Maison de la Magie 🇫🇷

Located in the center of Blois directly facing the Royal Château de Blois, the Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin (Robert-Houdin House of Magic) offers you an intriguing journey into the world of illusion. As an official "Musée de France," it stands as the only public museum in Europe that combines magic collections with a permanent performing arts site under one roof. You should visit to explore the legacy of Blois-born Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin—a legendary French illusionist, clockmaker, inventor, and maker of automatons—whose descendants donated 170 unique objects to the town.

Inside, you can discover fascinating exhibits across multiple levels. On Level 1, step into "The firm of Robert-Houdin fantastic" to view his watchmaking workshop, scientific research in optics and electricity, and the iconic mysterious clock. On Level 3, experience Gerard Majax's hallucinoscope, which immerses you into the underwater world of Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas.

You can also explore the rotunda, a Greek temple honoring historical magicians, a life-sized kaleidoscope, optical illusion displays, and a space dedicated to film pioneer Georges Méliès. With daily magic shows and guided tours conducted by professional illusionists, it is an unforgettable stop in the Loire Valley.

What to see at Maison de la Magie

• A six-headed dragon automaton that operates every half-hour
• The Level 3 hallucinoscope depicting the submarine world of Jules Verne
• Robert-Houdin's watchmaking workshop, scientific research, and mysterious clock
• Dedicated Georges Méliès space celebrating magic and early film special effects
• Daily magic shows and guided tours conducted directly by illusionists

Visiting tips

Be sure to take a guided tour conducted by a professional illusionist and catch the six-headed dragon automaton during one of its half-hourly performances.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Weekends in July and August

How to get there & what’s nearby

Maison de la Magie is easy to reach on Blois’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Château de Beauregard, Loire Valley and Notre-Dame de la Trinité Basilica. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Blois travel guide.