One of the gems of the Loire Valley of France, the Château Royale de Blois is the historic centrepiece of the city of Blois. From the Middle Ages to the 17th century, it was one of the most important royal residences for kings and nobility of France, and one of the most emblematic and visited monuments of the region.
The castle has borne witness to the lives and deaths of many kings, queens and other famous figures, as well as dramatic events that changed the course of French history. Let’s explore the architecture and grounds of the Château Royale de Blois, an inpressive must-see destination for anyone interested in French heritage, culture, and history.
Exploring the Château de Blois
Unusually for a Loire Valley castle, The Château Royale de Blois is not isolated in the countryside, but instead located in the centre of the town of Blois. The town grew around the castle, as the people lived close to kings’ residence.
The Château Royale de Blois is comprised of four distinctive wings that reflect the four major styles of French architecture between the Middle Ages to the 17th century. Like time capsules, each wing has its own unique character and charm, and reveals how the castle transformed over the centuries.
The Medieval Fortress
Dating back to the castle’s origins in the 13th century, the oldest part of the Château de Blois is the medieval fortified residence that was home to the Counts of Blois. Each of the four corners of the square fortress is protected with an imposing round keep tower. At the end of the 15th century, the fortress was renovated and enlarged by King Louis XII, who added a Gothic-style wing featuring his emblematic porcupine motif.
The Louis XII Gothic Wing
Built between 1498 and 1500, the Gothic wing of the Château de Blois was used by Louis XII, who made Blois his main residence after his ascension to the throne of France. It is known for its distinctive red brick facade and white stone decorations, its dormer windows set into a high-pitched roof, and its decorative sculpted entrance portal. The Gothic wing is home to the Museum of Fine Arts, which exhibits masterpieces such as paintings by Rubens, Ingres and Boucher.
The François I Renaissance Wing
The third wing of the Château Royale de Blois, the François I Renaissance Wing, was built between 1515 and 1518 under François I. His intention was to modernise the castle and introduce Italian designs and embellishments. Many consider the wing as one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in France, notable for its elegant facade adorned with niches, pilasters, and medallions.
One of the most recognisable elements in the François I Renaissance Wing is the spectacular spiral staircase that connects the different floors, and allows visitors a stunning view of the courtyard below.
The Gaston d’Orléans Classical Wing
The newest wing of the Château Royale de Blois was built between 1635 and 1638 under Gaston d’Orléans, the brother of King Louis XIII. He intended a more spacious and comfortable living space for himself and his family – an indulgence considering the extensive size of the Château at this time.
The style was heavily influenced by the classical style of the Louvre Palace in Paris, featuring a symmetrical facade composed of three pavilions, and separated by columns. The wing contains some of the most ostentatious rooms of the castle, such as the King’s Chamber and the Council Chamber.
History and Events of the Château Royale de Blois
The Château Royale de Blois is one of the most important royal residences in French history, home of ten queens and seven kings of France. Besides the historical figures that walked the halls of the château, many other major events took place within its walls, shaping the history of France and Europe.
Origins
The first mention of a Château in Blois was in 854CE, known then as the Blisum castrum, which was sacked by the Vikings under the chieftain Hastein. It was rebuilt over the 10th and 11th centuries by the Counts of Blois, with the Big Tower added in the 12th century. The Estates General Room, the largest Gothic room in France, was built in the early 13th century. In 1429, a young Joan of Arc visited the castle to be blessed before her military campaign.
Assassination of Henry I, Duke of Guise
During the Wars of Religion between Catholics and Protestants, King Henry III ordered the assassination of his rival (and leader of the Catholic League) Henry I, Duke of Guise. In 1588, the murder took place in the King’s Chamber of the François I wing by the king’s bodyguards, as Henry III watched. Unsurprisingly, the murder shocked the public opinion and began a violent reaction from the Catholic League.
The Escape of Marie de’ Medici
The mother of Louis XIII and regent of France, Marie de’ Medici, was exiled by her son to Blois in 1617 in a coup d’etat in which the young king asserted his authority. A royal prisoner, she was held captive in the Gaston d’Orléans wing for two years. Then, in the night of 21-22 February 1619, she executed a daring escape as she climbed down a 40 metre (131 foot) wall with nothing by a rope ladder. Fleeing in a waiting coach with help from the Duc d’Épernon, she arrived in Angoulême to plan her uprising against the king.
The Estates General Meeting
In 1788, as the French Revolution approached, Louis XVI convened an assembly of representatives from the clergy, nobility and commoners to discuss reforms for France. A special-built meeting hall was built in front of the castle to host. However, the meeting failed to reach an agreement on how to solve issues of the state, and ended up fueling discontent among the people.
The Attractions and Activities of the Castle
The Chateau Royale de Blois is open to the public, and has a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy and learn more about its history and culture.
Blois Museum of Fine Arts
The museum is located on the first floor of the Louis XII wing. Additionally, throughout the castle are over 1000 works of art in the various rooms.
The Sound and Light Show
Between April and November, the castle hosts a spectacular sound and light show every evening. Historical events are projected against the four facades of the castle. Accompanying the 45-minute show are narrations by famous actors such as Pierre Arditi and Fabrice Luchini.
The HistoPad
The Histopad is a digital tablet that allows visitors to explore the castle in augmented reality. Visitors can use the HistoPad to see how some rooms looked like in the 16th century, and learn about objects and artworks in the castle, and it even proposes a treasure hunt for children!
The Court Festivities
For visitors in May, the castle organises a treat. Events are held that recreate the atmosphere and entertainment of the Renaissance-era courtly life. Musicians, dancers, jugglers and costumed characters perform throughout the castle.
The Château Royale de Blois Escape Room
One of the Château’s most surprising features is an escape room game, that challenges visitors to solve puzzles and clues in order to escape from a locked area. In keeping with the theme of the castle, the escape room game is based on the exciting escape of Marie de’ Medici from Blois.
Foix Terrace Garden
Recreated from former Renaissance gardens, the Foix Terrace is 2,000 square metres. (1.2 square miles) overlooking the town of Blois and the Loire River.
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The Chateau Royale de Blois is one of France’s most amazing and intriguing châteaux. Within its walls, it showcases the diversity and richness of French architecture and history, and is filled with stories of historical characters that shaped France as a nation. The Château Royale de Blois is a living museum where visitors can have fun, learn about French culture, and immerse themselves in the experience.
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