Blois in the Loire Valley
The city of Blois in the Loire
Valley, we think, is well worth
a visit even if it is a bit further
away from the house. Whether or not
it would be among your top places to
visit will depend on your own
interests.
Its
history has been shaped by the
presence of royalty - it was home to
the French court for 100 years
between 1498 and 1598 before they
moved back to Paris. The unique
skyline of Blois, viewed from the
river is testament to their
influence.
Its
medieval streets especially in its
'old town' make for interesting
walks through time itself. The city
is home to one of the most famous
brands of French chocolate 'Poulain'
- it was here that Auguste Poulain
opened his first chocolate factory
1848. Not surprisingly it not hard
to find many fine examples within
the shops in Blois.
The chateau at Blois
is a
good example of the evolution of French architecture
as it
is made up of sections that have
survived from medieval times
right up to the 17th century. Its
royal history dates from Louis
XII to Francois I , who added the
most prominent part of the
chateau, the renaissance wing with the unique open circular staircase.
One of the city's
attractions is the cavernous
Maison de la Magie, (House of Magic) which
sits beside the chateau esplanade, offers
a variety of optical illusions. There
are afternoon magic shows in
mime, so you do not need to be fluent in French! Even if you don't
go to the show, it is worth waiting outside until the mechanical dragons appear at the windows.
Blogpost of our last visit
here
