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Blois is a city and commune in France, the préfecture (capital) of the Loir-et-Cher département (county) situated on the banks of the lower river Loire between Orléans and Tours.

Though of ancient origin, Blois is first distinctly mentioned by Gregory of Tours in the 6th century, and the city gained some notability in the 9th century, when it became the seat of a powerful countship.

The counts of the Châtillon line resided at Blois more often than their predecessors, and the oldest parts of the château (from the 13th century) were built by them.

Dominating the Loire River, the royal castle of Blois is not only one of the most prestigious Renaissance monuments in France but also a brilliant illustration of the evolution of the

French architecture from the Middle ages to the 17th century.

The bishopric, seated at Blois Cathedral (cathédrale Saint-Louis), dates from the end of the 17th century.

This was previously the collegiate church of Saint-Solenne, the original building of which dated from the 12th century.

Apart from some traces in the crypt nothing survives of this. The façade and the belltower were built in 1544.

The nave was destroyed by a hurricane in 1678, and the reconstruction in Gothic style took place between 1680 and 1700.

Let's walk in this city in which you will discover wooden passages, medieval and renaissance houses and many other treasures.