Take a tour of discovery from Paris to the nearby Loire Valley on the weekend to avoid the crowds at the Louvre, Versailles and Notre Dame. Don't speak French? No worries, everyone in Paris learns English in high school, and bilingual guides are everywhere. Paris attractions are packed with visitors, but the outdoor areas and stores are far less crowded. In the Loire Valley, people and guides at the popular chateaux speak English and other languages as well.
City of Blois: Take a 2 hour train ride from Paris to Blois, a scenic town at the heart of the famous Loire Valley. Wander through the pedestrian-friendly and picturesque streets, where you’ll find delicious almond croissants, upscale shopping, trendy locals, cafes, restaurants, and more baguettes than you can count. Save the best for last. There are over 300 chateaux in the Loire Valley, but the royal Chateau of Blois is one of the most famous, oldest, and most notorious, and the perfect introduction for touring the region.
Royal Chateau of Blois: Just steps from the central shopping area is the Chateau. It’s an imposingly beautiful and intricately decorated castle which has housed kings, Joan of Arc, popes and even Medicis. Colorfully painted 12th century medieval wall and ceiling decorations are a fascinating reminder of those opulent, yet feudal times. Visitors will see the artifacts of the era when king Henri III, and his powerfully connected mother, Marie di Medici, ruled by cunning and force in the 16th century. See the rooms where Henri III’s men assassinated his sworn enemy Louis II, Duke of Guise, in an attempt to retain his crown, The Duke’s brother met his fate in the dungeon the next day. The motif of the many fireplaces is a golden porcupine, symbol of the truculent nature of the reigning house of Blois. Ornate exterior staircases and the sculptured facade of this early chateau that grew over several decades give it a unique style, totally distinct from the many chateaus that followed it. www.scenic-france-touring-tips.com/Blois-touring.html
Side trip: Royal Chateau of Chambord: A unique, stunning side trip across the Loire river is the later, royal Chateau of Chambord. This colossal castle surrounded by a large moat was commissioned as a hunting lodge by François I. With 365 chimneys, 440 rooms, 14 staircases and 800 turrets, it is the epitome of magnificent period architecture, though on a simple scale compared to Versailles. The famously intricate "double revolution" staircase is attributed to Leonardo de Vinci, who retired there as the King’s permanent guest. As you approach, watch for wild boar that remain on the extensive hunting grounds once reserved for the aristocracy, but now a national treasure. See fanciful equestrian performances with period costumed riders, paintings and medieval relics.
When to visit: the chateaus are open all year, but the most spectacular time is in summer when the ‘Son et Lumiere’ (Sound and Light) performances with fireworks and music after dark offer a uniquely inspiring experience.
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