Hotels in Blois

Blois: Royal Château and Loire Valley Gateway

Blois sits on the north bank of the Loire River, 180 km south-west of Paris, at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage corridor. The Château Royal de Blois anchors the old town — its four wings span four architectural periods from Gothic (13th century) to Classical (17th century), making it one of the most readable royal residences in France. The Cathédrale Saint-Louis and the Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin (named after the 19th-century illusionist born here) add texture beyond the château.

Where to Stay

Hotels concentrate in two zones: the hillside Vieux-Blois quarter, within walking distance of the château esplanade, and the lower Centre-Ville near the train station. The station connects to Paris Austerlitz in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes by direct train. Visitors using Blois as a base reach Chambord (18 km east) and Cheverny (15 km south-east) by bike rental or shuttle.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Trains from Paris Austerlitz run several times daily; the journey takes around 1 h 30 min.
• Château timing: Allow at least two hours for the château interior and formal gardens.
• Season: Spring and autumn bring lower crowds; the Son et Lumière sound-and-light show runs on the château facade from April through September.
• Currency: Euros; most hotel and restaurant payments accepted by card.