Blois is a historic city on the Loire River in central France, set among the vineyards, forests, and château country of the Loire Valley. Its old centre rises from the river toward the Château Royal de Blois, creating a landscape of steep streets, stairways, and terraces. Half-timbered houses stand alongside Renaissance townhouses, stone churches, and later buildings, while the river provides open views across the city. Blois is also well placed for exploring the wider Loire Valley, with major châteaux and landscaped estates within easy reach of the city.

Blois has a strong royal and artistic heritage, centred on its château, which combines medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and classical architectural elements around a single courtyard. The nearby Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin celebrates the history of magic and the illusionist Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, who was born in Blois. The cathedral of Saint-Louis overlooks the old town, while the former abbey church of Saint-Laumer reflects the city's religious history. The streets around the château contain numerous timber-framed houses and Renaissance buildings, preserving a clear sense of Blois as an historic Loire Valley city.

The Château Royal de Blois is the city's principal attraction, with richly decorated façades and apartments displaying works of art and historic furnishings. From the château and surrounding streets, visitors can reach the Denis-Papin staircase, a prominent urban landmark overlooking the Loire. The Fondation du Doute presents contemporary art in a more modern setting, while the Loire offers walking and cycling routes through the city and surrounding countryside. Just outside Blois, the Château de Chambord and Château de Cheverny are among the major estates accessible from the city, while the Loire Valley's vineyards and forests provide further opportunities for exploration.

Food in Blois reflects the produce and traditions of the Loire Valley. Local specialities include asparagus, freshwater fish from the Loire, goat cheeses, and dishes made with regional game and seasonal vegetables. The area around Blois is also known for wines from the Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny appellations, including wines made from Romorantin, a grape variety closely associated with the local area. A distinctive regional sweet is the praline, which appears in several traditional preparations around the Loire. Blois also has a strong market culture, with local producers supplying fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats, and other products from the surrounding countryside.