Showcasing three distinct architectural styles and almost 800 years of history, the Château de Blois is a less popular but equally interesting alternative to some of the area’s more famous chateaux. Although the French Revolution left it in poor conditions, the chateau was used as military barracks for a period, which helped save it from being razed.
As the name suggests, Château de Blois is located in the Loire Valley city of Blois, just a 10-minute walk from the local railway station. If you’re coming from Paris, you’ll need to switch trains about Orleans, which is about an hour away by rail. The biggest city in the area is Tours, a 50-minute train-ride away.
The castle is open throughout the year, except on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Opening hours vary, so check ahead before planning your visit. Note that the castle closes for lunch during November through March. The sound-and-light show runs from April through September.
Across the street from the castle is the House of Magic, a museum dedicated to Blois hometown magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, whose name later inspired Houdini’s stage name. Here you'll find all sorts of whimsical exhibits, including a gargantuan kaleidoscope and a six-headed dragon automaton, along with plenty of displays and ephemera related to magic and illusion.
