Chambord & Blois, Cradle of the French Renaissance

Private tour – 1 to 6 people

Blois

This tour started at the castle of Blois. Four different architectural styles are represented within the rectangular edifice, including remainings of the 13th-century Medieval fortress, the Louis XII Gothic-style wing, the Francis I Renaissance-style wing, and the Gaston of Orléans Classical-style wing. The entrance wing, made of red brick and grey stone, was built by King Louis XII. It features a statue of the mounted King above the entrance. The Château’s most renowned feature is the spiral staircase in the Francis I wing. The “Estates General Room”, dating from the beginning of the 13th century, is one of the oldest seignoral rooms preserved in France.

On 23 December 1588, Henry I, Duke of Guise, was assassinated while entering Henri III’s chamber. The “Chamber of Secrets” of Catherine of Medici, is said to be the secret hiding place for poisons of the queen. Actually, they were used to display works of art (legged glasses, earthenware) and precious books.

Chambord

Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley. Its very distinctive French Renaissance architecture blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures. First used as a hunting lodge for Francis I, it was transformed by him into one of the most recognisable castles in the worls. Although the original design of the château is attributed to the Tuscan architect Domenico da Cortona, Leonardo da Vinci is alsp said to have influenced the design.

• Date and time: contact us
• Guide: Pascale Le Bourhis
• Duration: 6  hours
• Price
  • Guided tour: 750,00 €
  • Tickets included in the price:
    • Blois castle: 15,00€/participant
    • Chambord castle and gardens: 15,00€/participant
    • Total price automatically calculated
• Audience: Adults, suitable for teenagers
• Accessible to people with reduced mobility
• Not included: transfers, lunch, drinks.