Blaye, France

Blaye is a commune and sub-prefecture in the Gironde department in Aquitaine in south-western France. It is located on the right bank of the Gironde estuary (which is some 3 km (1.9 mi) wide at this point), close to the A10 autoroute, 56 km (35 mi) north of Bordeaux.

The town has a citadel built by Vauban on a rock beside the river, and embracing in its ancient ruins of an old Gothic château. The latter contains the tomb of Charibert II, king of Aquitaine, and son of Clotaire II. Blaye is also defended by the Fort Paté on an island in the river and the Fort Médoc on its left bank, both of the 17th century.

Things to see and do

* Citadel
* Ruins of old Gothic Chateau
* Fort Pate
* Fort Medoc

General Information

Cruise Season – March - Dec
Currency – Euro (EUR)
Language – French
Land Area – 6.42 km²
Population – 5,150 approx
Electricity – 2 round pins European style.
Time – UTC plus five hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 44

Travel Links – There is a rail line with occasional freight trains, but no passenger services. A small ferry crosses the Gironde to Lamarque, in Medoc.