Former residence of several French kings, the Royal Blois Castle is also the place where Joan of Arc went in 1429 to be blessed by the Archbishop of Reims before departing with her army to drive the English from Orléans.

This 13th century fortress is famous for its magnificent courtyard built around 4 buildings from 4 different eras: the 13th wing, the gothic 15th century wing built by king Louis XII, the 16th century Renaissance wing built by King Francis I, the classical 17th wing built by Gaston d’Orleans, brother of king Louis XIII.