With affluent towns, rich history and some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is the epitome of French bourgeoisie. Between the towns lie vast swaths of agricultural terrain, adorned by cattle ranches. Sandy beaches here are popular with surfers and sunbathers. Learn about the fascinating Aquitaine history, when you visit this region in southwestern France.
Take advantage of the hot, sunny summer with a trip to the beaches of Biarritz, a town near the Spanish border known worldwide for its surfing culture. Enjoy a picnic on the Grand Beach (Grande Plage), which features the iconic Biarritz Lighthouse. While here, visit the Biarritz City Centre for highlights including Biarritz City Hall and the Biarritz Historic Museum.
Travel up the rugged coastline overlooking the Bay of Biscay, stopping at Mimizan, Biscarrosse and Arcachon, graced by the enormous Dune du Pilat. Towns here have myriad golf parks and water parks.
The region’s largest city is Bordeaux. Explore the Bordeaux Historic Centre and learn about the area’s famed wine grapes at the Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum and the Bordeaux Wine School. Take a guided bus tour to the vineyards of historic Saint-Émilion and enjoy the coastal resorts of La Rochelle and Arès.
Head inland for Poitiers, with the multimedia theme park of Futuroscope. Sarlat-la-Canéda is a quaint town with the Sarlat Market and Sarlat Cathedral. In winter, drive up to the peaks of the Pyrenees Mountains and rush down the slopes of the Gourette Ski Resort. You can also ski in La Pierre Saint-Martin and Artouste.
The region occupies a vast portion of the southwestern corner of the country, running north from the Spanish border toward the center of France. Fly to Bordeaux or Biarritz and travel around the towns by train. You can also get here from Paris by train in 2 to 3 hours.
When you reach Nouvelle-Aquitaine, appreciate a vacation with variation, from snowy climbs and historic town centers to vineyards and beaches.
