Citadelle de Blaye
Citadelle de Blaye
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Citadelle de Blaye and nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
44 within 5 kms
Attractions
62 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
907 reviews
Excellent
416
Very good
406
Average
61
Poor
15
Terrible
9
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Ghislain5906
St-Paul-de-Vence, France1,955 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Magnificent citadel, built by Ferry and Vauban. Fortification which was part of the real lock of the Gironde estuary. Magnificent site, and 360° view. On the other hand, at the beginning of March the city center is gloomy, and too many "vagabonds" frequent the surroundings of this place which is not valued enough..
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour Ghislain,
nous vous remercions d'avoir pris quelques instants pour donner votre avis sur la citadelle de Blaye.
Nous sommes ravis que le site vous ait plu et que vous ayez pu profiter des magnifiques panoramas depuis les remparts.
Nous sommes navrés que vous ayez été dérangés par les vagabonds en centre-ville. La mairie de Blaye met tout en oeuvre pour trouver une solution adaptée.
Nous espérons vous revoir dans notre région et vous souhaitons une très belle journée.
Cordialement
Géraldine
Written 10 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Divisa65
Creteil, France844 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
We spent much of an afternoon visiting the Blaye Citadel (free admission, it's rare enough to be highlighted). We were not disappointed. The citadel is well maintained and the walking paths are very pleasant to walk. The view of the estuary is very nice especially on a sunny day, without clouds.
Automatically translated
Written 8 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour phillam13,
Nous vous remercions d’avoir pris le temps de noter la citadelle de Blaye. Nous sommes ravis que le site vous ait plu.
Nous vous informons que l’office de tourisme organise des visites guidées de la citadelle par les souterrains pour découvrir la forteresse de façon insolite et mieux comprendre pourquoi elle est classée par l’UNESCO.
Pour préparer votre prochaine visite dans notre région, nous vous invitons à consulter notre site internet ou à venir nous rencontrer.
En vous souhaitant une bonne journée,
Romina, votre conseillère en séjour
Written 11 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pfefmeister
San Francisco, CA4,579 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We spent the night in Blaye so that we could visit the Citadel. Unfortunately, we felt that although the Citadel is worth visiting for an hour or so, the village of Blaye is just not worth overnighting in. There’s nothing to see or do here. The Citadel is impressive and a quick walk through is enough to get the gist of it. Stop in while driving through to other locations.
Written 6 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello pfefmeister,
The citadel is really prestigious, so much than it was classified by UNESCO in 2008. We're sorry to hear that about the town of Blaye, it is a small town with no a lot houses but some of them get a particular architecture fron the 18th and 19th.
We wish you a pleasant day,
Cordially, Claire, your stay adviser.
Written 11 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
herve G
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Family
It is impossible to visit the citadel on a guided tour. The tourist office that we called 2 days before the visit had failed to tell us that it was impossible to buy tickets for the guided tour on site and that it was necessarily necessary to buy tickets over the internet.
Even if you go that same morning and in the middle of winter impossible to visit with a guide. Two and a half hours of travel for nothing.
Inadmissible!
Even if you go that same morning and in the middle of winter impossible to visit with a guide. Two and a half hours of travel for nothing.
Inadmissible!
Automatically translated
Written 28 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour Monsieur,
Nous sommes désolés pour cette mauvaise expérience. Pendant les vacances de Noël, et toutes les autres périodes de vacances scolaires d'ailleurs, la visite guidée de la citadelle par les souterrains est victime de son succés. Et nous ne pouvons pas prévoir en avance si les 29 places seront réservées.
Toutefois nous organisons ces visites de mi novembre à mi mars tous les samedis et pendant les vacances scolaires du lundi au samedi sauf le 25 décembre et le 1er janvier. Le reste de l'année un départ par jour au moins. Nous serons donc ravis de vous accueillir sur la période de votre choix. Nous vous conseillons de réserver vos places.
Nous comprenons votre frustration et espérons que la citadelle de Blaye, inscrite au patrimoine mondial par l'UNESCO, ouverte toute l'année gratuitement et dotée de panneaux explicatifs historiques, vous ait plu.
Nous vous souhaitons de très belles fêtes de fin d'année !
Cordialement
Written 30 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
morgang342
7 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Very disappointed.
We went in the morning after we read it was one of must see in the region. Many building are not maintained/restored with broken windows. We noticed many dog 💩 in the street. Overall we felt so much more could have been done to deliver content and give back a glimp of the citadel's past glory (maybe lack of funding from the region ?)
The center of Blaye just in front of the citadel, is kind of the same nature.
In the end we found reviews over-rated beyond the beautiful drone picture you see on internet.
Advice, take the boat to the other side of the river and visit way more charming towns (saint julien and others)
We went in the morning after we read it was one of must see in the region. Many building are not maintained/restored with broken windows. We noticed many dog 💩 in the street. Overall we felt so much more could have been done to deliver content and give back a glimp of the citadel's past glory (maybe lack of funding from the region ?)
The center of Blaye just in front of the citadel, is kind of the same nature.
In the end we found reviews over-rated beyond the beautiful drone picture you see on internet.
Advice, take the boat to the other side of the river and visit way more charming towns (saint julien and others)
Written 30 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello morgang342,
We are very sorry to hear your experience in our town has been disappointing. Most of the buildings in the Citadel are accessible and in good state, especially in the area where you can find shops and restaurants. Since the Citadel is classified at the UNESCO, along with the Fort Médoc and Fort Pâté, reparing certain buildings requires approval and very detailed planning not to change the original build, therefore it can take a long time. They will eventually be repared.
We are afraid the dog excrements you found were because of people not being totally respectful of the place and not picking them up after their dogs.
We will make sure to submit your complaint to the Town Hall of Blaye which is in charge of such matters.
We are hoping you could still enjoy your visit and learning about the history of this impressive Vauban monument.
We remain available to help you organise your next trip in the region or to give additionnal information !
Yours sincerely,
Zoé from Blaye's tourist office.
Written 23 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helene C
South Africa44 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
A lovely old citadel keeping watch for centuries over the river Gironde. Get transported back in time. Many beautiful restaurants, exhibitions and little shops, even old officers quarters to rent. Perfect place to take walks or simply just sit on the ancient walls soaking up the sun.
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for your positive review of the Citadel of Blaye. We are very happy to hear you enjoyed your visit in this impressive Vauban monument.
We hope to see you again very soon ! We remain available to help you organise your next trip in our region and for any additionnal information you might need.
Yours sincerely,
Zoé from Blaye's tourist office.
Written 23 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TKCheltenham
Cheltenham, UK190 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
On a better day I am sure this is stunning. Unfortunately we did not see this at its best as it was a grey day with light rain. Despite this it is certainly worth a walk around and the moat is definitely worth seeing. This centre is very understated in terms of commercialism. There are a couple of small shops, museum, tourist information, some restaurants and hotel. The place needs to be viewed more in terms of its heritage and views which are certainly worthwhile. A long visit is not necessary as the site is fairly small. Picnic spots are available.
Written 12 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin L
Calgary, Canada413 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
A Unesco World Heritage site, the Citadelle is a beautifully preserved fortress overlooking the Gironde river. Very walkable & with lots of informative plaques distributed throughout in French & English. A walking tour (French only) & 5 Euros each, is available which gives you access to the underground caverns. Worth taking. There are 3 restaurants & a hotel within the property as well as a few artisan shops. The town of Blaye itself is not much to speak of, with a main commercial street facing the Citadelle. A decent amount of restaurants & shops. When we were there on Wednesday there was a substantial market going on along the front street. Blaye is a short car ride from Bordeaux. We took a tram & a bus to get there - 2 hours in all.
Written 20 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1234texas
Seabrook, TX5,350 contributions
Nov 2019
This complex fort is a major work by the famous military engineer Vauban, and was to protect Bordeaux from foreign naval attacks. It consists of three fortifications: the Citadel of Blaye on the right bank, Fort Pâté on an island in the middle, and Fort Médoc on the left bank. The citadel is on the west side of the modern downtown area. It is the only one you will visit if you are on a Viking cruise.
On Wikipedia, they provide information on the Gironde Estuary that our guide should have read in advance! It is very helpful in understanding the fortifications: "...formed by the meeting of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, the Gironde flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest estuary in Europe. This unique natural milieu includes an archipelago of nine islands. Some of these are accessible during the tourist season on cruises leaving from Blaye. There are numerous bird species." This information helps to orient you to the 3 forts' locations and how they worked together to make passing on the rivers very tough for enemy ships. The forts "worked together" to have fields of fire that overlapped and covered virtually every square foot of the water!
The main fort is very large and really dominates the small port. You can see it from a distance and it gets far bigger as you approach by water and foot. The walls are really impressive and well done. The location at the top of a cliff really sets it off from the city ad makes for a wonderful photo--as well as some great photos of the river/estuary The walk up to the fortified entrance is wonderful and demonstrates some of the superior engineering. The complex entrance is impressive and has been well maintained.
The interior of the fort has some great living quarters and a well done powder house--which has been well restored. The walking inside the fort is easy and relatively flat. There is a restaurant inside the fort, but we did not have time to use it. There is a lot of incidental history, but our guide was so boring, we tuned her out, did the remainder of the site on our own and went into town!
As these forts go, this is a good one, but not the best we have ever seen. It is absolutely worth your time to make this stop. If you have extra time, there is a nice little coffee shop in the town--about a 1/2 mile or so from the fort entrance.
On Wikipedia, they provide information on the Gironde Estuary that our guide should have read in advance! It is very helpful in understanding the fortifications: "...formed by the meeting of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, the Gironde flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest estuary in Europe. This unique natural milieu includes an archipelago of nine islands. Some of these are accessible during the tourist season on cruises leaving from Blaye. There are numerous bird species." This information helps to orient you to the 3 forts' locations and how they worked together to make passing on the rivers very tough for enemy ships. The forts "worked together" to have fields of fire that overlapped and covered virtually every square foot of the water!
The main fort is very large and really dominates the small port. You can see it from a distance and it gets far bigger as you approach by water and foot. The walls are really impressive and well done. The location at the top of a cliff really sets it off from the city ad makes for a wonderful photo--as well as some great photos of the river/estuary The walk up to the fortified entrance is wonderful and demonstrates some of the superior engineering. The complex entrance is impressive and has been well maintained.
The interior of the fort has some great living quarters and a well done powder house--which has been well restored. The walking inside the fort is easy and relatively flat. There is a restaurant inside the fort, but we did not have time to use it. There is a lot of incidental history, but our guide was so boring, we tuned her out, did the remainder of the site on our own and went into town!
As these forts go, this is a good one, but not the best we have ever seen. It is absolutely worth your time to make this stop. If you have extra time, there is a nice little coffee shop in the town--about a 1/2 mile or so from the fort entrance.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good afternoon,
Thank you for taking the time to write a comment about your visit. We are glad to know that you've enjoyed your discovery.
Like you said, the forteress was built in order to control the fluvial traffic along the river, the citadel of Blaye allow you to discover a typical military site from the 17th century, designed by the famous engineer Vauban.In addition of the former barracks where the soldiers use to live, the visitors can also see the gunpowder magazine, the monastery and the prison built within the citadel.
The remains of the 13th-century medieval castle are also visible. You can admire a magnificent view from the top of the castle tower and imagine yourself as a medieval lord watching over the domain.
After your visit of the citadel, you may also enjoy a good meal in one of the city restaurants (inside and outside the citadel) and have a little wine tasting at the "Maison du vin."
Thanks again for your comment, we hope to see you again sometime soon.
Best regards,
Florian,
Stay advisor.
Written 22 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LJMLondon
London93 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
Needed a campsite within 25 miles of Bordeaux and found this one. You actually have to drive through the old Citadelle & over the large moat to get into the site which is right by the Gironde estuary. Good sized hedged pitches with electricity and water to each pitch. The few showers are clean and efficient . The wash block needs updating, as do the toilets. 2 traditional loos only, the rest highly continental..
The site is a very small part of the whole Citadelle which is a wonderfull example of it's type and on a huge scale.
It has a pretty little "town" within the walls and several bar/cafes and restaurants.
The two restaurants by the edge of the river have lovely views, but check the menu boards carefully.
One of them, nearest the Gironde, has an expensive indoor restaurant with a wall sized panoramic viewing window, while at the same time has an outside dining area with stunning views that delivers excellent food at half the cost.
The adjacent town of Blaye is somewhat tired though, and needs some investment, but the real star is the Citadelle itself.
Best part for visitors is that there is no entry fee for the Citadelle and the camping is cheap.
We could not but wonder how they built things on this scale.
To give you an idea ,when we were there in 2nd week of July, they had an international horse riding event taking place in the dry moat while visitors still had the run of the rest of it.
Forgot to mention there is also a good vigneron who sells eminently quaffable local wines from around 5 euros a bottle.
If you're anywhere near Bordeaux I highly recommend a visit.
The site is a very small part of the whole Citadelle which is a wonderfull example of it's type and on a huge scale.
It has a pretty little "town" within the walls and several bar/cafes and restaurants.
The two restaurants by the edge of the river have lovely views, but check the menu boards carefully.
One of them, nearest the Gironde, has an expensive indoor restaurant with a wall sized panoramic viewing window, while at the same time has an outside dining area with stunning views that delivers excellent food at half the cost.
The adjacent town of Blaye is somewhat tired though, and needs some investment, but the real star is the Citadelle itself.
Best part for visitors is that there is no entry fee for the Citadelle and the camping is cheap.
We could not but wonder how they built things on this scale.
To give you an idea ,when we were there in 2nd week of July, they had an international horse riding event taking place in the dry moat while visitors still had the run of the rest of it.
Forgot to mention there is also a good vigneron who sells eminently quaffable local wines from around 5 euros a bottle.
If you're anywhere near Bordeaux I highly recommend a visit.
Written 9 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour, je voulais savoir si on peut toujours visiter la citadelle de Blaye avec les conditions du au Covid 19 ?
Written 27 January 2021
BlayeTourisme
Blaye, France
Bonjour Madame,
La citadelle est accessible tous les jours, toute l'année. En cette période, je vous conseille tout de même de contacter l'office de tourisme (05.57.42.12.09), afin d'avoir les informations les plus justes.
Cordialement
Céline, Conseillère en séjour
Written 30 March 2021
Bonjour, les chiens sont ils acceptés ? Peut on faire la visite guidé avec nos chiens ? Peut on visiter la citadelle sans visite guidé ? Merci d'avance
Written 20 February 2020
BlayeTourisme
Blaye, France
Bonjour,
Les chiens sont acceptés dans la citadelle de Blaye mais avec la visite guidée seuls les petits gabarits qui peuvent être portés sont acceptés.
Il est tout à fait possible de visiter la citadelle sans participer à la visite guidée, le site est entièrement libre d'accès 24h/24 et 7j/7 (sauf la partie concernant les souterrains uniquement accesible avec la visite guidée). Vous avez des panneaux explicatifs sur les différents bâtiments qui composent la citadelle et nous proposons à l'office de tourisme une carte de la citadelle pour pouvoir faciliter votre visite.
A bientôt !
Florian
Written 23 February 2020
BlayeTourisme
Blaye, France
Hello, the fort is open all year all day. Some people live inside the walls. We welcome you at the tourist office every day from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.00 pm to 5.30. pm inside the fortress. See you soon ! Géraldine
Written 5 January 2020
BlayeTourisme
Blaye, France
Hello,
the fort is open all year all day.
Some people live inside the walls.
We welcome you at the tourist office every day from 10.00 am to 12.30 qm and from 2.00 pm to 5.30. pm inside the fortress.
See you soon !
Géraldine
Written 30 September 2019
BlayeTourisme
Blaye, France
Bonjour Martin,
La visite dure 1h00, et coûte 7€ par adulte et 5€ par enfant (entre 5 et 12 ans).
La visite guidée de la citadelle a lieu tous les jours, toute l'année (sauf les 25 décembre et 01er janvier).
Les horaires diffèrent suivant les périodes (mais une visite a lieu au moins une fois dans l'après-midi).
Nous vous conseillons de réserver via notre billeterie en ligne, ou bien par téléphone au 05.57.42.12.09.
A bientôt!
Céline
Written 5 January 2020
Showing results 1-5 of 5
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing