Welcome to New AquitaineFrance's largest region
The regiontrip continues, and we’re off to the west coast for this fifth leg: heading for Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Since the new reform, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is one of the largest in France. As you can imagine, there’s a lot to do!
There’s something for every taste, every world and every style.
Astrong historical presence
If you’re a lover of history, fine stonework and unspoilt conservation, you’ve come to the right place!
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is home to a large number of bastides and medieval villages that have been preserved in their finest condition. It’s a great way to discover the region, as they’re scattered all over the place. These include Collonges la Rouge in the Limousin, Villefranche du Périgord, the bastide town of Monpazier and Sarlat la Canéda in the Dordogne, and Monflanquin in the Lot et Garonne.
But that’s not all, we also recommend a visit to the typical villages of the Basque Country. And stop off at Espelette to taste its famous pimento pepper!
The region boasts numerous châteaux, including Bonaguil and Roquetaillade .
A natural panoramaexquisite
In this part of France, nature has been generous.
Take a trip to the Lascaux caves in the Dordogne, world-famous for their paintings dating back to the Paleolithic period.
Orgues de Bort in the Limousin region, and don’t forget the Pyrenees National Park.
A little extra just for you, make a detour to Artouste and take the little train, which is the highest railway line in Europe.
Enjoythe view
The cliffs of Meschers sur Gironde, south of Royan, are also worth a visit. Troglodytic caves that can be visited.
To admire the white cliffs of Meschers from the best vantage point, we recommend a visit to the village of Talmont sur Gironde. Last but not least, the Kakuetta gorges, the Proumeyssac chasm and the Pilat dune are a must-see for the retina.
Finally, if you’re looking for a moment of relaxation, away from the routine and frenzy of everyday life, the Vézère valley or the Monts d’Ambazac will satisfy your need for a return to simplicity and contact with nature.
Like an airof vacation
Nouvelle-Aquitaine also means beaches, fine sand and seaside towns.
Among the region’s must-visit towns are Biarritz on the Basque coast, Bayonne (don’t forget to try your hand at Basque pelota during your stay) and Hendaye and Hossegor for surf lovers.
A little higher up, just a few kilometers from the beautiful city of Bordeaux, lies the Arcachon basin.
Last but not least, New Aquitaine is also home to some wonderful islands. Ile de Ré and Ile d’Oléron are the best-known, but Ile d’Aix and the lesser-known Ile de Nôle are also not to be missed.
Awide range of activities
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is also a lively family region.
It boasts a wide choice of parks , including the Palmyre zoo, the Valley of the Apes, the Teich bird sanctuary and the Ile aux oiseaux, accessible aboard the Pinasse, the famous boat typical of the Arcachon basin.
New Aquitaine is no exception to the rule when it comes to lively activities!
It’s home to Walibi Sud-Ouest, Futuroscope and the legendary Fort Boyard off the coast of La Rochelle. We couldn’t talk about activities without mentioning the unmissable férias! Bayonne, Dax and Mont de Marsan.
We leave you on a wine note, as there are many vineyards to discover in the Bordeaux region. Five tours depart from Bordeaux.
I hope you enjoy discovering the diversity of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
See you soon for the sixth leg of our regiontrip!