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'Blaye' is a commune in the Gironde département of southwestern France.

Contents

Geography

History

Sights

Economy

Education

Miscellaneous

See also

External links and references

Geography

Blaye is located on the right bank of the Gironde estuary (which is some 3 km wide at this point), 56 km north of Bordeaux by rail.

History

In ancient times Blaye (''Blavia'') was a port of the Santones. Tradition states that the hero Roland was buried in its basilica, which was on the site of the citadel. It was early an important stronghold which played an important part in the wars against the English (who burnt it in 1352) and the Religious Wars. The duchess of Berry was imprisoned in its fortress in 1832-1833.
The town was formerly named 'Blaye-et-Sainte-Luce' and was renamed ''Blaye'' on June, 1961.

Sights

The town has a citadel built by Vauban on a rock beside the river, and embracing in its enceinte 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.

Economy

It has a small river-port, and carries on trade in wine, brandy, grain, fruit and timber. The industries include the building of small vessels, distilling, flour-milling, and the manufacture of oil and candles. Fine red wine is produced in the district.

Education

Several schools are located in Blaye ★ class=wikiexternal target=_blank>session
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Public schools include:

★ Ecole Maternelle Pierre Bergeon

★ Ecole Maternelle Lucien Grosperrin

★ Ecole Elementaire Pierre Malbeteau

★ Ecole Elementaire Andre Vallaeys

Miscellaneous

The town is the seat of a sub-prefect, and has tribunals of first instance and of commerce and a communal college.

See also

★ French wine

★ Bordeaux wine regions

External links and references

★ Town council website (in French)

★ Personal website about Blaye (in French)

★ Webpage about Blaye Citadel

★ Another webpage about Blaye Citadel

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