Explore Blois in the Loire Valley of France

Poised on the frontier between southern and northern France the Loire Valley is where historically notable nobles, dukes and princes established their country getaway. Because of this the countryside is littered with some really extravagant architecture.

Blois

Blois is situated on the Northern bank of the Loire and is a compact town where everything is within a ten- minute walk of the train station.

Although the old city of Blois was badly damaged in 1940 by heavy German attacks it has retained its steep, twisting medieval streets.

Sights

The Chateau Royal de Blois

Open: 9am - 7pm Jul & Aug, 9am - 6.30pm Apr - Jun & Sep, 9am - 12.30 & 1.30 - 5.30 Oct - Mar.

The architecture of the Chateau Royal de Blois mixes Gothic, Flamboyant Gothic, early Renaissance and classical within its four wings.

You will enjoy sweeping courtyards, spiral staircases and grand halls.

A visit here certainly gives you a whistle stop tour of key periods of French architecture.

The Maison de la Magie (www.maisondelamagie.fr)

Open: 10am - 12.30 pm & 2 - 6.30pm Mar - Late Sep & late Oct - early Nov.

Opposite the chateau Royal de Blois is where the watchmaker, inventor and conjuror Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin (1805-71) lived. The great Houdini named himself after this particular chap.

The house is now called the Maison de la Magie meaning the house of magic.

Musee de l'Objet (www.museedelobjet.org)

Open: 1.30 - 6.30pm Wed - Sun late Jun -Aug, 1.30-6.30pm Fri - Sun late Feb - late Jun & Sep _ Dec.

This museum is a pure treasure trove of modern art that is based round everyday materials.

Whilst here look out for works by Dali and Man Ray.

Budget Accommodation

Hotel Le Savoie- This is a station hotel that offers chain-style rooms.

Hotel de France (www.franceetguise,com )- the lobby of this hotel is decorated with glass, brass and chandeliers that are left over from its heyday. The rooms are rather musty and look tired. If you decide to stay here then ask for a room with a balcony that overlooks the Eglise St-Vincent.

Cote Loire (www.coteloire.com )- this is the place to stay if you are wanting colors and charm. This homely hotel has rooms that are decked out in pastels, checks and the odd exposed brick.

Around Blois

Chateau de Chambord (www.chambord.org)

Open: 9am - 7.30pm mid Jul -mid Aug, 9am - 6.15 pm mid mar - mid Jul & mid Aug - Sep, 9am - 5.15pm Jan -mid Mar & Oct - Dec.

This Chateau is the one to visit if you are looking for full -blown splendor.

Its most famous feature is the double helix staircase of which some attribute to Leonardo da Vinci who resided in the Amboise fro 1516 until his death three years later.

The royal court gathered on the Italianate rooftop terrace surrounded by slate roofs, chimneys, domes and cupolas to watch military exercises and hunting parties returning at the end of the day.

Chteau de Cheverny (www.chateau-cheverny.fr )

Open: 9.15am -6.45pm Jul & Aug, 9.15 -6.15pm Apr - Jun & Sep, 9.45 am -5.50pm Oct, 9.45 am -5pm Nov - Mar.

The Chateau de Cheverny is considered to be the most perfectly proportioned chateau and has hardly been altered since it was built between 1625 and 1634.

Inside this wonderful chateau you will find a formal dining room, bridal chamber and a children's playroom that is complete with Napoleon III era toys.

The guard's room is full of claymores, suits of armor and pikestaffs.

During WWII many works of art were hidden in the 18^th century Orangerie including the Mona Lisa.

Chateau de Chaumont

Open: 10am - 6pm mid May -mid Sep, 1030am-5.50pm Apr-mid May & mid Sep - end Sep, 10 am -5pm Oct -Mar.

The Chateau de Chaumont is set on a bluff overlooking the Loire and is quite a climb but worth it.

You enter the chateau via a wooden drawbridge that is set between two wide towers. Entering the courtyard you will see the most stunning views.

Source - Europe on a Shoestring - The Lonely Planet