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Blois
Situated in the heart of the Loire valley in a UNESCO World Heritage area, Blois is today one of the most visited destinations by lovers of architecture, nature, history or outdoor activities. A city with a royal past, Blois was the birthplace of Louis XII, Denis Papin, the inventor of the steam machine or even the most illustrious of magicians of his time: Louis-Eugène Robert-Houdin. But as well as walking the steps of its past, Blois invites the whole family to go hot-air ballooning, boating, horse riding, cycling or walking, to explore its gentle way of life and lots of other surprises.. Off we go!
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Blois.
Novotel Blois
1 020
The Loire, a river that cannot be dissociated from the city of Blois, is the longest river in France and crosses the country over 1020 km.
400
There are approximately 400 castles around Blois. Small, big, Middle Age or Renaissance, there is something for everyone…
365
Es el número de chimeneas y de campaniles que sobresalen del techo del castillo de Chambord.
Museums & Exhibitions
Le Château Royal de Blois (Blois Royal Castle)
The Salamander and the epic pig, respective emblems of François 1st and Louis XII, adorn the walls of this impressive building that overlooks the city. A little guide is provided at the start of the tour to enjoy whilst visiting the castle. A visit to the royal apartments is a good chance for the whole family to explore the history of the kings of France. If the noise of swords can be heard outside, get out quick… an amazing show of duels in period costume awaits children and parents! During the high season, a sound and light show is given in the evening.
Place du Château, Blois – Tel. : (+33) 2 54 90 33 32
From January to March, November and December every day from 9.00 to 12.30 and from 1.30 to 5.30 pm. From April to June and in September from 9.00 to 6.30 pm. July and August from 9.00 to 7.00 pm. October from 9.00 to 5.30 pm.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum presents the geology, fauna and flora that can be found around Blois. In the form of animations and interactive presentations, slide shows and models, parents and children will be impressed by the environment of this region where nature is omnipresent. Thanks to this visit, the whole family can learn how to protect it!
6 Rue Anne de Bretagne, Blois – Tel. : (+33) 2 54 90 21 00
From Tuesday to Sunday from 2.00 to 6.00 pm.
Le Château de Chambord (Chambord Castle)
The château de Chambord, along with the château de Versailles, are perfect examples of the splendour of the Renaissance era. If Léonardo da Vinci was responsible for the castle plans, he was most likely the creator of the famous double staircase that still intrigues children (those who go up it never cross those who are coming down). A real charm nestling in nature, the whole family can observe the stags, boars, deer, the birds of prey and even Corsican moufflon sheep around the castle!
Château de Chambord, Chambord – Tel. : (+33) 2 54 50 40 00
Every day, from 2 January to 21 March from 9.00 to 5.15 pm, from 22 March to 11 July and from 18 August to 30 September from 9.00 to 6.15 pm, from 12 July to 17 August from 9.00 to 7.30 pm and from 1st October to 31st December from 9.00 to 5.15 pm.
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens
Chaumont sur Loire International Garden Festival
On the site of a magnificent fort castle dating from the Middle Age, the famous international garden festival at Chaumont sur Loire is a chance for the whole family to see plants and flowers differently. About thirty plots are devoted to landscape gardeners who will revel in the inventiveness and create unique works. A bit further away, in the castle farm, children and parents can learn about the basics of gardening or perfect their knowledge.
CIPJP - Ferme du château, Chaumont sur Loire – Tel. : (+33) 2 54 20 99 22
Every day from 9.30 to 7.00 pm (from 30 April to 19 October for the festival). Every day from 10.30 to 5.00 pm (for the castle).
Beauval Zoo
Welcome to animal paradise! Commonly known as “Beauval Park” or “Beauval Zoo”, this place is one of the nicest zoos in Europe! Located to the south of Blois, it houses over 4000 animals, including elephants, tigers, white lions, monkeys, koalas, the strange okapi and the tropical birds with magnificent colours. The sea lions and the eagles provide a remarkable show. A family day in the middle of a world of African savannahs, tropical forests and aquatic pools. Unforgettable!
ZooParc de Beauval, Saint Aignan sur Cher – Tel. : (+33) 2 54 75 50 00
Every day from 9.00 to nightfall.
Parcours des P’tits clous
Follow the steps of the kings of France by taking the “P’tits Clous” tour! Four circuits of about one hour marked out with bronze studs will transport the whole family through the city and allow you to explore the historical districts of Blois. To complete the experience, a guide for children is available free of charge at the Tourist Office… Who will solve the riddles in this document first?
Office de Tourisme de Blois, 23 place du Château, Blois – Tel. : (+33) 2 54 90 41 41
From 17 April to 30 September, from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 7.00 pm and Sunday from 10.00 to 7.00 pm. From 1st October to 16th April, from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 to 12.30 and from 2.00 to 6.00 pm and Sunday from 10.00 to 1.00 pm.
Kids’voyage’s special treats
La Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin (Robert Houdin Magic House)
En route for a magical journey! The whole family will be under the charm of this house of magic. Created as homage to Robert-Houdin, the house and its terrifying dragon invites fans of magic to take a trip in the world of illusion. The enchanting universe of Robert-Houdin and his robots allows children and parents to learn about the major stages in the history of magic. The journey ends with a show by professional magicians.
1 Place du Château, Blois – Tel. : (+33) 2 54 90 33 33
Every day from 10.00 to 12.30 and from 2.00 to 6.30 pm (22nd, 23rd and 24th March, April to September and from 25 October to 6 November).
Château de Cheverny (Cheverny Castle)
The Château de Cheverny with its straight lines and symmetrical style, park and its wild animals, is one of the most visited places in the region. Children and parents will certainly recognise the castle that was used as a model for Hergé to design Moulinsart, the residence of Captain Haddock in the Tintin adventures. The exhibition devoted to the most famous of adventurers to live in Cheverny is not to be missed as well as the meal of the pack of hunting dogs.
Château de Cheverny, Cheverny – Tel. : (+33) 2 54 79 96 29
From January to March from 9.45 to 5.00 pm, from April to June and in September from 9.15 to 6.15 pm, in July and August from 9.15 to 6.45 pm, in October from 9.45 to 5.30 pm, in November and December from 9.45 to 5.00 pm.
Le Haras National de Blois (Blois National Stud)
Created in the XVIIth century to meet the needs of the French army, the national stud today has the role of breed preservation. The guided visit allows the whole family to explore this unique place and to benefit from a top quality equestrian show. The visit to the national stud is also for children and parents and is a chance to familiarise oneself with saddlery, shoeing and forgery, and the stables. Not to be missed: the hippomobile collection (horse-drawn carriages)!
62 Avenue Maunoury, Blois – Tel. : (+33) 811 90 21 31
From Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 12.000 and from 2.00 to 5.00 pm.
Good places for a family meal
Au Granit’s
A friendly environment with rustic décor, Granit’s offers traditional cuisine served on granite stones in order to finish cooking the food. Children’s menu available.
3 Rue des Ponts Chartrains, Blois – Tel. : (+33) 2 54 78 33 90
From Tuesday to Saturday from 12.00 to 2.00 and from 7.00 to 10.30 pm.
L’Orangerie du Château
Come and taste the authentic cuisine and enjoy a magnificent view of Blois castle. Children’s menu available.
1, avenue Jean-Laigret, Blois – Tel. : (+33) 2 54 78 05 36
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Closed from 15th February to 26th March.
La Creusille
Pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven, Italian specialities and profiteroles or chocolate mousse are on the menu of this restaurant where the environment is friendly. Children’s menu available.
3 Quai Henri Chavigny, Blois – Tel. : (+33) 2 54 78 07 39
From Tuesday to Thursday from 12.00 to 2.00 and from 7.00 to 10.00 pm. Friday and Saturday from 12.00 to 2.00 and from 7.00 to 11.00 pm.
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels wish you an excellent stay in Blois.


