Hoteliers, proud of their regions
A very "multiple" region Aquitaine
Between the sea and the mountains, Aquitaine region offers different landscapes with regional accents. Along the ocean coastline, the beauty of the Landes and the Basque country will amaze you. Enjoy this region, reputed for its wines, gastronomy, country houses and "art de vivre".
- The unforgettable Dune of Pyla
Start your visit of Aquitaine by the capital Bordeaux, situated at the heart of the largest area of vineyards of fine wines in the world. Crossed by the river Garonne, where the port "de la Lune" receives cruise ship stopovers, and where each area has its history, Bordeaux has a large number of monuments to visit and places to discover, thanks to its rich heritage. A few minutes from Bordeaux, the town of Merignac with its architectural heritage including the old church of Saint-Vincent, the square house of Arlac or the chateau of Bourran, are well worth a visit.
Still in the region of Bordeaux, you can discover the precursor to the telephone at Gradignan , the optical telegraph in the abbey Chappe, the principle of which was to transmit optic signals via aerials situated on high points.
Next to Perigord « Blanc » (from the chalk deposits in this region) where you'll amke a stop in Perigueux - be sure to visit the Cathedral Saint-Front, classed as an international heritage site, as well as the museums. In the squares of the medieval town centre, don't miss the markets full of local colour.
Not far from here, in Perigord «Pourpre » (name evoking the colour of wine) is Bergerac and its famous vineyards. A magnificent town, with a historic centre, the port and the old bridge over the Dordogne, Bergerac which will deligth history and nature lovers. Nearby, you can visit the caves at Maxanges, with their surprising crystallizations « excentriques » which make this site unique. In Perigord noir (from, among other things, the colour of truffles) in Terrasson-La-Villedieu, discover the gardens "de l'Imaginaire" opposite the old town, which evokes the history of mankind through the gardens. In Arcachon, town situated on the inlet of the same name, with its numerous beaches and oyster parks, enjoy the relaxing sea air. Take advantage of this stopover to see the "Ile aux Oiseaux"and climb the "Dune du Pyla", where the view is unforgettable.
- Enjoy the Feria of Dax !
Leave the coast for Pau, capital of Béarn where the Museum of Fine Arts, located in a buiding dating back to the 1930's, has a number of major works. Don't miss the castle and enjoy the many open spaces, for walking or relaxing. In Dax, you can enjoy the benefits of thermal treatments, experience local culture, visit the museums or the cathedral Notre-Dame or, for something different, around the 15th of August, annual events including horseracing, and bullfighting, musical and sporting events.
Fifteen kilometers from there, in Castets, you can hike in the forests of go down the river Palue in canoe or kayak. In the Landes, at Capbreton, you can taste "vin de sable" or visit the eco-museum of fishing and the aquarium. The town, located between the forest and the ocean, has a number of hiking and biking trails. It's the perfect place for surfers, suntanning and swimming. One of the gastronomic specialites of the Landes is the asparagus - try it with all the different sauces! As Dany et Stanislas highlight, "The gastronomy is extremely important in the lifestyle of the Landes region. The wide variety of fish from the ocean, the rivers and the lakes, together with the asparagus from the dunes and the Chalosse corn-fed beef. And from the forest come the mushrooms. The Landes is a region of celebration and tradition which form an integral part of the lifestyle of its people".
- The coast of Biarritz
Direction Pays Basque starting with the famous Biarritz, where you'll find lots of activities (beaches, surfing, hiking, the , Rocher de la Vierge. Discover an exceptional panorama from the lighthouse esplanade. In the centre of town the museums of the Sea and Chocolate (each to his own) will tempt you. Finally, Biarritz is also a popular choice for sea water spa treatments and well being breaks.
In the south, in Saint Jean de Luz, boat trips, beches, surfing, sailing and watersports are available. The main beach is a favourite with couples on a romantic weekend. For families, the basque eco-museum show local culture and traditions. Don't leave Saint Jean de Luz without tasting the Macarons, the local speciality.
Aquitaine has plenty to offer, both in terms of the diversity of its regions and the variety of activities available. How can we talk about Aquitaine without mentioning gastronomy, starting with the famous foie gras, the "confit" or the "magret" of duck, the ham of Bayonne, the fish…Everything with remarkable wines...
So whether you are more "nature", "culture" or "foodie", just don't miss Aquitaine.
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