The ultimate summer destination, Aquitaine not only enjoys a mild, sunny climate, but also an ideal location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees mountains. Boasting wonderfully diverse scenery, ranging from the famous Bordelais vineyard to the splendid Pyrenean massifs, through the peaceful Dordogne Valley, the superb Bay of Arcachon or the picturesque Basque Country, this magnificent region at the heart of south-west France offers holidaymakers a vast range of activities and discoveries. With its many remarkable sites, it can be proud of a whole host of natural and architectural treasures, and combines the joys of the beach and the ocean with the attractions of the forest and lakes. The most unmissable tourist destinations include the Cities of Art and History of Bayonne, Bordeaux, Périgueux and Pau, the castles of Bonaguil, Cazeneuve and Roquetaillade, the medieval cities of Saint-Émilion and Sarlat-la-Canéda, the seaside resorts of Arcachon, Biarritz, Capbreton, Hossegor and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the typical Basque Country villages, the gardens of Eyrignac and Marqueyssac, the tall Dune of Pilat and the charming fortified towns of Lot-et-Garonne.
Aquitaine is also a great place for lovers of relaxation and leisure sports, with its immense sandy beaches, its salty waves so highly prized by surfers, its lakes for water sports, its pine forests interspersed with cycle paths, its spa resorts with their health-giving waters, its ski areas and its countless hiking trails. Gourmets in search of fine flavours will also find plenty to enjoy, as the region is famed for its specialities and regional products like Bordeaux, Bergerac and Jurançon wines, Bay of Archachon oysters, Agen prunes, Landes poultry and foie gras, Périgord truffle, Chalosse beef, Bayonne ham, poule au pot (pot-cooked chicken) and Basque cake.
