One of the largest regions in France, stretching up to Bordeaux and the Dordogne in the North and down to Bayonne and the Spanish border in the south, Aquitaine is home to varied landscapes and beautiful towns.
Beach Life
With 100km of coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean, the Aquitaine region offers sublime beaches. The famed stretch of the Côte d'Argent is situated just a short walk or a leisurely cycle from the Moliets village, and is sheltered by picturesque dunes, while lifeguards are present to keep an eye on proceedings.
The Le Verdon Sur Mer resort boasts Soulac Beach along the Côte d'Argent. This beach offers a small, charming sandy beach with a slower pace of life, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. There are shallow seawater pools, which are perfect for younger paddlers, and gentle waves for those just learning to surf. The seaside town of Mèdoc provides an ideal post-dinner stroll along the shoreline, stretching from the top of the Bay or Archachon.
Out on the Water
From Le Teich, guests can enjoy a trip to Bird Island. Only accessible by boat, this former sand dune is a bird reserve that sees hundreds of migratory birds roosting there, as well as unique flora and fauna, visiting oyster fishers and yachtsmen.
For something more high energy, the Atlantic coast boasts a variety of water sports, including sailing, body boarding, rafting, canoeing and diving. Those wanting to take their PADI course will find plenty of centres available here. Beaches in Les Landes offer some of the finest surfing beaches in Europe, such as Cepbreton, which hosts regular surfing competitions for experienced surfers. In the Mèdoc region, Soulac, Lacanaou and Montavlivet all offer good surfing, with facilities to hire equipment and book lessons available. For something a little different, the lakes at Laconaou and Hourtin-Carcans offer beautiful warm swimming and more relaxed water sports, with sandy inland beaches, which can be reached by bicycle or car from the Aquitaine beaches.
Two Feet or Four Wheels
Cyclists and walkers will be spoilt for choice in the beautiful Aquitaine region. The north is home to large vineyards and small farms and woodlands perfect for exploring, while the south is home to thick pine forests, heath and farmland. Wander along the coast or through the dense trees, exploring this stunning area at your own pace, remembering to stop off for a rustic French picnic!
History lovers will find prehistoric sites around the Lascaux area, where there are fascinating caves with Palaeolithic paintings estimated to be up to 20,000 years old! Many of these caves are UNESCO world heritage sites, and identical replicas have been created for visitors to see, without fear of damaging the originals. St Emilion is a small historic city worth exploring for its beautiful monolithic church and bell tower, king's tower, convent and palace. The capital of the region, Bordeaux, is home to an amphitheatre, the beautiful bridge over the River Garonne, picturesque streets and the Place de la Bourse.