New Aquitaine and its wealth
The regiontrip continues, we leave on the West coast for this fifth stage: direction New-Aquitaine.
Since the new reform, the region Nouvelle-Aquitaine is one of the biggest regions of France. So you can imagine, there is a lot to do!
There is something for every taste, for every universe and for every style.
A strong historical presence
Lovers of history, beautiful stones and intact conservation: you are in the right place!
New Aquitaine is home to a large number of bastides and medieval villages preserved in their best condition. This is a very good way to discover the region as they are scattered all around. We think of Collonges la rouge in the Limousin, Villefranche du Périgord, the bastide of Monpazier and Sarlat la Canéda in the Dordogne or Monflanquin in the Lot et Garonne.
But that’s not all, we also advise you to visit the typical villages of the Basque Country. And stop in Espelette to taste its famous pepper!
Many castles are present in the region such as the castle of Bonaguil or the one of Roquetaillade.
An exquisite natural panorama
In this part of France too, we can say that nature has been generous. From the caves of Lascaux in the Dordogne, world famous for their paintings from the Paleolithic period, it is not nothing! At the Orgues de Bort in the Limousin and not forgetting the Pyrenees National Park you will not be disappointed. A little extra just for you, make a detour to Artouste and take the little train which is the highest railroad line in Europe.
The cliffs of Meschers sur Gironde south of Royan are also a beautiful discovery. They are made of troglodytic caves that can be visited. To admire the white cliffs of Meschers with the best point of view we advise you to go to the village of Talmont sur Gironde. Finally the gorges of Kakuetta, the abyss of Proumeyssac and the dune of Pilat are a must for the retina.
Finally, if you are looking for a moment of relaxation, far from the routine and frenzy of everyday life, the Vézère valley or the Monts d’Ambazac will satisfy your need to return to simplicity and contact with nature.
Like an air of vacation
New Aquitaine is also the beach, the fine sand and the seaside towns.
Among the unavoidable cities of this region, we will mention first of all on the Basque coast Biarritz, Bayonne (don’t forget to try the Basque pelota during your stay) or Hendaye and Hossegor for the surf lovers. A little higher up, a few kilometers from the beautiful city of Bordeaux, is the Arcachon basin. Finally, New Aquitaine is also home to its wonderful islands. The island of Ré and the island of Oléron are the most famous but the island of Aix and the less known island of Nôle are also not to be missed.
Diverse and varied activities
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is also a family and lively region.
It gathers an important choice of parks as in particular, the zoo of Palmyre, the valley of the monkeys, the ornithological reserve of Teich but also the island with the birds accessible aboard the Pinasse, the famous typical boat of the basin of Arcachon.
For those who like more lively activities, New Aquitaine is not left out!
It hosts the Walibi park in the southwest, the Futuroscope park but also the mythical Fort Boyard off La Rochelle.
We couldn’t talk about activities without talking about the unavoidable férias! The one in Bayonne, Dax or Mont de Marsan.
We leave on a wine note, it is possible to discover many vineyards in the Bordeaux vineyards. Five circuits are available from Bordeaux.
I hope that the diversity of New Aquitaine has seduced you and that you will enjoy discovering it. See you soon for the sixth stage of our regiontrip!
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Brittany, a land of a thousand stories
Fourth step of our Régiontrip: Brittany!
I have to be honest with you, having grown up between Brittany and Mayenne, I am not at all impartial about this region! I assume it completely!
I hope this article will make you love Brittany as much as I do.
Its natural wonders
We don’t have to introduce you anymore, Brittany has some outstanding landscapes. One thinks in particular of its pink granite coast in the Côtes-d’Armor. This sumptuous coast is also visible at the Cap d’Erquy which is all the better preserved as the access is only done on foot.
For the amateurs of point of view, Brittany will know how to seduce you. The Pointe du Raz will give you the impression to be at the end of the world. It is located at the very end of Finistère on the Cap Sizun. From there you will have a breathtaking view on the immensity of the Ocean and on the lacy cliffs of the Breton coast. You should also absolutely go to the Pointe du Grouin (not a very common name but don’t hold it against it, you won’t be disappointed!). The Cap Fréhel will offer you a breathtaking view on the islands of Jersey, Bréhal and the Contentin. The Pointe de Pen-al-Lann will offer you a view on the Morbihan coast.
Brittany also has a number of islands, each more beautiful than the other. If you have the time and the opportunity, I really advise you to visit them.
The island of Bréhat in spring is absolutely sublime. Saint Cado will be your favorite at sunset, I take the risk to promise you that. Belle ile en Mer also has a lot to offer, including many viewpoints. I recommend the one of the Pointe des Poulains. It also has a very nice marina. But my favorite place for ever, the one I really want to share with you is the Glénan Archipelago. It is like being in Polynesia. The water is also turquoise! The archipelago is one hour away from the coast by boat and different departures from different cities are possible.
Its magic
The Breton lands are particularly known for their mythical legends. If you are a fan of these stories then you are in the right place! Lose yourself in the forest of Broceliande for the best experience. You will discover all the legends about Merlin and King Arthur. There is a whole trail to see the Grail Church and the Valley of No Return but also Merlin’s tomb and many other secrets that I’ll let you discover for yourself.
In your quest for legend, you will also have to stop at the Monts d’Arrée: this place would contain the doors of the beyond Yeun Ellez in Breton. As well as at the Cairn of Barnenez: building of more than 3000 stones located on the peninsula of Kernéléhen. Very beautiful point of view on the cove of Térénez and the bay of Morlaix.
Finally, for your quest to be complete, you must take the time to discover the Menhirs of Carnac. They can be seen in the south of Morbihan and number about 3000. You will find this strange phenomenon on the peninsula of Crozon with the alignment of Lagatjar.
Its legendary gastronomy
Who has never tasted real, delicious salted butter caramel on a warm pancake? If you are about to answer “me” I assure you that it is the first thing you must do after reading this article! And even if you are, between you and me, I also advise you to taste everything else. Far Breton, Kouign-amann or Andouille de Guémené or Vire. I assure you, it will be a real revelation. Don’t forget, drink some cider in the middle of all this.
Its unusual architecture
Brittany has a large number of wonderfully preserved towns and villages. For the sake of length for this article I will only mention a few of them but I really advise you to go and discover them all.
Saint-Malo remains a must-see. The walks on its ramparts and in its paved streets are very pleasant. At low tide it will be possible to visit the Ile du grand Bé and the petit Bé. Dinan should also be on your list. It is a fortified city with very well preserved half-timbered houses. And in the same spirit we advise you Locronan. Cancale for oyster lovers with its huge oyster farm or Concarneau and its very large fishing port are nice to discover. Morlaix and Quimper are worth seeing, especially for the particularity of their houses. Vannes and Rennes also have a lot to offer, I hope you will take the time to discover them.
For those who want to get away from the tourist rush, we recommend Rochefort en terre. More discreet but very picturesque.
Finally I would like to mention Dinard and Paimpol. Two seaside resorts very appreciated and rich in history.
Our tour of Brittany is coming to an end, I hope you enjoyed reading the article as much as I enjoyed writing it. Brittany still holds many secrets and I hope you will go and discover them.
Don’t forget to update your booklet and add all the places that you think are must-sees.
Exceptional discoveries often come from the least known places.