Located in the heart of New Aquitaine, on the edge of the Gironde estuary and very close to Bordeaux, the town of Blaye and its citadel enjoy a strategic geographical position, between traditional wine-growing lands and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Blayais is an essential stopover for those who want to escape and discover the treasures of the region. In the heart of the town of Blaye where life is so good, every street corner is a piece of history, each landscape an emotion, each glass of wine a part of our terroir.
The citadel of Blaye UNESCO
At the heart of the epic tale sung in the Song of Roland, the City of Blaye emerged long ago as a sacred refuge on the Way of St. James . A true heritage gem, Blaye today reveals an incredibly rich legacy!
At its heart, the majestic citadel of Blaye, built by the military engineer Vauban in the 2008th century, sits proudly, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since XNUMX. The imposing ramparts of this strategic fortress offer a breathtaking view of the estuary. of the Gironde, and also demonstrate the crucial role of the citadel in the defense of the region.
The Blaye Citadel, accessible free of charge, allows visitors to explore independently and wander at their own pace through its ramparts and cobbled streets. For history enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of this key Vauban fortification, guided tours of the underground passages are also available, offering expert insights into its remarkable history and architecture.
“Any city besieged by Vauban, city taken, Every city defended by Vauban, impregnable city. »
Around heritage
Visite guidée de la citadelle de Blaye par les souterrains
Guided tour of town, village
Bookable online. From €7,50 per adult.
Site/monument
Site/monument
Citadelle de Blaye, patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO
Site/monument
Babylon Mosaïc, mosaïque contemporaine
Craftsman / Artist
The Gironde estuary
From the town of Blaye, facing Bordeaux and Pauillac, the Gironde estuary offers an unmissable spectacle that can be discovered both on foot and by bike.
From the ramparts of the Blaye citadel, the panorama reveals a striking vision of this vast estuary, the meeting point of the waters of the Garonne and the Dordogne before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.
Along the river, each stroll offers a new opportunity to enjoy the tranquil landscapes of the Blaye region. An ideal starting point for a contemplative yet active exploration of the Gironde estuary, Blaye also promises the lucky few unforgettable sunsets over the estuary. The Citadel provides a privileged gateway, allowing visitors to explore Blaye's picturesque streets before venturing onto the cycle path that winds through the vineyards.
When the season for cruises on the Gironde estuary comes to an end, it is possible to take the Blaye to Lamarque ferry which makes crossings every day of the year and which allows you to enjoy the beautiful estuarine landscapes and the archipelago.
Cruises on the Gironde Estuary from Blaye
Croisière commentée sur l’Estuaire de la Gironde autour des trois forts Vauban classés UNESCO
Cultural activity
Bookable online. From €18 per adult.
The new town
Mentioned in the Song of Roland, the City of Blaye is a stopover on the way to Santiago de Compostela and experienced significant growth thanks to its commercial port in the 18th century.
The old medieval town gives way to Vauban's citadel, while the new town extends at the foot of the fortress, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Vauban Network with Fort Pâté and Fort Médoc.
Want to stroll? The traditional market organized twice a week in the heart of the shopping street of the Blaye citadel is also an opportunity to discover the flavors of a local region. The lanes preserve traces of the city's glorious past and offer a permanent art exhibition of paintings and photographs installed on the city walls.
1
Heritage and new town
Set off to discover the pilgrims, privateers and traders who contributed to the development of Blaye using the city circuit!
Free and open access at the tourist office.
2
Commented walk along the estuary at the foot of the ramparts
Discover the history of the Gironde estuary, its fauna, its flora and its economic appeal by walking along the river at the foot of the ramparts of the citadel.
3
Le Marché
For a successful picnic on the glacis of the citadel, the market is the ideal place to discover our local products! It is the culinary showcase of our territory!
Where to eat in Blaye?
Restaurant
Tea room
Restaurant
The Blayais vineyards
Not only does it contain a remarkable historical and natural heritage, but the picturesque village of Blaye is ideally located alongside renowned vineyards such as the Médoc, Saint Émilion and Cognac, and shines through the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux and Côtes de Bourg appellations , renowned for their exceptional wine.
Here, there are no complicated formalities or pompous labels. Enjoying a good wine is an experience accessible to all; it's above all a matter of generosity and sharing!
The vineyards scattered throughout the Blaye region offer a gateway to a wine experience characterized by simplicity and authenticity. Meet our passionate winemakers, visit their vineyards, dine with them , and taste the fruits of their labor.
Each experience offered is an opportunity to learn more about this centuries-old know-how in constant evolution, to understand the art of tasting and to explore the subtleties of each grape variety and blend.
The Blaye Wine House
This Blayaise institution allows you to discover the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation and find little treasures at the same price as at the property!
Contact the Maison des Vins:
Tel: 05.57.42.94.20
Address: 12 Cours Vauban, 33390 Blaye
Website: The Blaye Wine House
Wine tasting at the castle
