Blois: The Complete Guide

In the winding lanes around the Château Royal de Blois, historic townhouses and intimate city-centre inns place you a stone’s throw from Renaissance façades and lively cafés. Hôtel La Résidence occupies a 19th-century mansion just off the main square, with bright, elegantly furnished rooms and a sunny courtyard. Nearby, Hôtel Anne de Bretagne blends exposed beams and antiques with modern comforts, while Hôtel Mercure Blois Centre Château offers spacious sound-proofed chambers and a terrace that looks out onto the château’s towers.

Alongside the banks of the Loire, riverside properties capture sweeping water views and easy access to cycle paths and river cruises. Hôtel Restaurant Le Monarque perches on the quay with floor-to-ceiling windows framing passing péniches, and its on-site restaurant specializes in local game and Loire wines. A little further west, Le Domaine de la Tortinière—though just outside Blois—welcomes guests into converted manor wings set amid parkland, featuring an outdoor pool, spa facilities and guided vineyard tours.

Venturing into the surrounding Sologne countryside, charming relais and family-run guesthouses invite you to stay amid forested ponds and wildflower meadows. Château de Pray—reachable by a scenic 30-minute drive—offers rooms in a 16th-century château with formal gardens and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Closer still, Les Hauts de Loire occupies a grand hôtel du XIXe siècle beside the Château de Cheverny, boasting a riverside terrace, gourmet dining and easy access to bike rentals for exploring the Loire châteaux trail.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Blois. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Blois in Spring

Spring is one of the best times to visit Blois. From March to May, the city begins to bloom, with tulips and wisteria adding color to the historic streets and gardens of the Château Royal. The weather is mild, and the crowds are still relatively light, allowing visitors to explore the old town, riverside walks, and nearby châteaux in a relaxed atmosphere. This season also marks the reopening of many regional gardens and outdoor exhibits.

April and May often feature cultural events and concerts, and outdoor cafés return to life. Spring is also a lovely time for boat rides on the Loire or scenic drives through the valley, with vineyards and landscapes waking up from winter.

Blois in Summer

Summer is the busiest and liveliest time in Blois, with long daylight hours and plenty of events. From June to August, temperatures are warm without being overly hot, making it ideal for sightseeing, river picnics, and château hopping. One of the highlights is the Son et Lumière (Sound and Light Show) at the Château de Blois, held most evenings. This multi-sensory experience brings the castle’s history to life with dramatic effects projected onto its façades.

The city also hosts music performances, street theatre, and lively markets. With the added benefit of easy connections to other parts of the Loire Valley, Blois in summer is perfect for travelers who want to experience the region at its most vibrant.

Blois in Autumn

Autumn in Blois is marked by golden leaves, grape harvests, and a quieter pace. September through November offers cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, creating a more tranquil environment for visiting the château, museums, and the historic center. It’s also wine season in the Loire Valley, so tastings and vineyard visits become especially rewarding.

Cultural events and exhibitions continue into early fall, and local markets brim with seasonal produce like mushrooms, chestnuts, and apples. The crisp air and rich colors make autumn a favorite for photographers and those seeking a more contemplative travel experience.

Blois in Winter

Winter in Blois is peaceful and atmospheric, with December through February offering a different kind of charm. While the weather can be chilly and damp, the old town feels cozy and festive—especially in December, when the Blois Christmas Market takes over the Place Louis XII with lights, treats, and crafts. The château remains open year-round and is less crowded, allowing for a quieter visit.

Although outdoor activities are limited, winter is a great time for museum visits, fireside dining in local restaurants, and enjoying the city’s relaxed, small-town feel. It’s also a cost-effective season for accommodation and travel in the region.

Getting to Blois by Air

While Blois does not have its own airport, travelers can conveniently access the city via nearby international airports:

• Paris-Orly Airport (ORY): Approximately 160 kilometers north of Blois, Paris-Orly offers numerous domestic and international flights. From Orly, you can rent a car or take public transportation to reach Blois.
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): Located about 180 kilometers from Blois, CDG is France’s largest airport with extensive global connections. From CDG, travelers can take a train from Paris to Blois, with the journey from Paris Austerlitz station to Blois taking approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Getting to Blois by Train

Blois is well-connected by train, making it accessible from various French cities:

• From Paris: Direct trains depart from Paris Austerlitz station to Blois-Chambord station multiple times daily. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.
• From Tours: Regional trains connect Tours to Blois in about 40 minutes, with services operating hourly.
• From Orléans: Trains from Orléans to Blois take approximately 40 minutes, providing a quick connection between the two cities.

Getting to Blois by Car

Driving to Blois offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore the scenic Loire Valley:

• From Paris: The drive is approximately 180 kilometers and takes around 2 hours via the A10 motorway.
• From Tours: Blois is about 70 kilometers from Tours, with a driving time of approximately 1 hour via the A10 motorway.
• From Orléans: A short drive of around 60 kilometers, taking about 1 hour via the D2152 road.

Car rentals are available at major airports and city centers, providing convenient options for travelers.

Travelling around Blois

Once in Blois, the city’s compact size makes it ideal for exploration on foot. For longer distances or visits to nearby attractions, the following options are available:

• Public Transportation: The local bus network, known as Azalys, operates several routes throughout the city and surrounding areas.
• Bicycle Rentals: Blois participates in the Loire à Vélo initiative, offering well-marked cycling paths along the Loire River. Bicycle rentals are available for those wishing to explore the city and its picturesque surroundings on two wheels.
• Car Rentals: For excursions to nearby châteaux and vineyards, renting a car provides flexibility and convenience.