Citadelle de Blaye
Citadelle de Blaye things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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The construction of the Citadelle de Blaye was begun in 1652 by an architect named Pagan, then reinforced, enlarged, and finished by France's most famous military architect, Vauban. An amazing amount of history remains intact here, giving us clues to the daily life of soldiers in the 17th century under Louis XIV. Entrance is free, and you can walk around the 1.5 km of ramparts overlooking the Gironde estuary. More walks take you to the side of the Fort that overlooks the town of Blaye. Very solid benches (recently made from huge square oak beams) and picnic tables offer respite and a place to eat. Several restaurants are located within the walls of the citadel, as well as a hotel and a campsite. While the campsite is only open during the spring and summer, the hotel, most of the restaurants and a good number of shops are open year round. This is an all-weather destination, as the numerous trees and benches in the central park area offer shade from the sun, while restaurants and bars offer shelter from the cold and rain - plus a good meal or a hot drink if you wish. Photo opportunities abound and change with the weather. Our most recent visit was in between rain showers, bringing out the contrast and unity of grey stone and grey sky. Pets are allowed on leash/lead, and there are wheelchair friendly parking and entrance ramps. The Tourist Information Centre offers tours in English, French and undoubtedly other languages, so don't miss this very interesting destination.
Jane Etherton dite Madame ThermomixJane Etherton dite Madame Thermomix
00
El 13 de julio de 1593, el capitán de mar y guerra Antonio Manrique de Vargas, con 5 pinazas, desembarcaba a 300 hombres en Blaye, cogiendo la retaguardia de los hugonotes que sitiaban la plaza y poniéndolos en fuga. El sitio se rompía una semana más tarde. La ciudad de Blaye, en la Gironda, estaba en manos de la Liga Católica francesa, apoyada por España, y sitiada por las tropas realistas francesas del mariscal Matignon. Los sitiadores estaban a su vez apoyados por hugonotes franceses y por una escuadra inglesa. Sin embargo, Felipe II en el contexto de las Guerras de Religión -la 8ª en Francia- apoyaba los intereses de los católicos franceses de la Liga con armas y hombres. Así, la escuadra de Pedro de Zubiaur destrozaba la flota inglesa el 18 de abril, permitiendo aprovisionar la plaza. Tras el desembarco de Vargas, la moral de los católicos franceses aumentó considerablemente, cayendo en picado la de los hugonotes. De esta forma, el 17 de julio, una semana más tarde, la guarnición de Blaye de François d'Esparbès de Lussan salió al ataque, rompiendo el asedio. El apoyo de España a los intereses católicos de otros países, como Francia, Holanda, Irlanda o Escocia, fue constante en el tiempo desde el siglo XVI hasta prácticamente finales del siglo XVIII. Sin embargo, muchas veces, hubo de hacerse con la abstención o sin VBº papal. ————- Fuente; #Huillermo de Nicieza. ✍️ Bibliografía: Fernández Duro, C. (1972). Historia de la Armada Española. Madrid: Museo Naval. Láminas: Carlos Parrilla José Ferré Clauzel y otros
Juan ZuñigaJuan Zuñiga
40
A very nice spot to visit, stroll through or chill at. It’s free to enter, you could do a guided tour if desired but there are enough information signs to give you the basic history updates about this place. There are some shops and restaurants within the citadel walls but they are touristy, although they are quite allright to have lunch at. Nice to spend half a day here.
Albrecht Ch.Albrecht Ch.
10
Phenomenal! Don't miss this. The Citadel is huge. You can spend several hours wandering through, on, and under this dramatic, historic site. We arrived by bike and are camping in the Municipal camping area, within the Citadel walls. Absolutely amazing. We had a delicious lunch at Le Bastion, a rustic restaurant, also within the Citadel.
Noreen LightNoreen Light
10
La citadelle vaut le détour parce qu'elle offre une balade impressionnante pour l'architecture des remparts et monuments, ainsi que les belles vues sur l'estuaire. En plus, l'été, on apprécie les quelques arbres fournissant un espace à l'ombre pour une pause relax ou un pique-nique. Cependant, la visite libre donne l'impression de voir juste "le dessus de la citadelle" (et les commerces/restaurants) sans voir l'intérieur, ce qui appartient à la visite guidée, laquelle doit être réservée. Il est aussi utile de savoir que le parking proche de la porte Dauphiné n'a pas d'ombre et est payant mais l'arrivée vers la porte royale est attenante à un terrain boisé où les voitures se garent à l'ombre et pour l'instant, gratuitement. Et c'est exactement par là que Google maps vous fait arriver si vous écrivez "Citadelle de Blaye" comme destination.
Martin Marc-OlivierMartin Marc-Olivier
30
Beautifully situated municipal campsite, set within the walls of a citadel and with lovely views over the Gironde estuary. Dated but adequate sanitaires (cash deposit required for key access), and plenty of restaurants within a short walk. Surprisingly peaceful (mid June, midweek)
Jane SherwoodJane Sherwood
00
Nearby Restaurants Of Citadelle de Blaye
Le Gavroche Blaye Restaurant / Brasserie
Le Comptoir Vauban
ESTI'BUS
Marquis de Vauban Castle
LE BASTION
La Marina
C’est mon Plaisir
Cave De L'estuaire
BDS - Bar Des Sports
Chez Yannou

Le Gavroche Blaye Restaurant / Brasserie
4.5
(379)Click for details

Le Comptoir Vauban
3.6
(444)Click for details

ESTI'BUS
4.6
(346)Click for details

Marquis de Vauban Castle
4.6
(307)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
La Citadelle, 33390 Blaye, France
Map
Phone
+33 5 57 42 12 09
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Website
bbte.fr
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(1.8K reviews)
Ratings & Description
attractions: , restaurants: Le Gavroche Blaye Restaurant / Brasserie, Le Comptoir Vauban, ESTI'BUS, Marquis de Vauban Castle, LE BASTION, La Marina, C’est mon Plaisir, Cave De L'estuaire, BDS - Bar Des Sports, Chez Yannou

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