Destinations
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a land of great experiences, in an exceptional variety of locations. Discover our top 14 destinations :
Bordeaux, the city where anything is possible
Dynamic, rich, plural, ever-changing… Bordeaux, the capital of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is a trendy destination, proud of its many assets which earned the city the title of " European Best Destination ".
Dordogne valley
The Dordogne area is a land of many assets: from gastronomy (foie gras, truffles, etc.) to historical heritage (from the Lascaux caves to medieval villages and castles - Beynac, Castelnaud, Sarlat etc.) - but also of outdoor activities such as canoeing, golf, cycling, and fishing. As part of the Man and Biodiversity project, the Dordogne Valley was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2012, the entire watershed sheltering great biodiversity and containing one of the biggest estuaries in Europe.
Biarritz Pays basque
Two strong identities, the Pays Basque (on the Atlantic side) and small villages (inland), and an offering combining the countryside, the Pyrenees mountains and the seaside. It’s easy to discover an exceptional natural and cultural heritage and to enjoy gastronomy with a wealth of products. From Hendaye to Anglet, not to mention Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, lovers of surfing and water sports will take advantage of numerous great locations.
The Atlantic coast
From Marais-Poitevin to Pays-Basque via La Rochelle-Ile de Ré, Arcachon, the Landes this is the kingdom of water sports, cycling paths and lively seaside resorts. Visitors are always taken aback by the Atlantic Coast’s unforgettable beaches and panoramas.
La Rochelle - Ile de Ré
La Rochelle has always been turned towards the ocean. Vibrate to the sound of festivals, wander the typical streets, be lulled by the waves or stroll through the local markets: live the authenticity of the Atlantic Ocean.
Cognac country
In Cognac, town and eau-de-vie are one. So, a stay in Cognac would not be complete without a visit to a grand spirit merchant to learn the secrets of distillation or discover the ageing cellars and the “Paradis”, the cellar where the oldest eaux-de-vie are jealously kept.
Angoulême
In 1969, three friends created a festival in Angoulême to celebrate the Comic Strip or Bande Dessinée (BD) in French. Year by year, the event gathered momentum until in January 1974, the International Comic Strip Festival was born.
The streets of Angoulême, capital of the “ninth art”, reserve a large place for all kinds of bubbles and cartoons that you will see on the façades. Overlooking the Charente, posed like a ship on its rocky outcrop, Angoulême invites you to stroll. Don’t miss a guided tour in the little Valois train, which will reveal a wealth of information about the historical centre of Angoulême and its Roman heritage.
Pau - Pyrénées
Pau enjoys a privileged situation that has earned it the name of “the heart of the Pyrenees”. In the city, the Boulevard des Pyrénées is one of the favourite spots among locals: facing due south, they settle on the terraces of the cafés in the shade of the palm trees as soon as the sun comes out and admire the Pyrenean peaks.
Poitiers & Futuroscope
Futuroscope is one of France’s most loved theme parks. In 2017, the park celebrated its 30th anniversary. Visitors won’t find roller-coasters or carrousels at Futuroscope but dynamic cinemas, gigantic screens, and even dancing with robots. Meanwhile, Poitiers, also known as “the city of 100 bell towers”, with its 2,000-year-old history and heritage, is a marked contrast from Futuroscope.
Niort - Marais Poitevin
Imagine a magical landscape of shady cattle meadows crisscrossed by tranquil waterways; a landscape of pretty villages where bikes and boats are traditional forms of transport and where the locals work to the rhythm of the seasons. Welcome to the Marais Poitevin or “Green Venice”, a protected natural area classified “Grand Site de France” and regional Nature Park of the Marais Poitevin since 2014.
Limoges
Limoges is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and world-famous for its porcelain and tableware. Its museums are real treasure troves. Take a walk through Limoges' medieval streets and soak up the wide array of cultural and foodie experiences. Fine craftsmanship is celebrated on the city's outskirts (Tulle lace, Aubusson tapestry etc.) whilst you'll be blown away by the breath-taking landscapes that inspired the Impressionists in the Valley of Painters.
Vassivière - Plateau de Millevaches
Vassivière lake’s fine sandy beaches and recreational ports overflow with water activities, from sailing to leisurely visits aboard cruise boats. Enjoy majestic forests, explore secluded trails on foot, horseback, mountain-bike or quad. This is a land of legends combining contemporary artistic creation and local traditions.
The Landes forest and Armagnac
Just a short distance from the ocean and the Pyrenees, the Armagnac Landes area presents two sides of nature. To the north is a pine forest with its sandy trails. To the south, the valleys are planted with vineyards and oak groves.
The Lot & Garonne valleys
Hospitable and steeped in history, these valleys offer a host of cultural, fun and leisure activities for a great holiday experience in the heart of the South West. With Agen prunes, Marmande tomatoes, strawberries, kiwis and the wines of Buzet and Marmande, gastronomy and local produce are part of the identity of this terroir.
