Common questions
Where is the Château de Blois located?
The address of the Château de Blois is 6 place du Château, 41000 Blois, between Tours and Orléans. Located in the heart of Loir-et-Cher or, more commonly known as the Loire Valley, the city of Blois is easily accessible in less than 2 hours from Paris by train or car. It is situated 16km from the Château de Chambord, 35km from the Château d'Amboise, and 45km from the Château de Chenonceau. The Château de Blois is one of the most famous castles of the Loire.
What are the prices for the Château de Blois?
The price for visiting the Château de Blois is 12 € for adults, 6.5 € for children (6 to 17 years old). Children under 6 years old have free admission. A reduced rate of 9.5 € is available for students, unemployed individuals, large families, and teachers. The Son et Lumière show at the Château de Blois costs 11 € for adults, 6.5 € for children, and 9 € for those eligible for the reduced rate. To enhance your experience and save money, choose the combined tickets for the Château + Son et Lumière!
What are the visiting hours for the Château de Blois?
The Château de Blois is open year-round, except on January 1st and December 25th, starting at 9:00 AM from April to October and at 10:00 AM from November to the end of March. During the peak season, the castle closes between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM, and during the low season (November to March), it closes at 5:00 PM.
Is there parking available at the Château de Blois?
Parking spaces are available in Blois, with 600 free parking spots located within a 15-minute walk of the castle. If you prefer not to spend the day searching for parking, there is a paid underground parking option. Access the castle parking (approximately 200m from the castle) via Avenue du Dr Jean Laigret. The parking fee is 1 euro per hour. If the castle parking is full, you can opt for the Valin de la Vaissière parking, accessible from Quai de la Saussaye. For motorhomes, there is an area located south of the Loire on Avenue Wilson near the exhibition center. Labeled "La Loire à Vélo" and "Accueil Vélo," the Château de Blois caters to cyclists with two dedicated bike parking areas at the entrance of the monument.
Are there picnic areas at the Château de Blois?
The Château de Blois is a city castle. You can certainly have a picnic on the Place du Château or in one of the squares in Blois. For those planning a full-day visit to the Loire Valley castles, we recommend being at Château de Chambord during lunchtime
to enjoy its magnificent meadows facing the castles and the Loire River.
Why visit the Château de Blois?
The Château de Blois is often referred to as the gateway to the Loire Valley castles, thanks to its easy access from Paris. The castle was the favorite residence of 7 kings and 10 queens of France, making it a prominent historical site. It is also one of the few castles that is fully furnished and decorated. The Château de Blois houses the Fine Arts Museum of the city of Blois and proudly displays works by renowned artists such as Rubens, Ingres, and Boucher. Visitors are also drawn to the famous staircase of François I, the view of the Loire River, and the old town. Lastly, its breathtaking Son et Lumière show is unique in the Loire Valley.
What to do around the Château de Blois?
If you want to make the most of your visit to the Loire Valley castles, the Château de Blois is an excellent option to combine with the Château de Chambord (a 20-minute drive) if you have only one day in the Loire Valley. Are you a fan of magic? Step into the Maison de la Magie located on the Place du Château, where you can discover a magnificent exhibition and a superb show. Plan for two days to visit the most famous Loire Valley castles, covering 75km of distance from Château de Chambord to Château de Chenonceau, passing through the Château de Blois and the Château royal d'Amboise. If you're visiting with family over three days, end your trip by going down to the ZooParc de Beauval.
