This morning we sailed for Blaye, on the opposite side of the estuary/Gironde (about 3km wide at this point) and back 'upstream', during breakfast time and arrived an hour or so later.
David and I took the interesting guided walking tour of the imposing Citadel (fort) of Blaye. The town was an important stronghold during the wars against the English and the French Wars of Religion. Hence the construction of the 17th century citadel on a rock beside the river (ordered to be strengthened further by Louis XIV in 1685-1689), built on the ruins of an ancient Gothic chateau. There were great views from the ramparts, and we also saw where the soldiers' barracks were, there were also the ruins of the 12th century Rudel castle. This castle gets its name from the famous troubadour of the time, who died during the second crusade.
There are additional fortifications on an island in the river and at Fort Médoc on the opposite side. All three fortresses are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The famous military architect, Marquis de Vauban, planned and built the military complex, along with many others throughout France.
Then it was back to the boat for an early lunch at 11:30 AM before we headed out at 1 PM for the hour and a half bus journey to visit the town of Cognac. Because of a Festival and some road closures, we were unable to do the walking tour of the older part of the town. However, we did have the planned visit to the Château de Cognac Baron Otard, and enjoyed a tasting of cognac (a brandy specific to this region). As part of this visit we toured some of the Royal Château de Cognac that dates back to the 10th century and is a 13th century historical monument and a French History Memorial. At the end of the 18th century, it was purchased by Baron Otard because of the environment, temperature, darkness and humid conditions, perfect for ageing his eaux-de-vie. We saw the rooms where King Francis I spent his time, including the Knight's entrance area, the chapel, and a grand hall. We also saw where the dungeons were, and even an oubliette (where people were dropped and conveniently forgotten). Then we toured through the cellars and heard about how the cognac is distilled (a double distilling process), and the different aromas associated with the different stages of the maturation process. Finally, there was the tasting of two of the younger aged cognacs.
David and I took the interesting guided walking tour of the imposing Citadel (fort) of Blaye. The town was an important stronghold during the wars against the English and the French Wars of Religion. Hence the construction of the 17th century citadel on a rock beside the river (ordered to be strengthened further by Louis XIV in 1685-1689), built on the ruins of an ancient Gothic chateau. There were great views from the ramparts, and we also saw where the soldiers' barracks were, there were also the ruins of the 12th century Rudel castle. This castle gets its name from the famous troubadour of the time, who died during the second crusade.
There are additional fortifications on an island in the river and at Fort Médoc on the opposite side. All three fortresses are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The famous military architect, Marquis de Vauban, planned and built the military complex, along with many others throughout France.
Then it was back to the boat for an early lunch at 11:30 AM before we headed out at 1 PM for the hour and a half bus journey to visit the town of Cognac. Because of a Festival and some road closures, we were unable to do the walking tour of the older part of the town. However, we did have the planned visit to the Château de Cognac Baron Otard, and enjoyed a tasting of cognac (a brandy specific to this region). As part of this visit we toured some of the Royal Château de Cognac that dates back to the 10th century and is a 13th century historical monument and a French History Memorial. At the end of the 18th century, it was purchased by Baron Otard because of the environment, temperature, darkness and humid conditions, perfect for ageing his eaux-de-vie. We saw the rooms where King Francis I spent his time, including the Knight's entrance area, the chapel, and a grand hall. We also saw where the dungeons were, and even an oubliette (where people were dropped and conveniently forgotten). Then we toured through the cellars and heard about how the cognac is distilled (a double distilling process), and the different aromas associated with the different stages of the maturation process. Finally, there was the tasting of two of the younger aged cognacs.
Then it was back to the bus for the trip back to the boat. 30 minutes later we were still sitting in the bus while the tour guide tried to figure out if we were missing a passenger.... throughout the visit she had kept miscounting as to whether there were 22 or 23 passengers in her group. Finally, after checking with the chateau, the other tour guides, and the cruise director, we were on our way.
For dinner we had the pleasure of enjoying the special Chaîne Des Rotisseurs. And then there we headed to the lounge for the excellent performance by La Strada, a trio with two violins and a guitar (playing mainly classical music). I purchased their CD.
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