Blois' historic château was the feudal seat of the powerful counts of Blois, and its grand halls, spiral staircases and sweeping courtyards provide a whistlestop tour through the key periods of French architecture.
Château Royal de BloisCHÂTEAU
Intended more as an architectural showpiece (look at that ornately carved facade!) than a military stronghold, Blois’ château bears the creative mark of several successive French kings. It makes an excellent introduction to the châteaux of the Loire Valley, with elements of Gothic (13th century), Flamboyant Gothic (1498–1503), early Renaissance (1515–24) and classical (1630s) architecture in its four grand wings.
The most famous feature of the Renaissance wing, the royal apartments of François I and Queen Claude, is the loggia staircase, decorated with salamanders and curly Fs (heraldic symbols of François I).
Maison de la MagieMUSEUM
Opposite the château you can’t miss the former home of watchmaker, inventor and conjurer Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin (1805–71), whose name was later adopted by American magician Harry Houdini. Dragons emerge roaring from the windows on the hour, while the museum inside hosts daily magic shows, exhibits on the history of magic, displays of optical trickery and a short historical film about Houdini.
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