If only by 37 votes, Jack Lang, the education minister, lost Blois, which he had controlled since 1989.

ECONOMIST: France

Admission costs eight euros per person, but the dragon show can be seen for free when standing across from the Chateau de Blois once the residence of French kings.

BBC: A magical, fire-breathing timekeeper in France

Born in Blois, France, in 1805, Robert-Houdin gave rise to many modern magic tropes, such as performing in massive curtained theatres (as opposed to in sideshows) and dressing in formal tailcoats.

BBC: A magical, fire-breathing timekeeper in France

Home of the La Maison de la Magie, a museum in Blois dedicated to the history of magic and illusionists, the building plays tribute to clockmaker and magician Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, one of the most influential magicians of his time.

BBC: A magical, fire-breathing timekeeper in France