The citadel of Blaye, in the Gironde, is one of the finest military works designed by Vauban, at the end of the 17th century, on the right bank of the estuary. Together with Fort Pâté, on an island, and Fort Médoc, on the opposite bank, it formed the estuary’s lock, designed to protect Bordeaux. The whole is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
On its ramparts you walk through bastions, gardens, an inner village and views over the Gironde, seen from the walkway. The citadel also houses accommodation, restaurants and exhibitions, and remains a living place rather than a frozen monument.
About an hour from Bordeaux, Blaye combines with a ferry crossing to the Médoc, with tastings of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux wines and with a visit to Saint-Émilion. It makes an excellent stop between heritage and gastronomy in northern Gironde.