The town of Blaye is situated on the right bank of the Gironde estuary. Its major historical feature is its fortified citadel, which along with Fort Médoc and Fort Paté make up a trio of fortresses designed to defend Bordeaux against a river attack.
Blaye
Beautifully restored citadel on the banks of the Gironde estuary
Together they form the Fortifications of Vauban group classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Remains of the walls of a 12th century castle built by the Counts of Blaye remain visible, curtain walls over 10m thick. The area is also known for its Merlot-based Côte de Blaye appellation wines.
Events in Blaye
Each spring, the wonderful event Printemps des Vins is held within the Citadel of Blaye. It consists of numerous events and wine tastings, and brings together winegrowers, tourists and locals for this fun event.
Every Wednesday and Saturday the citadel hosts a market where visitors can buy local produce, including the renowned asparagus of Blayais.
The soil in the Blaye region is particularly good for growing asparagus, as well as grapes of course! March to May is prime asparagus season and definitely the best time to make your purchase.
Seafood from the Gironde estuary is also common and very fresh, but the area is also known for its delicious selection of fruit and pralines.
Events in Blaye
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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Blaye
The town of Blaye has been a port since ancient times, being responsible for the export of produce such as grain and red wine. As the town is situated slightly higher on the east side of the estuary its strategic importance was quickly recognised by the Romans, and then later on during the wars against the English, who actually burned down the citadel in 1352. It was again to become important during the French Wars of Religion.
The town was formerly known as Blaye-et-Sainte-Luce and was only renamed Blaye as recently as June 1961.
Sights & Attractions in Blaye
With the citadel being the obvious attraction in this area, you should also consider taking the ferry across the river to visit Fort Médoc. This was one of the trio of forts that were erected to defend Bordeaux against attacks via the estuary.
Sights in Blaye
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Citadel of Blaye, Blaye
Largest of the UNESCO certified Fortifications of Vauban
The fortified citadel at Blaye, standing on the opposite bank of the river Gironde to Fort Médoc, forms, along with Fort Paté, the region's 17th-century defence against river attack.
Beaches in Blaye
Beaches in Bordeaux
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Hourtin Lakeside Beach, Hourtin 
Hourtin Lakeside Beach, Hourtin
A calm lake beach on the largest fresh water lake in France
A protected natural reserve with wild marshes, sand dunes and pine forests, this huge body of water is perfect for outdoor activities such as sailing, swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, kite surfing, paddle boarding, or walking and biking along the trails and cycle paths that line the shores of the lake.
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Hourtin Plage Beach, Hourtin 
Hourtin Plage Beach, Hourtin
Beautiful ocean beach on the west coast of the Gironde
Just 12km away from the town of Hourtin, the beach of Hourtin Plage sits on the Atlantic ocean and offers a wide range of watersports for all levels.
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Carcans Plage Beach, Carcans 
Carcans Plage Beach, Carcans
Central beach on the long stretch of west coast known as Côte d'Agent
Backed by the small town of Carcans Océan, this white sand beach on the western Atlantic coast is a popular surf spot.
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Lacanau Ocean Beach, Lacanau 
Lacanau Ocean Beach, Lacanau
A 15km stretch of sand beach situated on the Atlantic Ocean
Over time, the wind and ocean currents have gradually created a wall of sand dunes, behind which streams and rivers have allowed the formation of lakes and freshwater ponds.
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La Plage Le Porge Oceane Beach, Le Porge 
La Plage Le Porge Oceane Beach, Le Porge
The closest beach to the city of Bordeaux, situated on the Atlantic Ocean
Le Porge beach is also known for its large waves and strong undertow, even if the rescuers are not far away, you must remain cautious as you would for many of the ocean beaches.
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Soulac-sur-Mer Beaches 
Soulac-sur-Mer Beaches
Most northerly beaches of the 'Côte d'Argent' at Soulac-sur-Mer
The beaches extend to 7km of fine-sand beaches along the Atlantic coast; Centre Beach, South Beach and Amelie Beach making up the most popular and closest to the town.
Dining in Blaye
Restaurants in Blaye
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Le Bontemps Restaurant, Cussac-Fort-Medoc
Original restaurant serving traditional French cuisine with an Asian twist
This restaurant is located in the wine region of the Medoc. They serve classic French dishes from the South West, made with fresh local ingredients and adding a light Japanese note. The result is a refined and very creative combination of surprising flavours.
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Le Saint-Julien Restaurant, Medoc (North Gironde)
Gourmet restaurant in Saint-Julien Beychevelle
Situated in the famous wine region of Medoc, this restaurant serves creative French dishes. The beautiful 19th-century building has an elegant dining room as well as a pleasant terrace where the chef grills fresh local produce.
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Chateau Cordeillan-Bages Restaurant, Pauillac
Gourmet restaurant in a beautiful chateau from the 17th century
Situated among vineyards, this restaurant offers the gastronomic creations of a new chef for 2017.
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Le Saint-Seurin Restaurant, Medoc (North Gironde)
Traditional French restaurant in the village of Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne
Serving traditional dishes with modern touches, this restaurant is located in the village of Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, in the middle of the wine region of Médoc. Their menu offers typical brasserie dishes which can be enjoyed in a warm atmosphere.
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Thierry Arbeau Restaurant, Medoc (North Gironde)
Traditional French restaurant in Saint-Aubin-de-Médoc
This classic French restaurant serves traditional dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. It is located among the vineyards of the Médoc region, in a pleasant park with pine trees.
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Le Prince Noir Restaurant, Bordeaux Area
Michelin starred restaurant at Chateau de Lormont
Gourmet restaurant that uses fresh and seasonal produce from the markets of Bordeaux to create modern French cuisine.
Nightlife in Blaye
Bars & Clubs in Blaye
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La Conserverie-Converserie Bar
Charming wine bar and delicatessen shop in the Quartier des Chartrons
This bar has an old-fashioned decoration that creates a very warm atmosphere. Their wine list includes many French references, as well as from other parts of the world. They can be enjoyed in their cosy interior or the patio, accompanied by selections of local delicatessen.
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Bar a vin 
Bar a vin
Bar run by young sommeliers with a vast selection of wines from the Bordeaux region
One of the best places to taste wines from the Bordeaux region. Located on the ground floor of the headquarters of the Conseil Interprofessionel du Vin de Bordeaux, the bar's team is very knowledgeable and passionate. They give tasting advice, extensive information on the grapes and suggestions for matching food and wine.
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Le Caillou 
Le Caillou
Musical diversity in the heart of the city of Bordeaux
A diverse music programming that showcases some of the best local and national talent in jazz, music of the World, blues and many other expressions.
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Aux Quatre Coins du Vin Bar
Wine bar in the centre of Bordeaux with a clever self-service system
Centrally located, this bar offers a large selection of wines, especially French but also from other parts of the world. Customers can taste them through a self-service method, and they can be accompanied by regional delicatessen.
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La Ligne Rouge Bar 
La Ligne Rouge Bar
Wine bar offering international references in the centre of Bordeaux
Situated at the foot of the historical Porte Cailhau, this bar has a list of more than 100 wines. They are focused on international products as well as some lesser-known wines from Bordeaux.
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Casino d'Arcachon, Arcachon
A casino situated on the beach front in a beautiful Chateau-style builing
The beautiful building of Chateau Deganne was converted in 1904 into a casino. In the early twentieth century Paris and Bordeaux bourgeoisie came to spend the summer in Arcachon. Thus the town had to create distractions - a casino.
Things to do in Blaye
Taking a walk around the citadel is probably the best way to experience it, it is free to enter and you can easily wile away a few hours enjoying the serene calm, beautiful views and lush landscapes around you. It is also possible to get a guided tour of the citadel which lets your explore the underground passages. Further information and booking are available at the Blaye tourist office.
If you're not keen to walk around, there is a fantastic small tourist train that can give you a guided tour.
Things To Do in Blaye
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Tourist Train
A great way to see this beautiful ancient Citadel & learn about its history
Offering guided tours to allow you explore the heritage and history of the Blaye area.
Watersports in Blaye
Watersports in Blaye
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Magic Surf School, Lacanau
Teaching, coaching & surf lessons that will turn you into a pro
Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.
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So Nice Surf School, Le Porge
Surf school on the quiet beach of north Le Porge
Whether it's your first time on a board or you've been surfing for years, So Nice Surf School will give you the guidance you need to get started or to improve your tricks in a cool, laid-back atmosphere.
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Estuaire Jet Ski, Le Verdon sur Mer
Jet ski lessons, hire & inflatable fun!
You will be able to hire and learn how to drive a jet ski, with the assistance of qualified instructors, you can be on the water within 15 minutes.
Where to stay in Blaye
Although it's not possible to stay within the citadel itself there is of accommodation is within the town of Blaye, a lot of which is in beautiful 18th century buildings.
Holiday Rentals in Blaye
Holiday Rentals in Blaye
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Marie Villa
Excellent wines and delicious food are synonymous with South West France and so it is with great pleasure that they include Villa Marie in their portfolio, where gastronomic delights are to be found on the doorstep: the vineyards of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte are just 1.3km away (a 20 minute walk), with the restaurants of the renowned spa hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie, a few 100 metres further along. Equally enticing is the proximity of the region’s capital, Bordeaux. Easily accessible by both car and public transport, visits to this wonderful city will become an integral part of the holiday.
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Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.
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Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Large and pleasant independent villa of 160m2 situated in the pine forest(enclosed garden) 800 metres from the beach, 1 km from shopping, 2.5 km from the golf and 5 km from the lake.
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Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Close to city centre this villa is located 600 metres from the beach and shopping area and 3 km from the golf.
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Residence Les Oyats Ref.02366 Apartment, Lacanau
This apartment is located in Residence Les Oyats with lift on the 1st floor, 100 metres from the beach and 50 metres from the shopping area.
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Residence Ortal Ref.02353 Apartment, Lacanau
This apartment is located in the Residence Ortal in Lacanau-Ocean centre, directly on the beach with sea view from the balcony.
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Hotels in Blaye
Hotels in Blaye
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La Maison De Jean, Saint-Androny
Located in the heart of the appellation Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
The Chateau Haut Bourcier is a family-owned 38 ha of vineyards. The Maison de Jean is a house from the 19th century with 5 refurbished bedrooms offering all of the charm of the historic building with modern facilities.
Property For Sale in Blaye
Property for Sale in Blaye
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Architect Villa For Sale - Ref.14594, Blaye
This house/villa (architect house) of 130 m2, with a land size of 5000 m2 contains 4 rooms including 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 2 toilets.
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Calme Villa For Sale - Ref.14118, Blaye
This house/villa of 237 m2, built in 1750, on 2 levels, with a land size of 2075 m2 contains 7 rooms including 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 shower room and 4 toilets.
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Residentiel Villa For Sale - Ref.12765, Blaye
This house/villa of 121 m2, built in 2005, with a land size of 815 m2 contains 5 rooms including 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 1 toilet.
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