Blois Castle (French: Château Royal de Blois) is one of the castles of the Loire. It stands on a mountain spur on the right bank of the Loire in the French city of Blois in the Loir-et-Cher department. Because it was the residence of the French kings under the French ruling houses of Valois and Orléans from 1498 to 1589 and combines buildings from four eras in one complex, it is one of the most famous Loire castles.
The Royal Château of Blois, listed as a historical monument since 1845, is an ideal introduction to visiting the châteaux of the Loire Valley. It has hosted many characters whose destiny is linked to the history of France and Europe. For centuries, the château has been alive with drama, intrigue and power games. The favourite residence of 7 kings and 10 queens of France, it is inhabited by the memory of its illustrious guests who have constantly modified, enriched and reinvented it to adapt it to their tastes.
The Château de Blois is one of the rare monuments to offer its visitors a true panorama of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the Classical period. Today, around the main courtyard are 4 wings of different styles and periods: the great seigneurial hall, a vestige of the 13th century medieval fortress; the Gothic wing of Louis XII whose candelabra decorations and galleries already show the Italian artistic influence; the Renaissance wing of François I with its monumental staircase, the first construction site of the king's reign; the classical wing of Gaston d'Orléans built in the style of the 17th century foreshadows the style of Versailles that would prevail at that time.
In addition to its architectural wealth, the château houses an incredible collection of art, furniture and period objects. The royal apartments, restored and furnished, evoke the daily life of the Court and the power of the Renaissance. Since 1850, the château has housed the Museum of Fine Arts of the city of Blois.
Opening of new rooms, projection of a sound and light show, immersive activities and visits, biannual exhibitions: each season, numerous events highlight the château's collections, offering a unique journey through more than a thousand years of history.
The royal castle of Blois presents a large fresco of the art and history of the Loire castles. Its construction forms a unique example of the evolution of French architecture from the 13th to the 17th centuries. From the promontory on which it is perched, the building offers a spectacular panorama of the city of Blois. Classified as a historic monument since 1845, the castle is now open to the public.
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