Nouvelle-Aquitaine is France on a grand scale. The country’s largest region stretches from the Loire to the Pyrenees, with Bordeaux’s vineyards, the surf beaches of the Basque Coast, Europe’s tallest sand dune and the prehistoric caves and castles of the Dordogne. This Nouvelle-Aquitaine travel guide helps you choose where to go.
Why visit Nouvelle-Aquitaine
In south-west France, the region combines world-famous wine, a long Atlantic coastline, the Basque Country’s strong culture and some of France’s most beautiful villages.
It is also a paradise for food lovers: oysters from Arcachon, duck and foie gras from the Périgord, Bayonne ham, canelés and cognac.
Top places to visit in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Bordeaux and its vineyards
The elegant 18th-century centre, the Water Mirror on Place de la Bourse and the Cité du Vin. Beyond the city, visit the wine villages of Saint-Émilion and the Médoc châteaux.
The Arcachon Bay and the Dune du Pilat
Climb the Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, for views over the ocean and the pine forest, then eat oysters in a waterside cabin on the Arcachon Bay.
The Basque Coast
Biarritz for surf and Belle Époque style, Bayonne for its half-timbered old town and Saint-Jean-de-Luz for its harbour and beach, with the Pyrenees as a backdrop.
The Dordogne (Périgord)
Medieval Sarlat, castles above the river, riverside villages and the prehistoric cave art of the Vézère Valley, including the Lascaux IV replica.
La Rochelle and Île de Ré
La Rochelle’s historic harbour and towers, and the flat, cycle-friendly Île de Ré with its white villages and salt marshes.
Best time to visit Nouvelle-Aquitaine
May to October is ideal: warm days, swimmable sea from June and long evenings. July and August are busy on the coast. September and October bring the grape harvest and good surf. Winter is mild on the coast and quiet everywhere.
Getting to and around Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Bordeaux is the main airport, with Biarritz and La Rochelle close behind. TGV trains reach Bordeaux from Paris in about two hours, and continue to the Basque Coast. Distances are large, so a car is the best way to explore the Dordogne, the coast and the vineyards.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine itinerary ideas
- Four days: Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion and the Dune du Pilat.
- One week, ocean and wine: Bordeaux, Arcachon and the Basque Coast.
- Villages and castles: Sarlat, the Dordogne valley and the Vézère caves.
What to eat in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Arcachon oysters, canelés from Bordeaux, Bayonne ham and Espelette pepper, gâteau basque, duck confit and foie gras from the Périgord and walnuts from the Dordogne. To drink: Bordeaux wines, cognac and pineau des Charentes.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine travel tips
- Swim between the flags: Atlantic waves and currents can be strong.
- Book Lascaux IV and popular wine tours in advance in summer.
- Allow time: the region is huge, so choose one or two areas per trip.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine FAQ
Bordeaux or the Basque Coast?
Bordeaux for wine and city life; the Basque Coast for beaches, surf and Basque culture. They are about two hours apart by train.
How many days do you need?
Three or four days for one area, such as Bordeaux and Arcachon; ten days to combine wine, ocean and the Dordogne.
Can you swim in the Atlantic in summer?
Yes, from June to September, on lifeguarded beaches – the water is cooler than the Mediterranean and the waves are bigger.
