Blois, in the heart of the châteaux
Stay near Chambord and the Loire Valley châteaux
Choosing Blois as your base means having the finest Loire châteaux less than an hour's drive away, and the Royal Château of Blois within walking distance.
At Maison L'Escale, you come back in the evening to a quiet house with a garden and terrace, ready to set off for another château the next day.
The closest
Chambord, 25 minutes from the house
Built from 1519 for François I, Chambord is the largest of the Loire châteaux and one of the masterpieces of the French Renaissance, famous for its double-helix staircase and its walled national forest.
From Maison L'Escale, allow about 25 minutes by car. Cyclists can also reach the estate via the signposted routes along the Loire: see our cycling stay page.
Tip: visit the château in the morning, then enjoy the grounds in the afternoon, on foot or by bike.
About 25 min by car · National estate · Grounds and forest
In one day
Cheverny, Chaumont and Blois: three châteaux, three moods
The Royal Château of Blois, a 10-minute walk from the house, tells several centuries of French history in a single ensemble, from the Gothic wing to the Renaissance staircase of François I.
Cheverny (about 30 minutes), still lived in, charms visitors with its furnished interiors and gardens; it inspired Hergé's Marlinspike Hall in Tintin. Chaumont-sur-Loire (about 35 minutes) overlooks the river and hosts its Festival International des Jardins (International Garden Festival) every year.
Find all our sightseeing ideas on the Discover Blois page.
Blois on foot · Cheverny ~30 min · Chaumont ~35 min
Going further
Day trips to Amboise, Chenonceau and Beauval
Amboise (about 45 minutes) and Chenonceau (about 50 minutes) are easily combined in a single day. The ZooParc de Beauval, about 55 minutes away, is the perfect addition to a family stay.
For a long weekend or a week, Blois lets you explore the region without changing accommodation: you only unpack once.
Amboise ~45 min · Chenonceau ~50 min · Beauval ~55 min
Frequently asked questions about the Loire châteaux
What is the best town to stay in to visit the Loire châteaux?
Blois is one of the most convenient: Chambord, Cheverny and Chaumont are less than 40 minutes away, Amboise and Chenonceau less than an hour, and the Royal Château of Blois can be visited on foot.
How far is Maison L'Escale from Chambord?
Allow about 25 minutes by car from the house. The estate can also be reached by bike via the signposted routes of the Loire Valley.
How many days should I plan to visit the châteaux around Blois?
Three days let you see Blois, Chambord, Cheverny and Chaumont without rushing. With five days, add Amboise, Chenonceau or the ZooParc de Beauval.
Can we rent the whole house for a family château trip?
Yes, the whole house can be rented exclusively for up to 12 guests from 390 € per night, with 6 rooms, each with its own private shower room.
Your base in the Loire Valley
Book your château stay
A room from 65 € per night, or the whole house for your family or friends.