Blois Attractions
Picturesquely situated on two hills above the right bank of the Loire, Blois, dominated by its famous Château and its cathedral, is the chief town of the département of Loir-et-Cher and the see of a bishop. It lies in the center of a rich agricultural area and is noted for its electrical and leatherworking industries. Denis Papin, inventor of the pressure cooker and the autoclave, was born in Blois in 1648. Blois was the Roman settlement of Blesum, and in the Middle Ages the chief town of the County of Blésois or Blaisois. In 1397 it passed to Louis of Orléans when it became a royal residence, and in the reigns of Louis XII and Francis I played a similar role to that of Versailles in the reign of Louis XIV.
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Blois Château
Built between the 13th and 17th C, Blois Château displays a mix of architectural styles. Some of the highlights include the Louis XII Wing, Francis I Wing, and the Gaston d'Orleans Wing.
St Nicolas
To the south of the Château in Blois is the former Benedictine church of St-Nicolas (12th and 13th C), which has fine capitals and a 15th C reredos.
Cathedral of St Louis
The Cathedral of St-Louis in Blois stands on high ground in the old town, northeast of the Château. There was a church on this site in early Christian times which was rebuilt and altered in the 12th, 15th and 16th centuries. The church was destroyed in the 17th C, apart from the apse, the tower and the west front, and was then rebuilt. The crypt dates from the 10th and 11th centuries.
Notre Dame de la Trinité
Northeast of Blois town center is the modern church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Trinité, consecrated in 1949. It has a very fine interior, notable particularly for the stained glass and the Stations of the Cross. From the top of the tower there are fine panoramic views.
Old Town
Immediately east of the St Louis cathedral is the 18th century Ancien Evêché, the former Bishop's Palace, now the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall). There are fine views from the adjoining gardens.
The old town of Blois, with a number of interesting old burghers' houses, lies to the south of the cathedral.
The old town of Blois, with a number of interesting old burghers' houses, lies to the south of the cathedral.
Blois Surroundings
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Chambord - Château de Chambord
Before Versailles, there was Château de Chambord; a grand, no expenses spared, creation of Francis I. It was a residence used by many kings, including Louis XIV, who frequented the Château.
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Chaumont-sur-Loire, France
The Chaumont-sur-Loire stands proudly above the river and can be easily recognized by its four round towers.
Suevres, France
Northeast of Blois, near the north bank of the Loire, is Suèvres (pop. 1,400), an ancient little town with the two churches, originally Romanesque, of St-Lubin and St- Christophe.
Suevres-Cour-sur-Loire Tourist Office
Place de la Mairie
F-41500 Suevres-Cour-sur-Loire
France
Place de la Mairie
F-41500 Suevres-Cour-sur-Loire
France
