|
Aquitaine Region
|
||||||||||
|
Comité Régional de Tourisme d’Aquitaine Bordered along the whole of its west coast by the Atlantic Ocean, Aquitaine is bathed in a mild oceanic climate with the influence of the Gulf Stream. The 2,200 sunshine hours per year make the Bordeaux region similar to the Mediterranean. Along with rainfall that is well distributed over the year, this sunshine is one of the elements which favour vine-growing in Aquitaine. Siblu HolidaysThe Aquitaine region knows a thing or two about variety, there is something here for everyone, from medieval towns to dramatic beaches to countless vineyards of award winning grapes. France's south west corner is full of contrasts; sunny vineyards sidle up to the Pyrénées mountains and life is one long beach, 270km of toasty sand to be precise, along with a multitude of vineyards and sprawling pine forests.
France Keys Bordeaux, the capital of Aquitaine, is situated 350 miles southwest of Paris. One of the best known cities in France, its fine wines are appreciated the world over by millions of connoisseurs. A major center of communications and commerce, Bordeaux is the western terminus of an excellent road and rail network between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. This region of wide-open spaces includes Europe's largest forest, and offers a long list of outdoor activities in an authentic and healthy environment. The number and quality of its golf courses has made it France's leading region for golfers. A visit to the Aquitaine region inevitably inspires interest in its past. With an abundance of prehistoric sites and a fascinating variety of artifacts, it is no wonder that the region is referred to as the "Cradle of the Arts." The outstanding finds at Lascaux, La Madeleine, and Rouffignac, the abbeys, fortresses, and châteaux, and the Gallo-Roman remains will delight those interested in architecture and archaeology.
Lot
et Garonne - South of the Dordogne rivera In the region area you
will find chateaux, including Bonaguil, Beynac and Biron; medieval towns,
including Domme, Belves, Monpazier and Sarlat; caves, including those
at Domme; unspoilt countryside, rivers and caves, beautiful gardens
and small unspoilt villages - several classed as 'most beautiful villages
in France'. Much of the most beautiful rural architecture in France,
or perhaps to be found anywhere, is to be seen here - ancient houses,
barns, pigeonniers and churches simply form part of the unchanging landscape. Wikipedia:Aquitaine covers an area of 41,308 km², 7.6 per cent of France's total area. It is bounded to the south by Spain, to the east by Midi-Pyrénées, to the north by Poitou-Charentes and Limousin and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean (Bay of Biscay). Major cities in Aquitaine include Bordeaux, Pau, Bayonne, Mont-de-Marsan, Biarritz, Bergerac, and Périgueux. Alternative Aquitaine Aquitaine is a well-known name but a relatively unexplored corner of France. It offers an outstanding diversity of attractions. Brittany Ferries A coastline full of stylish resorts and sandy beaches – the world famous vineyards of Bordeaux – the captivating scenery and market towns of the Dordogne – just three of the many reasons why Aquitaine has such irresistible appeal. Then of course there’s the wonderful sunny climate in which to enjoy it all.
Places to visit The Town of Hossegor Opening out on to an emerald green forest, caressed by the ocean, skirted by a glittering salt-water lake and an endless beach of fine sand, Hossegor reflects the prestige of a long welcoming tradition. With its tasteful architecture on the Aquitany Coast and as Europe's Surfing Capital and golfer's paradise the elegant town of Hossegor thrives from its rich past and opens itself on what the future offers best. Biarritz has a lot more than beautiful buildings to offer today. It's a vibrant cosmopolitan town with magnificent beaches, golf courses and numerous sporting facilities, not forgetting the surf. Surfing started in France here in Biarritz and surfers come from all over the world to ride the waves. The Biarritz Surf Festival brought together surfers from Hawaii, California and Australia every year to celebrate the birth of surfing in Biarritz. Messanges
A village perpetually in bloom in southern Landes, offers you the warmth
of its hospitality in a stunning forest environment stretching over
3,400 hectares.
La Roque-Gageac A magnificent village officially classified as one of the most beautiful in France, nestles into its high, south-facing rock cliffs in a bend of the River Dordogne and enjoys an almost Mediterranean climate. Domme:
This is a marvellous example of a walled bastide town with several fortified
gateways in the town walls. It is situated high above the river with
outstanding views of the Dordogne and the main châteaux in the
area. Underneath the market square there is a cave with stalagmites
and stalactites. Monpazier: This is the best preserved bastide town in the region. Its origins date from the 13th Century and with over 30 buildings designated as national monuments, clustered especially around the arcades of the central square, it really is a town of some beauty. Here also can be found the original market hall. Pompadour:
On the route of Richard the Lionheart. The magnificent 15th century
chateau was once the home of Madame de Pompadour - favouritemistress
of Louis X1V. Pompadour is also an international eventing centre
Wine Aquitaine Le-guide Undisturbed, the world-famous wines of Bordeaux - Graves, St Emilion and Médoc, to mention but a few - mature in their casks while the renowned chateaux look out over vineyards extending as far as the eye can see. Names like Margaux, Rothschild and Petrus are just an indication of the quality you can expect in Aquitaine. Medoc:
the most prestigious wines. Located in the South-west of France, in
the area of Bordeaux, the Medoc has some of the most prestigious red
wine vintages. Bordeaux Less than an hour from Bordeaux, you have your choice of wine tours. Depending on how you feel, you can combine wine with beaches, or history, or strolls, or the classic gastronomy.
|
