Blois - Surroundings

In the little town of Château-Renault, 34km/21mi west of Blois, are the ruins of a 14th century castle, with a keep which is even older. There is a small Leather Museum in the castle grounds.

6km/4mi northeast of Blois on the right bank of the Loire is the village of Ménars. Amid beautiful terraced gardens stands a Château of the mid 17th century which was acquired by the Marquise de Pompadour in 1716 and enlarged by the court architect Gabriel. In the 18th century extensive changes were carried out. It is one of the few classical-style Châteaux in the Loire valley.