Rue Chemonton: history in the façades
Blois · Heritage and walking · 4-minute read
On rue Chemonton, history can also be read above the doorways. A sixteenth-century town house, a house called La Chancellerie, Gothic details alongside Renaissance ones: here are two landmarks that offer a fresh look at the street where you are staying.
A street to explore without hurrying
At number 11 bis, La Demeure opens directly onto the street. Before heading to the castle, look up: window surrounds, mouldings and set-back upper floors form another visit just steps from the house.
Two neighbouring buildings deserve attention: the Hôtel de Guise at number 18 and the house known as La Chancellerie on rue du Lion-Ferré. Their histories are distinct from that of La Demeure where you are staying.
Number 18: between Gothic and Renaissance
The Ministry of Culture’s record places the house known as the Hôtel de Guise at 18 rue Chemonton and dates it to the sixteenth century. On the garden side, it describes two buildings linked by a staircase, paired windows and a frieze of medallions. The mouldings retain Gothic forms while the whole belongs to the Renaissance. Its façades and roofs have been listed as historic monuments since 1934. See the Ministry’s Hôtel de Guise record below.
Gothic and Renaissance coexist here: new decoration did not erase older forms. Some details described in the record are on the garden side in private areas; the suggested walk remains on the public street.
La Chancellerie: a name needing explanation
At 11 rue du Lion-Ferré, the heritage inventory dates the main construction of the house known as La Chancellerie to the final quarter of the sixteenth century. It records a staircase lit by loggias and a roof structure in the manner of Philibert de l’Orme. Crucially, it states that the name Hôtel de la Chancellerie has no established historical foundation. It would therefore be misleading to describe the house as a former court or royal office simply because of its name. See Annie Cosperec’s heritage inventory record below.
The name has endured even though the function is not established. This small mystery is part of the street’s history too.
Our idea for a walk
Start on rue Chemonton, find the addresses mentioned, then continue towards the castle if you wish. Choose a detail to spot on different façades: a moulding, a window surround or a material. With children, let everyone choose a favourite window and explain why.
If you then visit the castle, take this way of looking with you: notice differences rather than trying to give every stone an age. Our guide to Blois Royal Castle continues the discovery.
Continue your discovery at La Demeure de Chemonton
At number 11 bis, La Demeure de Chemonton welcomes up to fifteen guests in 181 m². After the walk, gather your group around the large table.
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Article by Un Séjour à Blois · September 2026. Historical references are listed below. Suggested walks are ideas for independent exploration.
References and practical information
Links retained from the French article. Check the official pages for current visiting conditions; some sources are in French.
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