Blois

CITY OF ART AND HISTORY

In 1986, Blois was awarded the "Ville d'art et d'histoire" label by the French Ministry of Culture to towns committed to promoting and protecting their heritage. The agreement linking the State and the local authority was renewed in 2010.
The "Ville d'art et d'histoire" label guarantees the quality of visits and events, thanks to the skills of certified guides and the scientific quality of the heritage and architecture coordinator, who is in charge of the Ville d'art et d'histoire department. As a member of this national network of 147 towns, Blois is committed to raising residents' awareness of their living environment, promoting quality tourism, engaging in activities aimed at young visitors and enhancing its image.
As you explore the town, which is over 2,000 years old, you'll discover a history illustrated by a rich heritage: timber-framed houses, Renaissance mansions, 18th-century episcopal palace, 19th-century town planning, industrial heritage represented by the Poulain chocolate factory and a Loire heritage enhanced by the Val de Loire's inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

The Château Royal de Blois is a unique example of the evolution of French architecture. From the Middle Ages to modern times, the Salle des États, the façade of the Lodges and the Gaston d'Orléans wing provide an insight into the great periods of French history: the power of the Counts of Blois in medieval times, the departure of Joan of Arc to liberate Orleans, the magnificence of the royal court during the Renaissance.
To help you discover Blois' heritage, the Ville d'art et d'histoire (City of Art and History) department offers themed tours with commentary by guide-lecturers, heritage signage, routes marked out by "little nails! "and publications entitled "Laissez-vous conter... "available free of charge from the tourist office.

The Ville d'art et d'histoire educational service, in collaboration with teachers, offers young people the chance to learn about architecture, urban planning and heritage through general or themed tours, such as "The City of Art".or themed tours, such as "Housing in the Renaissance" and "Blois Memory", as well as introductory workshops in the construction of ribbed vaults and stained glass.

Every year, the town of Blois takes part in the annual European Heritage Days, held on the 3rd weekend in September, giving residents and visitors alike the opportunity to discover Blois' heritage in an unusual way.

VILLE FLEURIE - 4 FLOWERS
Classified as a 4-flower city since 1997, Blois boasts many beautiful gardens and green spaces right in the heart of the city. The Parks and Gardens department works all year round to design and maintain each space, each with its own history.
A few examples: Jardins de l'évêché, Jardin des simples et des lys, Jardin Saint Sauveur, Square Victor Hugo...

TWINNINGS
Germany, England, Spain, Italy, Morocco, Romania, Vietnam... Blois is forging links with its twin towns and developing cooperation initiatives.

Lewes (Great Britain)
Waldshut-Tiengen (Germany)
Weimar (Germany)
Sighisoara (Romania)
Urbino (Italy)

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