Escalier Denis-Papin, Historic outdoor staircase in Blois, France
The Escalier Denis-Papin is a monumental outdoor staircase in Blois, France, linking the upper town to the lower town along the Loire. At the top stands a statue of Denis Papin, a physicist born in the region who developed early concepts for the steam engine.
The staircase was built in the 19th century to connect the two levels of Blois, which are separated by a steep slope. The statue of Denis Papin was added at the top toward the end of that same century to honor his scientific legacy.
Every year, artists cover the steps with a large mural tied to a theme from art, history, or current events. In 2019, during the Renaissance anniversary year, the steps displayed an image of the Mona Lisa to mark the occasion.
The staircase is easy to find from the lower town and well connected to the surrounding streets. The climb requires some effort, but the view over the rooftops of Blois from the top makes it worthwhile.
In 2022, the steps were covered with a large image of a pirate character taken from a comic book, created by a single artist. This yearly change of image turns the staircase into an open-air gallery that looks different every time you visit.
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