Blaye

The impressive UNESCO-listed Blaye Citadel, built in the 17th century by Louis XIV's star engineer, Sébastien Vauban, is one of the three forts that make up Vauban's Bolt, proof of the city's historic strategic importance to Bordeaux and the major wine-growing towns downriver. Blaye's setting on the fertile Gironde estuary and average of 260 days of sun each year add up to a splendid Côtes du Bordeaux made around the town.