Despite serious damage by German attacks in 1940, Blois’ old city is worth exploring, especially around 17th-century Cathédrale St-Louis , with its lovely multistoreyed bell tower, dramatically floodlit after dark. Most of the stained glass inside was installed by Dutch artist Jan Dibberts in 2000.
Across the square, the facade of Maison des Acrobates – one of the few 15th-century houses to survive – is decorated with wooden sculptures of medieval farces. Another example around the corner at No 13 rue Pierre de Blois is called Hôtel de Villebrême .
Lovely panoramas unfold across town from the peaceful Jardins de l’Évêché and the top of the Escalier Denis Papin .
