Blois

Included:
- Transport by coach
- Amihan breakfast

TO VISIT:
Unusual visit of the royal castle of Blois
Blois Castle : 6 Pl. du Château, 41000 Blois
Price: Entrance fee to the château €13


Please note: the unusual visit goes through narrow places and difficult to access, it is not suitable for people with reduced mobility and visually impaired people

HEART OF THE CITY
- Robert-Houdin Magic House Opposite the Château de Blois is a rare museum, entirely devoted to magic, but also a performance venue for illusionists, in addition to a magic workshop. magic. The place bears the name of Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin (House of Magic Robert-Houdin), originally from Blois, the 19th century magician described as the modern founder of this art. Harry Houdini was such a big fan that he based his stage name on him. There is plenty of information about Houdin at the Maison de la Magie and the younger members of your group will be mesmerized by the magic show and whimsical exhibits that recall the golden age of stage magic and illusions carnival of the 1800s.

- Hôtel de Villebresme, more commonly known as “Denis Papin’s House” (born in Chitenay in the Blésois (region of Blois) on August 22, 1647 and died in London on August 26, 17131, was a French physicist, mathematician and inventor, known in particular for his work on the steam engine) is located rue Pierre de Blois in the city of Blois in France. It is listed in the Mérimée base of the Ministry of Culture1, since 1928 the building has been listed as a historical monument.

- Denis-Papin staircase: The Denis-Papin staircase is interesting because it was built at a time when the streets of the city were realigned in the 19th century. There is a flowerbed in the middle of the path, with a wrought-iron arabesque fence. At the top is a statue of Denis Papin, the man who invented the precursor to the pressure cooker and steam engine in the 1600. Like him, you can stand at the top and ponder a satisfying view that goes straight down and runs along the Jacques Gabriel bridge over the Loire. Address: 46-42 Rue Denis Papin, 41000 Blois.

- Jardins de l'Ancien Évêché: The town hall of Blois is located in the city's former episcopal palace, built after the creation of the diocese of Blois at the end of the 17th century. This is where the name of these terraced gardens comes from. At the lowest level, the rose garden, open from May to September, is a mixture of colors and scents at the end of spring. Higher up, with a breathtaking view of the Loire, is "Le Jardin des Sens", where horticulture students have collaborated on a garden of plants and landscaping intended to stimulate each of the five senses. Address: 5 Impasse Saint-Jean, 41000 Blois.

- Place Louis XII: It is on Saturdays that you can discover this place which has existed for centuries. On Saturdays, some 120 traders set up shop in this market, selling farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to delicacies like cheese, honey, wines and pastries. At any other time, you can sit here for a few moments to seek the shade of the plane trees or chat and have a drink on one of the bar terraces. On the east side, there is also something fascinating: the Fountain of Charles XII dates from 1511 and is decorated with carved clovers and fleur de lys.

- Beauvoir Tower: One of the oldest buildings still standing in Blois is a square tower which was first built in the 1100. was originally in a whole fortress belonging to the Lords of Beauvoir, vassals of the Count of Blois. In the 13th century, the tower was integrated into the defensive ramparts of the city and the prison which was previously in the castle of Blois was moved here. The prison remained in this tower one way or another until 1945. Discover this tower at this address: 11 Rue des Cordeliers, 41000 Blois.

- Rue du Puits-Châtel: a street that communicates the great age and prestige of old Blois, parallel to the river just below the town hall and the cathedral. It is a lane in the form of a corridor, paved with pebbles and surrounded by tall stone houses with courtyards that reveal all their splendor and Renaissance arches, stone towers or half-timbered galleries.

- Mansions: During the "Renaissance", the nobility had to get closer to the royal court of Blois. At that time, mansions stood throughout the city. Which means that for a small town, Blois has an astonishing number of historical monuments and many mansions. Few open their doors, except during Heritage Days in September, but that won't stop you from admiring them during your city break if you're wondering what to do in Blois. The Hôtel de Villebresme, also known as the Maison de Dennis Papin, is a half-timbered marvel with mullioned windows and bizarre carvings of mythical beasts and acrobats on the beams. The Hôtel Alluye , built in stone in the 16th century, remains the largest private residence in the center of Blois and is 30 meters wide. It is an interesting building with Gothic and Renaissance details. - The Saint-Louis cathedral, Classified Historical Monument, located "Clos d'En Haut", has a rich past. The church, from the 10th century, was rebuilt several times in the 12th, 16th and 17th centuries. with additions in the 19th century. The contemporary stained glass windows in the nave and aisles are the work of the Dutch artist Jan Dibbets.