In 1972 I lived near Blois for four months (learning French) and haven’t been back until today so it was quite a nostalgic morning, especially being beside the beautiful River Loire again.  We went to the Royal Chateau of Blois which is situated at the top of the town with wonderful views over the town and river.  The chateau embodies four magor epochs in French architecture from the 13th century medieval fortress, the Louis XII Gothic wing, the Francois 1 Renaissance wing through to the classic Duke of Orleans wing.
 
The Francis 1 period features the stunning staircase overlooking the courtyard.  It was built between 1515 and 1520 and designed so that its large open balconies allowed users to be seen and admired by commoners in the courtyard below.  They could watch the King and his courtiers going about their royal business.  It is one of the features I remember from traipsing around on a tour of the chateau all those years ago!


My extras (if you have time) show the outside of the staircase from the courtyard and another photo taken halfway up it from the inside.  I’ve also included a view of the rooftops of Blois with the Loire beyond.