Published the 10/02/2024 in Exploring the Region
Imagine a place where every street corner tells a story, where vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see under a bright sky, where golden beaches meet dense forests, and the scent of regional dishes fills the fresh air. Welcome to Nouvelle-Aquitaine, a multifaceted region in the southwest of France, spanning from the prestigious vineyards of Bordeaux to the wild shores of the Atlantic coast, from the towering peaks of the Pyrenees to the lush green hills of Périgord. Here, every visitor finds something to love, whether they are culture enthusiasts, food lovers, nature adventurers, or simply seeking relaxation and well-being. Offering a rich mosaic of landscapes, flavors, and experiences, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a prime destination for discerning travelers looking for a unique getaway that blends luxury, discovery, and authenticity.
When one thinks of the Southwest, the name Bordeaux naturally comes to mind—a majestic city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007. Known for its 18th-century architecture, its quays along the Garonne River, and its futuristic Cité du Vin, Bordeaux is more than just a city; it is the starting point of a captivating journey through one of the richest and most diverse regions of France. Nouvelle-Aquitaine has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the 400-year-old Cordouan Lighthouse, often dubbed the "Versailles of the Sea," and the Vézère Valley, nicknamed the "Valley of Mankind" for its prehistoric caves, such as the famous Lascaux Cave, home to 17,000-year-old cave paintings.
But it’s not just the historical sites that bring fame to the region. Bordeaux is the wine capital of the world, with 7,000 wineries and 60 classified grands crus that attract enthusiasts from across the globe. Wander through the winding roads of Saint-Émilion, explore the centuries-old cellars of Médoc, and be captivated by the diversity of terroirs that produce exceptional wines such as Médoc, Pomerol, Sauternes, and many more. Yet, wine is only the first step in a culinary journey, as the region is also home to 55 Michelin-starred restaurants, where innovative creations made from local products are crafted by renowned chefs.
The natural wealth of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is just as impressive, with its four regional nature parks—Landes de Gascogne, Périgord-Limousin, Marais Poitevin, and Millevaches in Limousin—offering a diverse range of landscapes, from poetic marshlands to dense forests, winding rivers, and wild moors. These parks are sanctuaries for local wildlife and flora, providing visitors with endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, canoeing, and cycling.
As you travel through the region, you’ll also discover 34 villages ranked among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," such as Collonges-la-Rouge, with its red sandstone houses, or La Roque-Gageac, nestled between a cliff and the Dordogne River. Each of these villages is a gem of charm and authenticity, with cobbled streets, medieval homes, and local markets where culinary traditions are passed down from generation to generation.
It’s a land of incredible diversity, where every corner reveals a new facet of French history and culture, and every visit turns into an unforgettable experience.
The South of France is a land of ancestral craftsmanship, where artisanship is more than just an activity; it is a vibrant and living heritage that narrates the history of this region through the centuries. In Limoges, the world capital of porcelain, artisans continue to produce pieces of unparalleled finesse that have been cherished since the 18th century. Limoges porcelain, renowned for its whiteness and translucency, is prized worldwide and adorns the finest tables, from royal palaces to luxurious private residences. Visiting the workshops of Limoges immerses you in a world of delicacy, where each piece is carefully shaped, painted, and fired using ancestral techniques passed down through generations.
Just a few kilometers away, in the village of Aubusson, master weavers uphold another unique craft. Aubusson tapestries, listed as an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, grace the walls of museums, palaces, and castles around the world. Since the 15th century, these tapestries have depicted historical, mythological, or pastoral scenes, created with extreme precision and a palpable passion for textile art. A visit to the International City of Tapestry in Aubusson is a must for art enthusiasts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of this craft over the centuries.
In the small town of Nontron, nestled in the heart of the Périgord Vert, the oldest knives in France are still handcrafted. These Nontron knives, recognizable by their handles made of boxwood adorned with geometric patterns, symbolize both robustness and elegance. Each knife is unique, crafted using traditional artisanal methods that ensure exceptional quality. In Saint-Junien and Thiviers, leather takes center stage. These towns are famous for producing luxury gloves and leather accessories supplied to the finest French leather goods houses. The local craftsmanship is reflected in every stitch, every cut, and every piece, creating items coveted by fashionistas around the globe.
Discovering these artisans is to delve into the soul of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, a region where each object is imbued with history and passion, and where every craft is preserved and celebrated as a precious treasure.
If Nouvelle-Aquitaine is famous for its wine, it is equally renowned for its cuisine. The region is a true horn of plenty, offering exceptional local products that are used to create dishes that delight the palate and celebrate local traditions. The oysters from the Arcachon Basin, fresh, plump, and delicately briny, are enjoyed facing the ocean, often paired with a glass of dry white wine from Entre-deux-Mers or Pessac-Léognan. Each oyster is the result of the expertise of passionate oyster farmers who uphold environmentally respectful cultivation and harvesting techniques.
In the Landes and Périgord regions, foie gras is a true institution. Whether served semi-cooked, in terrine, or sautéed, it is elevated by chefs who skillfully play with textures and aromas to bring out the best flavors. Bayonne ham, on the other hand, is a staple of Basque cuisine. This ham, cured with salt from Salies-de-Béarn and air-dried, is perfect for enjoying in thin slices with a glass of red wine from Madiran or as tapas during a convivial aperitif.
The region of Périgord is also famous for its cep mushrooms and truffles, true jewels of French gastronomy. Local markets are brimming with these forest treasures, which bring a unique flavor and a touch of luxury to many dishes. Périgord truffles, in particular, are highly prized for their intense aroma and subtle taste, making them a sought-after ingredient for starred chefs and food enthusiasts alike. During your visit, be sure to partake in a tasting at one of the region’s truffle farms, where you can discover the secrets of their cultivation and harvest.
Sweet-toothed visitors will not be disappointed, with specialties like Bordeaux canelés, small cakes caramelized on the outside and soft on the inside, Saint-Émilion macarons, which are both crunchy and melt-in-your-mouth, and the Landes tourtière, a light and crispy flaky dessert often drizzled with a bit of Armagnac. At every corner, every market, and every restaurant, Nouvelle-Aquitaine offers a culinary journey that will delight your taste buds.
After indulging in these delights, there’s nothing like taking care of yourself in a calming and rejuvenating setting. The west coast is renowned for its numerous wellness centers, luxurious spas, and thermal resorts that attract visitors seeking relaxation and tranquility. In the heart of the vineyards at Château Smith Haut Lafitte, the Sources de Caudalie is one of the most popular destinations for vinotherapy. In an elegant and refined setting, you can enjoy unique treatments using grape polyphenols, known for their anti-aging properties, and be tempted by grape baths or wraps in grape pomace that revitalize the skin and soothe the mind.
In Dax, France's premier thermal destination, the spas use natural mud and hot waters with therapeutic properties. Known for their benefits for rheumatism and joint conditions, these thermal treatments attract thousands of visitors each year. You can also explore the Thermes de Salies-de-Béarn, famous for their saline waters that promote muscle relaxation and alleviate pain.
For a more intimate and exclusive experience, luxury spas such as the Spa Guerlain at Hôtel Chais Monnet in Cognac or the Spa Nuxe at Hôtel de Toiras on Île de Ré offer personalized treatments in exceptional settings. Imagine enjoying a relaxing massage with views of the vineyards or a facial using products made from natural ingredients sourced from the region. These places are sanctuaries of well-being where you can recharge in complete serenity, far from the stresses of everyday life.
For those seeking to reconnect with nature and discover less-traveled places, the South West of France offers a multitude of secret and preserved destinations. The interior Basque Country is a true haven of peace, where rolling green hills meet the peaks of the Pyrenees. Here, picturesque villages like Espelette, famous for its red peppers drying on balconies, and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the last stop before the Camino de Santiago, exude serenity and authenticity. Explore the hiking trails that wind between mountains and valleys, breathe in the pure air, and let yourself be enchanted by the wild beauty of the landscape.
The Gers, often compared to the French Tuscany, is another ideal destination for rejuvenation. Here, the scenery is dominated by undulating hills, fields of sunflowers, medieval bastides, and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Discover charming villages like Lectoure or Larressingle, sample the famous Armagnac wines, and enjoy the legendary hospitality of the Gascons, always ready to share a glass of Floc de Gascogne or a hearty meal around a convivial table.
In the Landes region, be captivated by the majesty of the pine forests, which stretch endlessly to the fine sandy dunes. Here, everything invites tranquility: bike rides along the many cycling paths that traverse the forest, relaxation by the lakes, or surfing the waves of the Atlantic on the renowned beaches of Hossegor and Seignosse. Finally, for history and culture enthusiasts, the Périgord Noir offers a fascinating dive into the past, with its medieval castles like Castelnaud and Beynac, prehistoric caves, and hanging gardens that provide breathtaking panoramas.
The west south is a living museum of French architecture, showcasing an incredible diversity of styles that narrate the history of France through the centuries. In Bordeaux, the Haussmannian style is expressed in all its splendor, with elegant buildings made of blonde stone, wide avenues lined with plane trees, and majestic squares like Place des Quinconces, the largest in Europe. Stroll along the banks of the Garonne, explore the cobbled streets of Old Bordeaux, and admire iconic structures such as the Grand Théâtre and the Saint-André Cathedral.
In the region of Périgord, golden stone houses with slate roofs harmoniously blend into the rolling landscape. Visit medieval villages like Sarlat-la-Canéda or Domme, where every street, facade, and architectural detail speaks of a rich past. On Île de Ré, the architecture becomes more understated and bright, with white houses featuring green shutters, typical of this little paradise. Here, each village, such as Ars-en-Ré or Saint-Martin-de-Ré, invites leisurely exploration, with narrow streets and picturesque fishing ports.
Finally, the bastides of Lot-et-Garonne and Dordogne, with their central squares lined with arcades and imposing ramparts, provide a unique glimpse into medieval urban planning. These fortified towns, like Monpazier and Eymet, are true historical treasures, where one can still feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages while wandering through their cobbled streets and admiring the remnants of that era.
Why stop there? Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a gateway to other fascinating adventures, a crossroads where different cultures and landscapes meet. Imagine a combined journey that takes you from the French Basque Country to the Spanish Basque Country, two sides of the same culture, with shared traditions but distinct atmospheres. Start in Biarritz, an elegant seaside resort known for its beaches and surfing, before crossing the border to reach San Sebastián, the ultimate foodie city, famous for its pintxos bars and festive vibe.
Next, head to Bilbao, a dynamic and artistic city where the Guggenheim Museum dazzles with its futuristic architecture and world-renowned contemporary art collections. End your day in Spain with a flamenco evening in Vitoria-Gasteiz or Bilbao, where you'll experience the vibrant energy of this passionate and captivating dance.
For wine enthusiasts, why not consider a complete wine getaway that begins in the Bordeaux vineyards, continues in the Loire Valley, famous for its Sancerres and Pouilly-Fumé, moves on to Champagne to savor exquisite bubbles, and concludes in the hills of Alsace, known for its Rieslings and Gewurztraminers? At each stop, you'll discover exceptional wineries, historic cellars, and unique terroirs.
For those seeking a spiritual and cultural journey, follow the Camino de Santiago through Nouvelle-Aquitaine and on to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Walk in the footsteps of pilgrims, discover Romanesque churches, hidden monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes along this ancient route, all while experiencing a deeply enriching journey, both inward and outward.
In the west coast, every moment is an adventure, every place a discovery, and every encounter a surprise. Whether you are a culture enthusiast, a gastronomy lover, a wellness devotee, or a nature aficionado, this region offers everything you dream of and more. To experience this unforgettable and tailored journey, contact our travel agency. We will be delighted to create the perfect getaway for you—a unique journey at the heart of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, where every moment will become a cherished memory.