History
Favorite residence of the Kings of France.
A residence for the Counts of Blois, the Dukes of Orleans, the Kings and Queens of France, and several princes in exile, the Royal Château of Blois is haunted by the memory of all the illustrious hosts lived here. Among these renowned figures are several counts of Blois who led the Crusades and the prince poet Charles d’Orléans. In 1429, Joan of Arc came in the château to have her banner blessed.
More than thousand years of history...
Beginning with Louis XII, who was born in Blois in 1462, the château became the favorite residence of the kings of France for more than a century. (...) > Lire l'article
The Counts of Blois
Initially designated by the Carolingian rulers Louis the Pious and his successors, the Counts acquired growing autonomy and hereditary status in (...) > Lire l'article
The Dukes of Orléans-Valois
Louis of France (1368-1407), son of Charles V and brother of Charles VI, purchased the counties of Blois and Dunois from the elderly Count Guy II (...) > Lire l'article
Royal Residence during the Renaissance
The Château of Blois reached it’s apogee in the first half of the 16th century under the sumptuous reigns of Louis XII and François Ier, who rebuilt (...) > Lire l'article
The period of exile
After the death of Henri III, last of the Valois dynasty, his cousin Henri de Bourbon, the King of Navarre, became the King of France under the (...) > Lire l'article
The Restorations since the 19th century
In 1843, the city decided to restore the François I wing and requested State aid. Felix Duban was appointed by the Commission of Historical (...) > Lire l'article