.

Since then, only the buildings of the 13th century and later have been preserved, such as the large seigneurial hall or the tower of the Foix. Today, the place is such that it has been renovated by Gaston d’Orléans, and it is possible to visit the Château de Blois to know the exciting story.

What to see and do at Blois Castle?

The rooms and external courses

The Château de Blois is a visit through 17 rooms constituting the old royal apartments. You can admire the real furniture of the time that has furnished the castle during its last years of use, but also statues, paintings, tapestries or woodwork of the time, and many other objects.

Of course, there are also other rooms to see during your tour to visit the Château de Blois, such as the vestibule of the classic wing, the General States Hall, as well as the architecture and interpretation rooms located in the monument.

The exteriors can also be visited, and you can see the courtyard of honour, the terrace of the Foix, the gardens of Louis XII and Anne de Bretagne, the Place du Château and the Chapel Saint-Calais, dating from the 9th century.

Also, when you are visiting the Castle of Blois, don’t forget the Museum of Fine Arts located in the enclosure of the castle, where you can admire many works of art as anywhere else.

The unusual visit

What if you visit Blois Castle otherwise? For a full experience, get out of the beaten paths! By a group of up to eighteen people, discover the parties usually closed to the public. Among them, the towers of the castle, the fortifications, the combles, and many other places more mysterious than others.

How do I go to Blois Castle?

There are several ways to visit the Royal Castle of Blois, from the four corners of France. Whatever the means of transport you choose, here is the address of the castle: 6 Place du Château, 41000 Blois, France.

By car

There are several car routes to visit the castle of Blois:

• Paris (180 km - 2 h) : Take the A10 to Blois exit, then follow the National RN 152 towards Orleans and Blois. Follow the plates to the castle.
• Nantes (approximately 285 km - 3 hours) : Direction Paris sur la A11, then take the exit Tours/Blois. Continue on the D766 before taking the A10 motorway towards Orleans and Blois. Take the Blois exit and follow the directional plates of the castle.
• Lyon (about 450 km – 4 h 30) : Take the A 89 towards Bordeaux, then take the A71 to Paris and Bordeaux. Then take the A85 towards Nantes and Tours. Go out to Blois before following the directional plates.
• Bordeaux (400 km – 4 h) : Take the A10 towards Paris and Nantes, then go out to Blois/Chaussée-Saint-Victor. Continue on the D956 towards Blois, follow the directional plates.

By bus

Blois is served by the bus company Azalys. You can find one of its stops near the palace, just one street from it. Otherwise, it is also possible to take a shuttle to the castle from several towns of Loir-et-Cher.

By train

It is possible to get to Blois-Chambord Station, just a 7-minute walk from Blois Royal Castle, just taking one of the following two lines: Paris/Tours or Paris/Nantes .

Schedules and Prices of the Château de Blois

HORARI

The Château de Blois is accessible every day of the year, except December 25 and January 1, according to the following schedules:

• Dude 02/01 until 31/03 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Dude 01/04 until 30/06 9-6.30 p.m.
• Dude 01/07 until 31/08 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Dude 01/09 until 03/11 from 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
• Dude 04/11 to 31/12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Note that the last access to visit the Château de Blois is half an hour before it is closed.

RATES

Classic entrance (brochure + HistoPad)

• Adult : 12€
• Students : 9,50€
• Children 16-17 : 6,50€
• Free for under 6 years

Combined tickets

• Adult between 19,50€ and 32€
• Children : between 10,50€ and 19€

Possible supplements

• General or family guided tour : 3€ extra charge/Adulte, Free for under 17 years.
• Unusual visit : 5€ extra charge/Adultes, 2€/Children.
• Audioguide : 3€ extra charge for everyone.