Blaye

Blaye Hotels (or near)	Blaye Car Hire
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Situated north of Blaye on the Gironde estuary, Blaye is best known for its Citadel and for the red wine produced in the surrounding region. With 4,700 inhabitants, Blaye is a small city, but has a long history of military and strategic significance. In 2008, the Citadel of Blaye and the city walls were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with other fortifications designed by 17th century military engineer Vauban. Legend goes that Blaye is the final resting place of the Count Roland of Blaye, nephew of Charlemagne and hero of Le Chanson de Roland. Unfortunately, the Basilique Saint-Romain where he was said to be buried suffered damage in the War of Religions and was later completely destroyed during the building of the Citadel.

The Citadel is a military complex designed by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban and was constructed between 1685 and 1689. With the goal of protecting Blaye, the Citadel, along with the fort Paté and the Fort Médoc across the estuary, was able to control the flow of river traffic. It is free to enter the Citadel and explore its ramparts. From the top of the Citadel, there is a good view of the estuary and the two forts. Within its walls, visitors can pay to take guided tours of the Abbaye St. Romain or to enter or take a tour of the Musée d’Archéologie et d’Histoire de Blaye and the old prison in the same building. Tours are also available of the Citadel and its underground passageways through the Office de Tourisme.

Also in Blaye are the ruins of the Château des Rudel, a 12th medieval century castle. It was mostly destroyed in the War of Religions by Calvinists, although there have been recent efforts to preserve what is left.

The region of Blaye is celebrated for its Côtes de Blaye, the red wines made in the nearby vineyards along the Gironde. To taste and discover these wines, visitors to Blaye can go to the Maison du Vin on the Cours Vauban or to the Cellier des Vignerons in the Citadel. Each spring, the Printemps des Vins wine tasting and sale is held inside the Citadel of Blaye.

There is a market every Wednesday and Saturday where visitors can buy local produce, including asparagus of Blayais. The soil in the Blaye region is particularly good for growing asparagus and the gourmet vegetable can be bought from March to May. Blaye’s pralines, fish from the Gironde, and fruit are also notable.

There are no passenger trains to Blaye, but it is accessible by bus from Blaye and by car. Once in Blaye, it is easy to see all of the attractions by foot.

While it is possible to stay in Blaye and take a daytrip to Blaye, there are also hotels in the center and bed and breakfasts in the area. The Villa Premayac offers rooms in an 18th century building in the center and the Chateau Bavolier has rooms in an 18th century castle.

Visit Blaye (Aquitaine, Gironde) travel, gites and hotels


Blaye Hotels (or nearby)

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