Blois
Outdoor first: hikes by day, fireside dinners by night.
Perched on the steep northern bank of the Loire, Blois serves as a rugged basecamp where the manicured gardens of royalty meet the unruly spirit of the Sologne forests. Start your mornings descending the Denis-Papin stairs, feeling the damp morning mist lift off the river as local cyclists race across the Jacques-Gabriel Bridge. Beyond the brick-and-slate facades of the old town, the landscape opens into the Foret Domaniale de Blois, where oak-shaded paths lead hikers deep into mushroom-picking country. Afternoons are spent tracking boar trails or birdwatching at the Observatoire de la Loire, while evenings demand the comfort of a heavy ceramic bowl filled with Sologne-style game ragout or goat cheese from nearby Selles-sur-Cher. The air here tastes of river water and woodsmoke, a visceral reminder that the wild Loire valley remains just a heartbeat away from the chateau gates.
Best time to visit Blois
The best time to visit Blois is generally summer for easier access, or winter for dramatic light and solitude. Peak season pushes prices and crowds up; shoulder season is almost always the smarter trade-off — you'll find the same restaurants open, the same scenery, and noticeably better hotel value on Booking.com.
How to get to Blois
Blois is in France, Europe. Most major European hubs connect by direct flight or high-speed rail, with frequent low-cost options from London, Paris, Amsterdam and Madrid. Once you arrive, allow a day to settle in — most travellers underestimate jet lag and over-pack day one.
Things to do in Blois
Plan your days around hiking, wildlife spotting, scenic drives and photography. Build in at least one slow morning; the best memories rarely come from packed itineraries.
Where to stay in Blois
On Booking.com, properties in Blois start from around $155 per night. Filter by guest review score (8.5+), free cancellation, and your preferred neighbourhood. Booking close to the centre saves transit time and almost always pays for itself in extra hours actually enjoying Blois.
Blois travel FAQs
- When is the ideal season for hiking around Blois?
- September and October offer the best conditions, as the Sologne forest turns amber and the scorching summer heat breaks. You will also catch the 'brame du cerf' or stag's roar season, providing a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack to evening treks.
- What is the most efficient way to reach the nearby hiking trails?
- Rent a sturdy hybrid bike at the Gare de Blois to access the 'Loire à Vélo' routes which link directly to forest trailheads. While the town center is walkable, many premier nature paths are 10-15 kilometers out, making wheels essential for day trips.
- Which neighborhood offers the best access to both nature and dining?
- Stay in the Quartier Haut, specifically near the Cathedral, to enjoy elevated views and quick exits toward the northern woods. This area puts you within walking distance of rustic bistros that prioritize local venison and regional Cour-Cheverny wines.
- Can I forage for mushrooms in the local forests?
- Public foraging for ceps and chanterelles is permitted in the Foret de Blois, but strict volume limits apply per person. Local etiquette dictates avoiding fenced private estates—always carry a woven basket instead of plastic to allow spores to spread back into the soil.
