Blois doesn't announce itself loudly. It sits quietly on the banks of the Loire, a compact French town that just happens to be surrounded by some of the most spectacular royal architecture in the world. If you're searching for things to do in Blois and wondering whether it deserves more than a day trip, the answer is yes. Absolutely yes.
Here's what to put on your list.
1. Tour the Royal Castle of Blois
Start in the town itself. The Royal Castle of Blois sits right in the center and tells the story of four French royal families across four distinct architectural wings. It's one of those places where you can literally walk from Gothic to Renaissance to Classical all within the same courtyard. Don't skip the sound and light show if you're visiting in the evening — it's genuinely spectacular.
2. Step Inside Château de Chambord
This is the one. The Château de Chambord is the largest Renaissance château in the Loire Valley and nothing quite prepares you for the scale of it. Book a guided tour of the Château de Chambord so you actually understand what you're looking at — the double-helix staircase alone deserves a proper explanation. Go early in the morning when the mist is still sitting on the grounds and the crowds haven't arrived yet.
3. Float Above the Loire Valley in a Hot Air Balloon
Few experiences match watching the châteaux emerge from the morning fog from several hundred feet in the air. A hot air balloon flight over Chambord, Chenonceau, Cheverny, and Blois gives you a perspective that no guidebook photo can replicate. Flights typically launch at dawn, so set that alarm — it's worth every minute of lost sleep.
4. Visit Château de Chenonceau
Built across the River Cher, Chenonceau is the château that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. Grab a Chenonceau Castle admission ticket and give yourself at least two hours to explore the formal gardens, the long gallery spanning the water, and the wax figure rooms that bring the castle's dramatic history to life. It's about 40 minutes from Blois by car and absolutely worth the drive.
5. Explore Château Royal d'Amboise
Amboise is another easy day trip from Blois and it carries serious historical weight. This is where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life, and his tomb is located in the chapel on the castle grounds. Pick up a Loire Valley Château Royal d'Amboise entrance ticket in advance to skip the queues and spend more time actually exploring. The views over the Loire from the terrace are some of the best in the region.
6. Wander the Old Town on Foot
Once you've done the châteaux, slow down and walk. The old town of Blois is full of medieval staircases, half-timbered houses, and quiet squares that most visitors rush past on their way to the next castle. The Escaliers Denis-Papin — a grand staircase leading down from the old town to the river — is worth seeking out for the view back across the rooftops. Get a little lost. That's the point.
7. Spend an Afternoon at ZooParc de Beauval
If you're travelling with kids or just love animals, ZooParc de Beauval is one of the best zoos in Europe and it's only about 45 minutes from Blois. The entrance ticket for ZooParc de Beauval gets you access to giant pandas, white tigers, gorillas, and over 35,000 animals across beautifully landscaped grounds. Book ahead, especially in summer — it draws serious crowds.
8. Go Wine Tasting in a Loire Cellar
The Loire Valley is one of France's great wine regions and you'd be doing yourself a disservice not to taste your way through some of it properly. Look for cellars carved directly into the tufa rock — they're everywhere in the region and they maintain a perfect temperature year-round. A structured cellar visit and wine tasting experience gives you context alongside the glass, which makes the whole thing far more interesting than just drinking.
9. Discover the Palais Jacques-Coeur
This one flies under the radar and that's a shame. The Palais Jacques-Coeur is a stunning example of late Gothic architecture built for one of medieval France's most powerful merchants. It's less crowded than the châteaux, which means you can actually take your time and appreciate the carved stonework, the grand fireplaces, and the sheer ambition of the whole place. History lovers will be in their element here.
10. Try Tarte Tatin and Local Charcuterie
The Loire Valley is serious about food and Blois is a good place to eat well without trying too hard. Tarte Tatin was invented not far from here and you'll find excellent versions in local brasseries alongside rillettes, andouillette, and fresh goat's cheese from the region. Head to the covered market on a Saturday morning and graze your way around the stalls before sitting down for a long lunch somewhere with a terrace. That's a perfect morning.
11. Cycle Along the Loire à Vélo Trail
The Loire à Vélo is a cycling route that runs along the river and connects many of the region's key attractions. Even if you only do a short section, cycling through the flat Loire floodplain with châteaux appearing in the distance is a genuinely lovely way to spend a few hours. Bike rental is easy to arrange in town and most of the route is well-signposted and traffic-free. It's one of those experiences that feels effortless and memorable at the same time.
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Blois rewards the travellers who don't just race between the famous châteaux but actually stop, look around, and let the place settle in. Whether you're here for a long weekend or using it as a base for a week in the Loire Valley, you'll leave wishing you'd booked a few more nights. Start planning your trip on TixLayer and lock in your experiences before the good time slots fill up.
