Slow down and take a more sustainable and scenic route through south-west France in the country’s largest region...
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in south-west France is filled with beaches, valleys, vineyards and towering mountains. It’s a dream for gourmands and outdoors enthusiasts alike, who have France’s largest region to play with. Here you’ll find history, culture, unique dialects, diverse landscapes and ancient communities aplenty.
Every city, town and village here has a story to tell. For example, when regional capital Bordeaux was recognised by UNESCO in 2007, it became the largest urban World Heritage Site on the planet. Beyond lies a coastline of some 750km of sandy beaches, stretching from La Rochelle in the north to Biarritz and the Pays Basque in the south. In Dordogne there’s medieval castles, ancient river valleys and prehistoric cave paintings, while a rich tapestry of culture and gastronomy awaits in the peaks of the Pyrenees bordering Spain.
There’s plenty of history here too, and even links to the Plantagenet kings of England. Richard the Lionheart once took up residence in Château de Beynac. The historically curious can unearth World Heritage Sites, churches, castles, bastides (fortified towns) and medieval mills before heading off the beaten track to meet locals and discover traditional and regional artisan products. The porcelain of Limoges is rightly celebrated, as are the artisanal rugs of Aubusson. Stay in châteaus and Art Deco hotels as you sample the fine gastronomy that the breadbasket of France has to offer, from foie gras and elusive truffles to delicious cheeses and prime beef. But it’s the vineyards that will attract many. Here, in the heart of wine country, you can discover Bordeaux reds, sweet white wines and superb cognacs.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine offers a chance to unplug and relax. Across the region is a lush mix of rural land, mountains, rivers and valleys; a place where you can hit the beach or explore lonely natural escapes by bike or on foot. Locals passionately care about preserving the green lands they have inherited, so however you decide to spend your time, you can do it sustainably. Start planning your trip to Nouvelle-Aquitaine now with our guide.
DISCOVER LOCAL CULTURE
If you’re after amazing wine and culture, start in the regional capital. Bordeaux, known as Port of the Moon, is a city with a lo
