Blois 作者： 来源： 发布时间：2021-09-27
I.Population and Area
Region: Centre
Department: Loir-et-Cher
Code Insee : 41018
Code postal : 41000
Total Area: 37.46km²
Population in 2017: 46 086
Population Density: 1 230 /km²
Location: Blois, city, capital of Loir-et-Cher département, Centre région, central France, on the Loire River northeast of Tours. The altitude of the city hall of Blois is approximately 100 meters. Its surface area is 37.46 km². The latitude and longitude of Villers are 47.589 degrees North and 1.327 degrees East. Towns and villages near Blois are: Saint-Gervais-la-Forêt (41350) at 3.24 km, Villebarou (41000) at 3.74 km, Vineuil (41350) at 3.78 km, La Chaussée-Saint-Victor (41260) at 4.25 km, Saint-Sulpice-de-Pommeray (41000) at 4.96 km.
Histogram of demographic change
Sources : http://www.cartesfrance.fr/carte-france-ville/41018_Blois.html
II.Natural Geography
Geographical environment: The city of Blois is centered on the confluence of the Loire river with the Arrou, a modest stream, today almost completely vaulted or piped. This confluence delimits a promontory on which the castle is located.
Climat: The Blois lies on 84m above sea level Blois's climate is classified as warm and temperate. Blois is a city with a significant rainfall. Even in the driest month there is a lot of rain. This climate is considered to be Cfb according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. In Blois, the average annual temperature is 11.1 °C(52.1 °F). The rainfall here is around 647 mm ( 25.5 inch) per year. The least amount of rainfall occurs in April. The average in this month is 48 mm(1.9 inch). Most of the precipitation here falls in November, averaging 63 mm (2.5 inch). The temperatures are highest on average in July, at around 19.1 °C (66.4 °F). January is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging 3.4 °C (38.1 °F).
Transport:
(1) Tranportation in the town: The city of Blois has a public transport network governed by the urban community of Blois, called Azalys. Network operation has been delegated to Kéolis Blois, a subsidiary of Kéolis (SNCF Group). The network has seven main bus lines13 and 35 secondary and school lines. In addition, there is the Navette Center-Ville, a circular line that runs through the city center with a frequency of 12 minutes from Monday to Saturday. This shuttle is free and accessible to people with reduced mobility. The connection with Blois-Chambord station is provided by all the main lines at the Gare SNCF stop, also allowing the Azalys network to be connected to the Rémi departmental bus lines.
(2) Train: The center of transportation in Blois is the Gare de Blois (SNCF train station) up the hillside on place de la Gare. This is the terminus for local and regional trains, buses and taxis. The Gare de Blois is a hub in the French transport network enabling travellers to reach the region around Blois (Loir-et-Cher, Centre-Loire Valley). This place provides an easy connection to other forms of road transport if necessary. It offers direct connections to Paris, Orléans, Tours, Nantes and several regional destinations. Blois-Chambord station is located on the Paris Austerlitz line to Bordeaux-Saint-Jean.
(3) Airports: The nearest airport to Blois is Tours St Symphorien (TUF) Airport which is 30.7 miles away. Other nearby airports include Paris Orly (ORY) (92.4 miles), Paris CDG (CDG) (113.6 miles), Beauvais (BVA) (134.5 miles) and Nantes (NTE) (141.2 miles). However, there are better options for getting to Blois. You can take a train from Paris CDG (CDG) to Blois via St Pierre Des Corps in around 2h 55m.
Sources https://en.climate-data.org/europe/france/centre-val-de-loire/blois-8168/
https://francetravelplanner.com/go/loire/blois/trans/index.html
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Nearby-Airports/Bloisv
III.Economy
Blois Accounting income in 2018 was 6 405 210 €, or 134 € per inhabitants.
Self-financing capacity in 2018 was 9 937 640 €, or 208 € per inhabitants.
Income: According to Insee, in 2014, the inhabitants of Blois earn on average € 2 309 net per month, or € 27 712 net per year.
Unemployment rate: In 2016, its unemployment rate was 19.8%, which was much higher than the French average of 11%.
Companies: In 2017, the total number of companies in Blois was 2610, and there were 371 new companies.
Evolution of average monthly net wages
Sources : http://www.journaldunet.com/management/ville/blois/ville-41018/budget
http://www.journaldunet.com/business/salaire/blois/ville-41018
http://www.journaldunet.com/management/ville/blois/ville-41018/entreprises
IV.Industrial Characterisitics
Blois is a major tourist centre of the Loire valley and an important market for the corn (maize), asparagus, and wine produced in the surrounding countryside. Chocolate and footwear are also made. The policy of decentralizing industry in the Paris region has promoted recent growth in Blois and other cities of the Loire valley.
Tourism:
Automotive: (1)Delphi Technologies: produces diesel injection systems and has a Research and Development Center. The company employs 1,700 people; It is the second largest employer in the city of Blois. The site now employs more technicians and engineers (750) than production staff (550). The injectors designed in Blois are then produced in other factories, notably in Romania. (2)Valeo: manufacture and assembly of automotive headlamps for the aftermarket and injection of technical plastic parts. (3)JTEKT HPI: production of hydraulic power steering pumps for vehicles. (4)Senior Flexonics: production and bending of tubes for injection systems and fluid supply lines.
Food industry: Poulain: historic seat of the chocolate factory. Its factory manufactures all of the brand's chocolates (whether in powder or tablet form), as well as Cadbury brand productions (a popular confectionery brand in the UK). (Located in villebarou)
Sources: https://www.britannica.com/place/Blois-France
V.Attractions
1.Royal Castle of Blois (Château Royal de Blois)
One of the top attractions in the Loire Valley, the majestic Château Royal de Blois has an illustrious history. Renowned inhabitants have included the Dukes of Orléans, seven kings of France, the prince/poet Charles d'Orléans, and several Counts of Blois who led the Crusades. Built between the 13th and 17th centuries, the castle is a marvel of Renaissance architecture with ornate loggias, galleries, and oriel windows.
Visitors enter through the Louis XII wing (built from 1498 to 1503). Over the doorways appears the crowned porcupine, the emblem of Louis XII. The Salle des Etats is a remnant of the 13th-century castle, and the Francis I wing features a richly decorated octagonal staircase.
In the Galerie Charles d'Orléans is the Late Gothic Chapelle Saint-Calais with a terrace affording gorgeous views of the town. The château also houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which showcases a collection of artworks from the 16th through the 19th centuries. Highlights include the masterpieces by Marco d'Oggiono, Bourdon, Ingres, and Boucher.
Visitors should save some time to explore the Jardins du Roy surrounding the château. Created by King Louis XII, the gardens are filled with aromatic plants, lilies, irises, vibrant flowers, and an assortment of fragrant roses. Entrance to the gardens is free of charge.
The château is open to the public (for an entrance fee) every day of the year except for December 24th and 31st. Every evening during spring and summer, the château presents a sensational 45-minute show, Son & Lumière du Château, featuring special sound and lighting effects that are designed to delight tourists. Gourmands should note that across from the royal castle in a 15th-century house is a prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant, L'Orangerie du Château.
Address: 6 Place du Château, 41000 Blois, France
Official site: http://www.chateaudeblois.fr/?lang=en
Source: https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/blois-f-cen-blo.htm
2.Old Town (Vieux Blois)
The historic center of Blois has a distinctive old-world atmosphere. Vieux Blois is characterized by its handsome half-timbered burghers' houses, narrow pedestrian streets, and picturesque staircases. Immediately east of the Saint-Louis Cathedral is the 18th-century Ancien Evêché, the former Bishop's Palace, now the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall).
The adjoining gardens, the Jardins de l'Évêché, are classified as a "Jardins Remarquables" (Remarkable Gardens) and are definitely worth visiting. Created in the 17th century, the expansive green space includes a Rose Garden (Roseraie) with a wonderful variety of blooms and a terrace that overlooks the Loire Valley landscape. The Jardins de l'Évêché are open year-round with extended hours in summertime. The Rose Garden is open from May 15th through September 30th.
To truly get a feel for the town, visitors should spend time exploring the medieval cobblestone streets. The Rue Pierre de Blois alley and the steps of the Rue Denis Papin are especially beautiful. The Rue du Puits Châtel traverses the Old Town and includes pedestrian staircases with scenic views.
There are also many elegant Renaissance houses throughout the town, including the fanciful Maison des Acrobates with carved details of nimble acrobats on the facade; the Hôtel de Condé on the Rue de Juifs (in the former Jewish Ghetto); and the grand Hôtel Sardini, an exceptional hôtel particulier (mansion) that is classified as a "historic monument" and is open to the public.
Source: https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/blois-f-cen-blo.htm
3.Museum House of Magic (Maison de la Magie)
This site is popular among tourists passing through the region. In the Maison Massé, across from the Château Royal, this unique museum is the only museum in Europe entirely devoted to magic as a performing art. The museum immerses visitors into the fantastical world of magic while offering an entertaining experience that is full of surprises. Visitors are amazed by the museum's creative presentation, including a fire-breathing dragon that appears every half hour.
In the 2,000 square meters of exhibition space, a large section is dedicated to the famous magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, who was born in Blois. Several rooms present the life and work of Houdin. There are also exhibitions that explain the history of the magical arts and other areas that display a variety of optical illusions. Throughout the year, the museum presents magic shows featuring award-winning performers and other talented magicians.
Address: Maison de la Magie, 1 Place du Château, 41000 Blois, France
Source: https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/blois-f-cen-blo.htm
4.Church Saint-Nicolas (Eglise Saint-Nicolas)
The Eglise Saint-Nicolas stands in the shadow of the Château de Blois in the historic district of Blois, where the narrow streets are lined with distinctive old houses. Formerly a Benedictine abbey church, the building was constructed between the 12th and 13th century. The Church of Saint-Nicolas has characteristics of early Gothic art, including fine capitals. The sumptuous facade features three portals topped by a harmonious gallery of arches. An exquisite rose window allows light to filter into the sanctuary. One unusual detail is the monumental gargoyle above the rose window.
Inside the church, visitors are awed by the bright sanctuary, which is illuminated by artistic stained-glass windows. Many of the windows are contemporary, which creates an unexpected contrast to the ancient structure.
Address: Parvis Saint-Nicolas, 41000 Blois, France
Source: https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/blois-f-cen-blo.htm
5.Church Saint-Vincent-de-Paul (Eglise Saint-Vincent-de-Paul)
In the center of Blois near the Château de Blois, this 17th-century church exemplifies Baroque style with its graceful proportions. The Church of Saint Vincent de Paul was constructed over many years and was finally completed thanks to donations from Gaston d'Orléans. Typical of a Jesuit church, the facade features three levels of Doric and Corinthian columns. The ornately decorated interior has a sense of drama with its carved red marble columns and opulently adorned chapels. The church displays many fine sculptures, including two commemorative monuments. Surrounding the church are overgrown gardens that offer a sense of tranquility.
Address: Place Victor Hugo, 41000 Blois, France
Source: https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/blois-f-cen-blo.htm
6.Cathedral of Saint-Louis (Cathédrale Saint-Louis)
The Cathedral of Saint-Louis stands on high ground in the old town, northeast of the Château de Blois. There was a church on this site in early Christian times, which was rebuilt and altered in the 12th, 16th, and 17th centuries. However, the crypt dates from the original church of the 10th century. The church was destroyed by a hurricane in 1678. Apart from the apse, the tower and the west front, the cathedral was entirely rebuilt.
The finely vaulted Gothic interior stuns visitors with its spaciousness. The cathedral features contemporary stained-glass windows by the artist Jan Dibbets. Free guided tours are available for those interested in learning more about the cathedral and its stained-glass windows.
Address: Place Saint-Louis, 41000 Blois, France.
Source: https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/blois-f-cen-blo.htm
7.Garden of Plantes Médicinales (Jardin de Plantes Médicinales)
A surprising oasis of calm in Vieux Blois (the Old Town), this fetching garden is enclosed within ancient walls behind the cathedral. The lush green space flourishes with vibrant flowers and leafy trees, which attract many chirping birds. However the garden, also known as the "Jardin des Cinq Sens" (Garden of the Five Senses), is distinguished by its variety of aromatic herbs and medicinal plants.
One of the most delightful things to do in Blois is explore this garden and become immersed in a glorious sensory experience of sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Visitors can admire the colorful flowers, listen to the calming birdsong, discern the fragrance of the herbs, feel the textures of the plants, and even taste some of the edible herbs. The garden is open year-round Monday through Friday from 9am to 5:30pm. Entry is free.
Address: Place Saint-Louis, Blois, France.
Source: https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/blois-f-cen-blo.htm
8.Music Concerts & Cultural Performances
Blois boasts a wealth of cultural offerings, from classical music and traditional theater to pop music and avant-garde circus acts. The Maison de Bégon (Rue Pierre et Marie Curie) presents cultural performances throughout the year in a wide range of disciplines and genres, from poetry readings and comedy to dance performances and music concerts.
Chato'do (113 Avenue de Vendôme) is an immense venue used for music concerts, including rock, reggae, electronica, punk, blues, soul, and hip hop performances. This venue regularly hosts famous French and international artists.
The city's historic grain warehouse Halle aux Grains (2 Place Jean Jaurès) has been transformed into a space used for cultural performances. The Halle aux Grains offers an eclectic schedule of events: theater and dance performances; classical, rock, and world music concerts; and circus acts.
Source: https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/blois-f-cen-blo.htm
VI.History
First mentioned in the 6th century by Gregory of Tours, it was by the early Middle Ages seat of the powerful counts of Blois, from whom descended the Capetian kings of France. At the end of the 14th century, Blois was acquired by Louis de France, duc d’Orléans. Joan of Arc set out from Blois in 1429 to raise the siege of Orléans. In 1498 the son of Duke Charles and grandson of Duke Louis succeeded to the French throne as Louis XII. He had been born in the château, and, from his coronation until the end of the 16th century, Blois was almost a second capital of France. Under Henry III the States-General twice met there. At the second of the two meetings most of the deputies supported the Catholic League and its leader, Henri de Guise, who had been plotting with Spain to take the throne. Henry III, fearing deposition, had Guise murdered on the second floor of the château, December 23, 1588. The queen mother, Catherine de Médicis, died a few days later in a room just below. Marie de Médicis was imprisoned there by her son, Louis XIII, but escaped after two years of luxurious confinement. In 1626 the same Louis sent his brother, Gaston de France, duc d’Orléans, to Blois, inviting him to redesign the château. The classical wing designed by François Mansart was the result.
Sources: https://www.britannica.com/place/Blois-France
VII.Other information
The natural, cultural, human and technical qualities of Blois have gained recognition through several labels and certifications.
For more than two millennia, the Loire valley has been the scene of harmonious development and fruitful interactions between humans and their environment. That is the analysis of UNESCO, which in 2000 had it inscribed in the World Heritage List of humanity, thereby recognizing its exceptional universal value.
Since 1986, Blois has been labeled “Town of art and history”. Awarded by the French culture ministry, the title designates towns and cities having made a commitment to protect and enhance their heritage. All year long, the municipal department dedicated to the label strives to promote discovery of the Blois heritage by means of theme-based visits with commentaries by guide-lecturers, marked routes, “heritage” signposting and publications and workshops designed for children on field trips.
“Loire à velo” (Loire by bike), « Accueil vélo » (bicycle accommodations), « Tourisme et handicap » (tourism for the disabled), “Musée de France” (Museum of France), accredited (“starred”) hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, etc.: Blois offers the warmest of welcomes for tourists wishing to discover the town.
Awarded to Blois every year since 1997, the ville fleurie (floral town) label represents a commendation of Blois’ overall revegetation policies, with a maximum “four-flower” rating. Blois has also received the special prize for heritage showcasing, prize bestowed by the “historic monuments” subdivision of the French culture ministry, for its “highly creative and harmonious floral and landscaped support, in keeping with the historical context proper to the site, in accessible and free public space”.
Sources : https://www.blois.fr/en/attractive/remarkable/labels-certifications
VIII.Contact information
Address of Blois town hall:
Mairie de Blois
9 place Saint-Louis
41012 Blois Cedex
Phone number: 02 54 44 50 50
Fax: 02 54 44 52 03
Website: http://www.blois.fr
Mayor : Marc Gricourt (Mandat : 2014-2020)
Sources : http://www.cartesfrance.fr/carte-france-ville/41018_Blois.html#mairie