In the heart of nature

For a “zero carbon” holiday, it is the ideal destination to indulge in the joys of nature through outdoor activities (hiking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, trail, white water, paragliding...). Many eco-labelled accommodations, from camping to hotels: 92 accommodations with the European eco-label in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Three ideas for a relaxing stay in the countryside.

The GR10, the great crossing of the Pyrenees

The famous GR10 hiking trail is made for those who love the great outdoors. It travels the length of the Pyrenees from Hendaye to Banyuls and takes two months to complete. For the Nouvelle-Aquitaine section (270 km), you will need about ten days, passing through Aïnhoa (one of the most beautiful villages in France) or the Maison de l’Ours in Etsaut. Crossing Basque villages with white and red facades and green valleys, the Col de La Pierre Saint-Martin and high altitude lakes to enter the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. You stop in gites, hotels, guest rooms or refuges. You can even camp under the stars.

• From Hendaye to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port : Beginning at Hendaye on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, then crossing the first summit of the Rhune and the Basque villages of Sare, Aïnhoa, Bidarray. Irouléguy vineyard in sight, crossing Saint-Etienne-de-Baïgorry before arriving in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
• From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to La Pierre-Saint-Martin from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to the summer pastures of Cize and Soule. Passage to Iraty. 
• From La Pierre-Saint-Martin to Arrens : Crossing the limestone plateau of La-Pierre-Saint-Martin before entering the Pyrenees National Park to discover the emblematic Pic du Midi d’Ossau.
• To be planned: make the stopover Bidarray - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port then return by the train that winds through the Nive valley at the foot of the Basque mountains. Departure from Bayonne.

Lake Vassivière, the other Canada

With its 1,000 ha, it is one of the largest lakes in the region, an extraordinary place for holidays and discoveries. Its forest landscapes, islands and peninsulas give the appearance of a small Scandinavian or Canadian landscape.

• Don’t miss: The International Centre for Art and Landscape, dedicated to contemporary creation; the island of Vassivière; the beaches of Broussas or Auphelle...
• To be planned: discovery of the lake by taxi boat, hiking along the shoreline path, outdoor activity (sailing, canoeing, water skiing, fishing, trail...), storytelling around the lake.

The regional natural park of Millevaches

Located in the northeast of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and the source of many rivers (Vézère, Vienne, Taurion), it is made up of remarkable natural environments where peat bogs, moors, forests and meadows alternate. An ideal landscape to recharge your batteries. Whatever the season, the park has a lot to offer nature lovers: sites and trails for discovery, numerous activities such as hiking, cycling, horseback riding, donkey riding, water sports and Nordic activities. It is home to fragile animal species, such as otters, and is a stopover for migratory birds.

• Don’t miss: Lake Vassivière, the Longeyroux peat bog, the communes of Meymac, Felletin, Eymoutiers and Treignac, the four entry points to the park. 
• To be planned: cross-country skiing on the Domaine de Gentioux-Pigerolles, mountain biking from the Chamberet, or Eygurande bases, fishing in this place, which is the source of many rivers (Vézère, Vienne, Taurion...). The travel and interpretation trails to be discovered and is available in all tourist offices.