Trips along the Loire in a "futreau" (small flat-bottomed barge)

Sail through the centre of Blois in a traditional boat withObservatoire Loire, the environmental education association (around 1 hour).

Following the rhythm of the boatmen, accompanied by an experienced guide, come and admire the architectural, cultural and natural heritage of Blois. Observe the fauna along the Loire: terns, plovers, egrets and other birds living on the royal river. In the middle of the trip, stop awhile on the banks of an island and you can see traces of beavers, Europe's largest rodent.

Public and periods: from March to November for groups (works councils, school parties, leisure centres...) and from May to October for individuals.
For the ferry (summer).

Information and prices:
Tel. +33 (0)2 54 90 41 41

The Loire on a bicycle (Loire à vélo)

Loire à vélo in Blois, Chambord and the surrounding region comprises 13 loops and 400 kilometres of paths, cycle tracks and small roads, all signposted, to help you to discover our region and the châteaux on a bike.

Take your time, explore the prestigious châteaux of Blois, Chambord and Cheverny, as well as the villages and the natural Loire landscape.

These itineraries are designed for families and are not difficult.

The Loire à vélo itinerary is incorporated in EuroVélo 6, the “Euro river cycling route”, whereby cyclists can travel from the Atlantic coast to the Black Sea, along various rivers (Loire, Rhine, Danube), crossing 10 countries and cycling 3,650 kilometres.

To find out more:
www.cycling-loire.com/

Les p'tits clous: explore Blois on foot

Les p’tits clous (little nails) are four pedestrian circuits in Blois, marked with bronze nails, that visitors can follow to understand and discover French life through almost one millennium!

Each circuit, forming a loop of around 2 kilometres, enables visitors to explore a district of Blois.

Four distinctive signs represent the different walks, all converging on the city centre:

• The porcupine circuit (2 km): emblem of Louis XII, the porcupine will lead you towards the château and the royal gardens.
• The arrow circuit to Saint-Nicolas abbey church (1.8 km) will lead you to the picturesque students' quarter around the old abbey.
• The fleur de lys circuit will take you round the old Puis-Châtel district, where you will find fine Renaissance era mansions.
• The barge circuit, on the left bank, offers the best views of the city
  
  

Blois by Segway

Experience new sensations of pleasure and freedom thanks to the Segway gyropod, a self-balancing electric vehicle, intuitive and fun.
Starting in the place Louis XII, at the foot of the Château staircases, set off to explore Blois on a 2-hour accompanied journey through the old city's alleyways and monuments. You can admire the outstanding panoramic view of the Loire and the city from the heights of the bishop's palace gardens and discover spots redolent with history: the Château Royal, Maison de la Magie, Saint-Louis Cathedral, St Nicolas church, the rose garden, the Scène National in the Halle aux Grains…

When your tour comes to an end, Blois will hold no more secrets for you!

• 2-hour accompanied trips, including initiation (groups of 4 to 10 people maximum).
• 12 years and over.
• Price: €49 per person.
• Summer period: every Thursday at 18h30 starting in the place Louis XII, prior booking.
• Out of season: every day with prior booking
  
  

Hot air balloons

Look at Blois and the Loire valley from another angle! Let yourself be carried away until you can almost touch the clouds!You will appreciate the freedom and lightness of a hot air balloon trip. Forget vertigo and air sickness, this wonderful adventure is within everyone's reach.

Flights leave from Blois.

Carriage rides

Explore the old districts and the banks of the Loire around the Château de Blois, at the peaceful trot of a team of Percherons.