Blois

Blois on the banks of the river Loire

the city of Blois on the banks of the river Loire
The Royal City of Blois sits proudly by the banks of the Loire with its skyline dominated by its cathedral and famous Chateau de Blois.
The city was the favoured stronghold of the kings of France for 100 years, With the chateau being the principle royal residence from when Louis XII established his court here in 1498 until Henry IV moved it to Paris in 1598. Blois is the ‘prefecture’ (capital) of the department of Loire-et-Cher and is the established business centre of a farming district which produces wheat, vegetables (especially asparagus) and wine in abundance. Auguste Poulain opened a confectionary-chocolate factory in Blois in 1848, the site now is a hotel but his legacy lives on and is evident on almost every street corner. and wine in abundance. 
Chateau de Blois
The city is a good place to walk as it has many fine examples of ancient town houses to be found in its ‘old quarter’ on streets such as the rue Pierre de Blois and the rue du Puits-Chatel. Like the 15th century town house on two sides of the street connected by a timber framed walkway. Its narrow streets up to the cathedral and the jardin de l'éveché provide a good, if uphill,walk.


Ancient half-timbered house in Blois
ancient narrow street in Blois
Narrow street in Bloise
Your walk is guided by street markings (fleur de lis) making it easier to find the city's main points of interest.
modern street in Blois
Wear a good pair of walking shoes as you will climb a lot of steps exploring this fine city
The city is blessed with some fine green spaces like the 'King's Garden' (Jardins du Roy) behind the chateau,  (which is well worth a visit),The gardens were originally created by Louis XII, they have since, had a complete redesign by landscape architect Gilles Clément (1992).
Also check out the gardens of the former Bishop's Palace (now the town hall) where there is a rose garden, garden of the senses, a great statue of Joan of Arc and views over the city and the Loire river.
Maison du Magie in Blois
There are other attractions provided, with the cavernous Maison de Magie, (House of Magic) which can be found on the far side of the chateau esplanade, offering a variety of optical illusions. They may not convince or entertain today's 'techno-children' quite as much as previous generations but there is a less formal room dedicated to local impresario, Robert Houdin (not to be confused with Harry Houdini) which may hold their interest. The afternoon magic shows are in mime, so at least there is no need to be fluent in French! Even if you don't actually go in to the show ,it is worth the wait outside until the mechanical dragons appear at the windows.
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