Tip

Tips for a holiday in Aquitaine

Discover the unspoiled beauty of Aquitaine with our expert tips and recommendations for an unforgettable holiday.

The region Aquitaine is a popular holiday destination in France. The departments Dordogne, Gironde, Les Landes, and Pyrénées-Atlantique are visited by many tourists all year round, and this is not without reason. The lovely beaches, beautiful nature, and lively cities and villages are a winning combination for an enjoyable holiday. This blog will provide you with more information on what to do and see in these popular departments.

Authentic French villages and beautiful nature in the Dordogne

The Dordogne is one of the well-known departments in Aquitaine. It has over 1000 castles, authentic villages, and prehistoric caves. The department is named after the river, a holiday attraction for tourists who love to swim or have a BBQ on the river’s rocks. The region is also known for its breathtaking nature and hiking routes.

The village Belvès can be rightfully called one of the most beautiful villages of France. The village still has its original medieval wall and is the place to shop at one of the markets. You can also just strike down for a bite and drink. The restaurant ‘Le Parfum des Mets’ is one you can’t skip: it has a breathtaking view over the vast nature of the Dordogne.

Taste wine in the Gironde or explore Dune du Pilat

The Gironde has it all! Drive by the vineyards in Médoc and enjoy a great glass of French wine. Want something completely different? Dune du Pilat is worth a visit: it is a beautiful dune to enjoy a breath of fresh air. Saint-Émilion is a must-visit as well. You’re going back in time to the Middle Ages while having dinner at one of the picturesque restaurants.

Are you more into city trips? Bordeaux is the right choice for you. This city has pretty much everything, museums, shops, old churches and cozy squares where you can have some enjoyable food or a drink.

Relax at the beach or go hiking in Pyrénées-Atlantique

The Pyrénées-Atlantiques is next to the Spanish Basque Country, therefore it is also known as French Basque Country. This department has gorgeous coastal cities and beaches, historic villages, and it is a pleasure for hike-lovers thanks to the mountains.

Visit Parc National des Pyrénées for a beautiful hike or one of the Gorges. Once you’re done with the intensive hike, you can always go to Biarritz or Saint-Jean-de-Luz for some relaxation at the beach.

Visit Europe’s largest landscaped pine forest

When you’re visiting Aquitaine, you can’t go home without a visit to Europe’s largest landscaped pine forest. With over 315,000 hectares of beautiful nature, Parc Natural Régional des Landes de Gascogne is a favorite among nature lovers. This regional park extends all the way from the Bassin d’Arcachon deep into the Gers and has a lot of beautiful holiday homes and gîtes along the way.

Besides that, Les Landes has many amazing coastal cities, such as Mimizan and Hossegor, which are both great for relaxing at the beach and surfing.