A weekend in Blayais!

What could be better than a two-day stay in Blayais? Above Bordeaux between Libournais and Médoc, bordering the Gironde estuary, Blayais has nothing to be ashamed of in comparison to these neighboring regions. Green landscapes colored by vines, pretty castles to discover and troglodytes to visit, there's plenty to keep you busy for a weekend in Blayais!

Opening photo: M Studio AdobeStock

The Top 10 things to do in Blayais (around Blaye)

1. The villages of Blayais
2. The Corniche road from Blaye to Bourg
3. Tèrra Aventura for the whole family
4. The Terre d’Oiseaux Nature Reserve at Port des Couvertures
5. Sleep in Blaye in a pretty haven of Peace: Le Clos Réaud De La Citadelle
6. The hillside route for a wine road trip
7. The Canal des Deux Mers by bike
8. The Cave of Peer Not Peer
9. The Moron Natural Site
10. A cruise on the Gironde estuary

Day 1: Immerse yourself in the heritage of Blayais

Tour the villages of the region

The weekend begins with a tourist visit to the charming villages of Blayais, a great way to discover the emblematic sites of the region. Rest assured, only three cities are part of our selection:

• Bourg-sur-Gironde, a pretty destination with cobbled streets in which to stroll in the morning. Almost divided in two between the upper town and the lower town, it offers a pleasant stroll along the port, before going to meet the traders. Troglodyte dwellings, a 19th century washhouse and a horse-drawn museum, this is a village in which to linger.
• Blaye, a fortified town famous for its citadel built by Vauban in the 17th century. The history of Blaye is incredible and can be discovered through the history museum, the Marquis de Vauban castle and of course the citadel which allows a free visit through the underground.
• Plassac, an ancient Gallo-Roman villa built in the 1st century, overlooking the river. Explore Plassac to discover contemporary mosaic works created by Émilie Baudrais, before walking along the port and the boats. Admire the beautiful stone houses and climb to the top of the village, you will have a breathtaking view of the Gironde estuary.
  
  

The Corniche Road

Follow the Gironde estuary to go from village to village during your excursion. From Blaye to Bourg via Gauriac and Bayon, the Corniche road offers a splendid view of the estuary and allows you to discover many of the region's typical features. Troglodyte houses, exotic garden vegetation of former sailors or even squares, small fishermen's huts emblematic of the region, this is a route not to be missed. On foot, by bike or by car, it's up to you to decide how to take it.

Take the Tèrra Aventura circuits

Nothing like a lively walk to continue your discovery of Blayais. Start by downloading the free app and let yourself be guided. With a choice of 4 routes which are on average 2 km long , go looking for cute little characters called Poï'z. On the theme of wine, in the heart of nature, in the heart of a village or an ornithological reserve, the idea is to have fun while visiting the beautiful Blayais region. With family or friends, it is the ideal outing to relax and share a good moment of conviviality.

Visit the Terre d’Oiseaux Nature Reserve at Port des Couvertures

Between lakes, wet meadows, ponds and reed beds, explore a 120-hectare natural area in search of numerous birds that come to rest and eat before or after migration. More than a hundred species can be observed in this exceptional refuge a few kilometers from Blaye. Large waders, passerines or nesting birds, this is the opportunity to learn to recognize the different birds that evolve before your eyes. You will be helped by platforms and observatories installed all along the trails, and by scenographies. Do not hesitate to ask your questions to the naturalist guides on site, passionate and available, they will accompany you during your visit.

Day 2: Enjoy the nature activities of Blayais

Travel the hillside route for a wine road trip

Wine lover or want a getaway in the heart of the vineyards, this circuit is made for you. From Blaye to Bourg-sur-Gironde, you will have the opportunity to cross magnificent hilly landscapes , punctuated with green, red or ocher depending on the season. Between visits and tastings, discover a profession of passion by meeting welcoming and warm winegrowers. White wines or red wines, taste the 3 appellations of Blayais : AOC Blaye, AOC Côtes de Blaye and AOC Premières Côtes de Blayais, and 3 appellations of Bourgeais: AOC Côtes de Bourg, AOC Bourg, AOC Bourgeais.

Discover wine in the region

The road to the hills is over, but you have some regrets? Rest assured, the Blaye wine house in the heart of the town brings together 300 references from the work of 450 winegrowers in the region. You can also visit the castles that most attracted you and enjoy a wine tasting before you decide. Don't look for rosé wine, Blayais produces dry white wine, but especially red wine from the Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties. Some villages even offer discovery trails like in Bourg starting from the Château de la Grave, where a marked circuit takes you through an hour's walk on the vines and wine making.

Pedaling on the Canal des Deux Mers by bike

Le Blayais hosts part of this cycling route which links the Mediterranean to the Atlantic over a 750 km route. In Gironde, you follow the estuary to Blaye, before reaching Bourg then Bordeaux via the Corniche road. Do you want to take a break? Climb aboard the ferry that connects Lamarque to Bordeaux, and continue by pedaling to Entre-Deux-Mer. Make stops to appreciate the magnificent views of vineyards, villages and troglodyte houses.

Visit the Cave of Pair non Pair

A unique place in the world, this cave is an unmissable site in the Gironde. Thousands of tools have been found there as well as high-quality engravings over 30,000 years old, works of art representing animals such as horses, mammoths and bison. Discovered in 1881 by François Daleau who carried out excavations until 1913, it is today open to the public and can be explored during a 45-minute guided tour. Bring a sweater or vest, the Pair non Pair cave does not exceed 16°C.

Walk around the Moron natural site

Spread over more than 192 hectares, it is the ideal place for walking and picnicking when staying in Blayais. Its rich biodiversity is incredible between butterflies, dragonflies, gray herons and warblers. Lulled by the song of birds, relax in the shade of the trees and enjoy the freshness of the water. A tour circuit, games for children and a fitness trail allow everyone to come together to practice the desired activity. Well known by fishermen, the natural site of Moron is also popular for the 8 species of fish that swim in the heart of the pond. End your weekend in a haven of peace , it's almost time to go home.

Taking a cruise on the estuary, an idea to remember for the summer

Departing from Blaye, many cruises are offered in the summer to discover the region. Excursion to wild islands, heritage cruise or gourmet getaway , the options are varied in summer. Some even offer to take you to the island of Patiras for lunch, a special stopover with a guided tour of the lighthouse.

This time, the weekend in Blayais is over. Of course, there are still many things to do such as bike rides on the 22 circuits or discovering good places to eat , but you still have a nice overview of the activities offered for a weekend in the Blayais.

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