From the owner: Une porte entre cité et mer C'est l'ancienne porte de l'enceinte qui séparait le port de la cité…read more Elle a été profondément modifiée aux XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles. En effet, la base massive du XIVe siècle comportait à l'origine deux ouvertures, l'une pour les piétons et l'autre pour les attelages. Aujourd'hui, on ne distingue plus qu'une seule arcade. De plus, ses toits à poivrières ont été remplacés par un dôme orné de pilastres et colonnettes.

After a quick lunch, headed to Royan and walked along by the main beach, the port and the next…read more(smaller) beach. Then back towards the town centre for a look at the controversial Eglise Notre Dame. The concrete structure, built to resemble the prow of a ship, looks severe on the outside. The inside looks more like a church but still the severity is maintained in the angular fittings, e.g. the baptismal font and the holy water fonts near the entrance and in the statutes scattered around. It is definitely 20th century in a town that was itself almost totally rebuilt in the 1950s having been destroyed in the later stages of the Second World War. It is well worth seeing. Many shops are closed as all seem to be preparing for sales tomorrow (June 24th) but we do manage to pick up a few presents before heading back to the gite.

From the owner: Le Château du poète Ce joyau de la Renaissance a été édifié en 1580 par l'architecte Jean Morisson…read morepour le poète Nicolas Rapin, grand prévôt de la Connétablie de France. Ce dernier y reçut l'élite intellectuelle de la Renaissance tel Agrippa d'Aubigné , ce qui lui valut d'être qualifié de fontaine et source de beaux esprits par François 1er. L'un de ces propriétaire (dont la descendance occupe aujourd'hui le château), l'artiste et Marquis Octave de Rochebrune y apporte des oeuvres remarquables notamment des fragments architecturaux du château de Coulonges-les-Royaux, des meubles anciens et une multitude d'oeuvres d'art. De plus, de superbes caissons en pierre sculptée ornent les plafonds et l'une des cheminées porte le symbole alchimique de quête de la pierre philosophale.

From the owner: L'industrie de la corde Comme son nom l'indique, c'est ici qu'étaient fabriqués les cordages de la…read moremarine, c'est aussi ce qui explique l'extraordinaire longueur du bâtiment, un des plus grands de l'Europe du XVIIe siècle. Aujourd'hui la Corderie abrite notamment le Centre International de la Mer qui propose une exposition sur les cordages (avec machines de l'époque), le Conservatoire du Littoral, et une librairie maritime. Autour, les jardins du Retour, entièrement réaménagés, permettent de flâner sur les bords de la Charente. Enfin, c'est sur ce site qu'est installé l'immense chantier de l'Hermione, où se réalise la copie conforme de la frégate qui emporta Lafayette vers les Etats-Unis.

While I was traveling with Viking River Cruises, I took an excursion from the ship to the Citadel…read moreat Blaye, France. Touring citadels is not usually my favorite thing, but this one exceeded my expectations. In fact I found it quite interesting and a very peaceful and enjoyable experience. It was one of King Louis XIV's most important fortresses...a grand one. The Citadel is a very scenic complex built on the banks of the Gironde estuary. It is an extraordinary 17th century citadel, dramatically set on a mountain beside the river. Within it you can see the ruins of a Medieval castle and cathedral. It is a beautiful setting with a wonderful panorama. The Citadel includes several little shops, a few homes, grazing animals, (even a camel), and little restaurants. The Citadel of Blaye and the nearby forts are listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. In the course of the afternoon, I met some locals walking their dogs. I actually met an older gentleman walking the most amazing English Bulldog I've ever seen. It was a surprisingly lovely afternoon, walking throughout this easy pedestrian terrain of the fortress.

The Citadel of Blaye was built beteen 1686 and 1689 as a walled city with a total area of 38…read morehectars to prevent enemies from sailing to Bordeaux. Louis XIV ordered the Marshall of France, Vauban, who was the premier military engineer of his age to build this great fortification. During World War II, it was occupied by the Nazis. So much history here. When the tide is out on the river, the row boats are banked in the mud. Walk around the Citadel and fortress, then get on a bike to explore Blaye and the surrounding vineyards. Everyone you meet will be friendly and helpful, normally speaking in French.