The historic region of Aquitaine spent 300 years as part of England until 1453, when France annexed it at the end of the Hundred Years’ War. Now known as “Nouvelle Aquitaine,” the region has expanded to include old Aquitaine, Poitou-Charentes, and Limousin and runs from Pays de la Loire to the Spanish border. An area with plenty of things to do—famous for fine wine, historic châteaux, and a long Atlantic coastline booming with surf culture—visitors could spend a lifetime here… and many end up doing so.
Aquitaine is vast, and there’s never a bad time to visit. Tourists flock here in the summer to spend languid days with their toes in the sand, while surfers catch waves without the crowds during the Atlantic swells in winter. Bordeaux, the largest city in Aquitaine, is always lively, but the Bordeaux Wine Festival in late June is particularly exciting, often regarded as the finest wine festival in the world.
How to get around depends on where you want to visit. Aquitaine is a large area; you won’t cover it all in one trip! Many people base themselves in the city (usually Bordeaux) and take day trips out to the vineyards, beaches, and châteaux, but if you prefer the countryside, stay in the Dordogne. Having a car is practical if you plan to explore the whole region. Alternatively, book organized tours from Bordeaux.
Bordeaux and the Dordogne hog the limelight in Aquitaine, but how much do you know about France’s Basque Country? Quieter beaches, sangria, and the village of Espelette, which produces France’s only chili pepper, make the Basque Country in southern Aquitaine perfect for travelers looking to get off the beaten track. The beaches in Hossengor, Hendaye, and the little fishing villages in between are a surfer’s paradise.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +33 | Language(s) French | Attractions 46 | Tours 412 | Reviews 11,481 |
Bordeaux is the largest town in Aquitaine and the sixth-largest city in France. It’s known for being the capital of the most famous wine region in the world (wine museums and vineyards abound), spectacular architecture, notably the cathedral and main square, and centuries of history.
...MoreAquitaine’s history is very famous. When Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry II in 1152, Aquitaine became English until the end of the Hundred Years’ War, three centuries later. These days it’s known for the Saint-Émilion wine region, the châteaux of the Dordogne, and for producing some of France’s most famous culinary specialties (including foie gras).
...MoreAquitaine has something for everyone. Sheltered sandy bays and long beaches for surfing, cuisine that varies from pintxos in the Basque Country to foie gras in Sarlat, some of the most famous wineries in the world, the Pyrenean mountains, and the city of Bordeaux—do you really need more reasons?
...MoreTake a deep breath. Bordeaux wine, foie gras, truffles, Espelette chili peppers, Basque chicken, duck confit, cinnamon cake, walnuts, chestnuts, pate, caviar, cognac, strawberries, porcini mushrooms… we could go on. Follow the foie gras route for a road trip with a foodie theme.
...MoreCity-breakers should head to Bordeaux and day trip out to the various vineyards on the doorstep. Equally popular is the Dordogne region, known for its châteaux and markets (Sarlat has an outstanding market held on Wednesdays and Saturdays). Biarritz is France’s capital of surfing and a popular seaside resort.
...MoreIt depends on your interests, but a first-time visitor won’t go wrong staying in Bordeaux. As the largest city, it’s the easiest place for day trips to vineyards, villages, and châteaux. Prefer to get off the beaten track? Skip the vineyards at Saint-Émilion for the Lot, and stay in the Medieval city of Cahors, surrounded by Malbec vineyards.
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