Top 20 Castles around Blois

Several castles near Blois offer a great experience for families. Chambord Castle, the largest of the Loire Valley castles, is a popular choice with its vast park. Cheverny Castle is famous for inspiring Marlinspike Hall in Tintin, and features a permanent interactive Tintin exhibition, making it very appealing for children. Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle also welcomes families, especially with its annual International Garden Festival which can be engaging for all ages.

The region around Blois offers numerous outdoor activities. You can find a variety of hiking trails, such as the 'Chambord Canal Promenade' or the 'Fountains Trail', which are easy and suitable for leisurely walks. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking routes like the 'Chambord Castle – Chambord Castle loop' or 'The Loire River – Port of Chaumont-sur-Loire loop'. Mountain biking trails are also available, including routes that offer views of Chambord Castle. You can explore more options in the easy hikes around Blois guide, gravel biking around Blois guide, and MTB Trails around Blois guide.

The Loire Valley castles are beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is generally from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant for exploring the castle grounds and gardens, and many châteaux, like Chambord Castle, have extended opening hours. The International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle is a major draw during the warmer months.

While some castles are accessible by public transport, it often requires planning. Blois Castle is located directly in the city center and easily reachable. For castles further afield, such as Chambord Castle, there are often shuttle services or local buses from Blois, especially during peak season. However, for maximum flexibility, driving or cycling is often recommended to explore multiple sites.

While most castle interiors do not permit dogs (except service animals), many castle grounds and parks are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. The vast park surrounding Chambord Castle is a great place for walks with your dog. Additionally, many of the hiking trails around Blois, such as those found in the easy hikes around Blois guide, are suitable for dog walking.

Chambord Castle stands out as the largest and most extravagant of the Loire Valley châteaux. Built by King Francis I as a hunting lodge, it features a unique double-helix staircase, possibly influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, allowing two people to ascend and descend without meeting. Its elaborate roofline, bristling with over 300 chimneys and turrets, is also iconic. It's a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture set within a massive 52.5-square-kilometer park.

The castles around Blois showcase a rich tapestry of French history and architectural evolution, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. For example, Blois Castle itself features four distinct wings representing Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical styles. Chambord Castle is a prime example of the French Renaissance, while Cheverny Castle exemplifies the classical style of Louis XIII's era.

Beyond the most famous châteaux, you can discover charming lesser-known castles. Fougères-sur-Bièvre Castle offers a glimpse into medieval fortress architecture. Gué-Péan Castle is a magnificent 16th and 17th-century Renaissance castle that is still inhabited and furnished, offering a more intimate experience. Château de Chissay, a former royal residence, is now a hotel/restaurant in a charming village with hiking trails nearby.

Most major castles, especially Chambord Castle, Cheverny Castle, and Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle, have designated parking areas for visitors, usually for a fee. It's advisable to arrive early during peak season to secure a spot. For Blois Castle, parking is available in the city center, often in underground garages.

Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle is notable for its commanding position overlooking the Loire River and its blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. It has a fascinating history, linked to powerful women like Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers. A major draw is its annual International Garden Festival, where contemporary garden designers showcase their work, adding a unique artistic and horticultural dimension to the visit.

Yes, most popular castles have cafes, restaurants, or picnic areas on-site or very close by. Chambord Castle, for instance, offers a bistro. In Blois itself, there are numerous dining options. For those exploring by bike, many routes along the Loire à Vélo pass through villages with cafes and restaurants. Château de Chissay even functions as a hotel/restaurant.

Cheverny Castle is unique for its remarkably well-preserved classical architecture and exquisite, richly furnished interiors. Unlike many other châteaux, it has been continuously inhabited by the same family for over six centuries, offering an authentic glimpse into aristocratic life. Its fame is also boosted by its role as the inspiration for Marlinspike Hall in Hergé's 'The Adventures of Tintin', complete with a permanent interactive exhibition.