Four wings, four kings, four styles
The royal château of Blois brings together four wings built by four different kings, in four different centuries. The medieval wing (13th c.): what remains of the comital fortress. The Louis XII wing (1498-1500, flamboyant Gothic). The François I wing (1515-1518, Italian Renaissance, iconic exterior spiral staircase). The Gaston d'Orléans wing (1635-1638, French Classical). No other royal château tells 400 years of architecture in one place like this.
The François I staircase
It's the icon of the château: a monumental stone spiral, half engaged in the façade, half projecting. Twenty sculpted windows climb the spiral. Built in just a few years by Italian and French masons. It's one of the three most admired Renaissance staircases in France (with Chambord's). Photograph it from the inner courtyard in early morning for the best light.
The murder of the Duke of Guise
Blois is also the scene of one of the most resounding political murders of the French Renaissance. On 23 December 1588, Henri III had the Duke of Guise assassinated in the king's cabinet, in the François I wing. You can visit the exact room where the murder took place — the blood stains are no longer visible, but the décor remains that of the era. One of the best-preserved "crime scenes" in Europe.
The town of Blois deserves a half-day
Don't limit yourself to the château. The medieval town below is delightful: Denis-Papin staircase (monumental 120-step ramp), Maison de la Magie (facing the château), Saint-Louis cathedral, Évêché garden with panoramic Loire view. Bistrot du Cuisinier on the riverbank is one of the best lunch addresses. Plan a full day for Blois château + town.
The son et lumière
From April to September, the château offers an evening son et lumière. Projections on the façades, historical narration, music. About 50 minutes. Around €12, combined ticket possible with the day visit. Ideal for the end of a day in Blois before heading back to your base.
Practical and combinations
Open year-round, €13.50 adult. Train from Paris: 1h30 (Austerlitz station). By car from Meung-sur-Loire: 40 minutes via A10 or via the D951 (more scenic, along the Loire). Possible combinations: Blois + Chambord the same day (Chambord 20 min from Blois), Blois + Chaumont-sur-Loire (15 min), Blois + Cheverny (15 min). It's the ideal hub to base yourself.