Attention, imminent departure towards an exceptional and unique set of its kind. Composed of 3 sites, it perfectly reflects the military art of Vauban. Visit of the Citadel of Blaye, cruise to Fort Paté and Fort Médoc: history catches up with you and takes you on board!
Fortified between 1685 and 1689 by the famous architect Vauban, the Citadel of Blaye is inscribed with the Fort Pâté and the Fort Medoc World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO under the name " Vauban lock ". This defensive triptych is unique in France.
Attacking the Verrou Vauban
In the XNUMXth century, fighting against enemy invasions likely to reach Bordeaux by the Gironde Estuary was one of the king's priorities Louis XIV. The architect Vauban was therefore entrusted with the mission of erecting a veritable defensive arsenal on the Estuary. The Citadel of Blaye, Fort Pate and Fort Medoc, these three aligned forts could cross their fires and prohibit any passage. Finally, they served only once, in 1814, during an attempted English invasion.
Only the Citadel of Blaye and Fort Cussac (located in Cussac-Fort-Médoc, in the Médoc) can be visited. Fort Pâté can be seen from the Gironde Estuary during a boat trip.
Visit of the Citadel of Blaye
The Porte Royale and its ornate pediment adorned with the sun (emblem of Louis XIV) welcome you. Welcome to the Citadel of Blaye ! Stroll through its charming alleys, stroll through the craftsmen's shops before reaching the Place d'Armes to enjoy an exceptional panorama of l'Estuary and its islands. Nearby are the Couvent des Minimes, built under Henri IV to serve as a place of worship for the garrisons, and the Château des Rudel, an illustrious Blaye family.
In the bowels of the Citadel of Blaye
To discover the defensive system of the Citadel of Blaye, explore its underground passages during a guided tour. This dive into the very heart of the building will allow you to measure the genius of Vauban. A journey through time that will delight young and old! The Tourist Office also organizes themed guided tours: horse-drawn carriage or mini-train rides in and around the citadel, commented boat trip on the Gironde Estuary to observe Fort Pâté and Fort Médoc...
Blaye International Jumping
Every year in July, the moat of the Citadel hosts for three days Blaye International Jumping. An unmissable event punctuated by numerous activities: horse show, illuminations of the Citadel, demonstrations by huntsmen from Epernon and fireworks. Do not miss !