Blaye citadel was built on a rocky foreland next to the town, on a site where already was remains of earlier fortresses. The walled citadel is part of the UNESCO listed Vauban bolt, that consists of three fortifications, the Citadel of Blaye, Fort Pâté and Fort Médoc, all designed in the 17th century by military architect Vauban to protect the city of Bordeaux from enemies coming from the Atlantic. The Vauban bolt then is a part of the larger UNESCO cluster, called Fortifications of Vauban, made up of 12 groups of fortified sites in France.
The Blaye citadel is an imposing sight, with thick walls built in a star-shape with bastions, watchtowers and moats. There are two entrance gates, called the royal gate and the dauphine, and inside the walls there are several historical buildings, including a convent with a church, a ruined castle and a former hospital. The citadel is open for visitors daily, and roaming around it is free. A small amount of villagers actually live inside the citadel, and there is a hotel, some restaurants and boutiques along narrow alleys. There also as a wine shop, that sells wine made of grapes grown in the watchtower vineyard of the citadel. We popped in the wine store of course, and got to taste different wine varieties before choosing what to buy. For those interested to get to know citadel better, to hear about the history and life in the 17th century and to visit the underground passages, there are also guided tours available.
BOURG AND CORNICHE ROAD
Small Bourg on the banks of Dordogne, south from Blaye, is a picturesque town well worth a short at least. There is citadel castle with gardens and a museum, and the village itself, with old houses, is beautiful. Bourg has been built on a rocky outcrop above the river, and there are small staircases between the riverfront and the “upper town”. On your way from Bourg to Blaye, don’t miss the Gironde cliff road, also called La route de la Corniche or the Captains Road. This winding coastal road offers amazing views, and is lined with old captains houses with flowery gardens, small fishermen huts and of course some vineyards.
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