Family Adventure in the Loire Valley: A Journey Through History and Nature

Blois: A Tapestry of Royal History and Architectural Splendor

Today, our family delved deep into the heart of French history and architecture in Blois. It’s incredible how much a single city can hold, from royal intrigues to spiritual serenity. The Loire Valley continues to surprise and enchant us at every turn.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Restaurant Le Château de Pray. The setting was as enchanting as the food was delicious. I savored every bite, knowing that the day ahead was packed with exploration. Andreas enjoyed his coffee, while Sophie was excited to start taking photos.


Experience exquisite French cuisine and breathtaking views at Restaurant Le Château de Pray in Amboise.

Our first stop was the Royal Château of Blois. What a magnificent structure! The château is intimately linked to the lives of seven kings and ten queens of France, and you can feel the weight of history in every stone. The architecture is a stunning blend of different styles, reflecting the various periods of its construction. We decided to explore the château using the HistoPad, an augmented reality device that brought the history to life. Sophie was particularly fascinated by this, and it made the experience so much more engaging for her.


Explore the Royal Château of Blois, a stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

The stones of Blois whisper tales of power, faith, and artistry, inviting us to step back in time and witness the grandeur of French history.

Wandering through the royal apartments, I could almost picture the daily life of the court during the Renaissance. The intricate details of the furniture, the tapestries, and the restored interiors were simply breathtaking. Andreas, with his keen interest in history, was captivated by the stories of the plots and power plays that unfolded within these walls. He shared insights about the different monarchs who had resided here, making the visit even more enriching.

As a floral designer, I was particularly drawn to the gardens surrounding the château. Although not as extensive as some of the other gardens we've seen in the Loire Valley, they offered a beautiful view of the city and the Loire River. I took some time to sketch the layout and the various plants, hoping to incorporate some of these ideas into my own garden back in Bonn.

After spending several hours at the château, we walked towards the Blois Cathedral, also known as the Cathédrale Saint-Louis. The cathedral’s history is quite fascinating. Originally built in the 10th century, it has been rebuilt several times, with significant additions in the 16th, 17th, and 19th centuries. The exterior is impressive, but the interior is where the cathedral truly shines. The contemporary stained-glass windows by Dutch artist Jan Dibbets are a striking contrast to the Gothic architecture. The light filtering through these windows created a serene and contemplative atmosphere.


Explore the architectural wonder of Blois Cathedral, where Gothic elegance meets historical significance in the heart of Blois, France.

I found myself particularly moved by the story of how the cathedral was rebuilt after a devastating hurricane in 1678, thanks to the intervention of Colbert and the financial support of Louis XIV. It’s a testament to the resilience and faith of the people of Blois. Andreas pointed out the intricate details of the organ, which was presented by Louis XIV in 1704, adding to the cathedral’s rich history.

For lunch, we decided to try Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte. The restaurant is nestled in an elegant 18th-century château, and the setting alone was worth the visit. We enjoyed a delightful meal, savoring the local flavors and regional specialties. Sophie, ever the foodie, tried the fricassée d'anguille fumée, while Andreas opted for a classic French dish. I chose a vegetarian option, which was beautifully prepared and presented. The service was impeccable, and the ambiance was both refined and welcoming.


Experience exquisite haute French cuisine at Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte in Coteaux-sur-Loire – a true culinary gem amidst stunning landscapes.

After lunch, we took a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Blois, eventually finding ourselves at Cérès, a local shop. It was a delightful experience, browsing through the various local products and artisanal goods. I picked up a few small gifts for friends back home, including some lavender soaps and local honey. Sophie found a beautiful scarf, and Andreas bought a book on the history of the Loire Valley.


Discover Cérès, the ultimate destination for exquisite handbags and leather goods in France, where craftsmanship meets contemporary style.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Auberge du Prieuré for dinner. This restaurant offered a cozy and intimate setting, perfect for a relaxing evening. The menu featured traditional French cuisine, and we all enjoyed our meals immensely. The service was friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home. We shared stories and laughed, reminiscing about the highlights of our day.


Discover authentic French cuisine at Auberge du Prieuré in Amboise, where every dish tells a story of local tradition and flavor.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Château de Chaumont and the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire. I am particularly excited about exploring the gardens at Chaumont, as I’ve heard they are truly exceptional. Andreas is looking forward to learning more about the history of the château, and Sophie is eager to take more photographs. We might even stop by Le Vieux Château bar/brasserie/terrasse for a relaxing drink in the evening, soaking in the atmosphere of the Loire Valley.

As I sit here, reflecting on our day in Blois, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience such rich history and culture with my family. The Loire Valley has a way of transporting you to another time, and I am eager to see what tomorrow brings.

The sound and light show at the Royal Château of Blois sounds like a must-see, so perhaps we'll catch that before we leave the area. I also read about an exceptional exhibition, “Le Citron” by Manet, at Blois, which might be worth a visit if we have time. There's always something new to discover here, and I'm determined to make the most of our time in this beautiful region.

Good night from Blois!