The ultimate summer destination, New-Aquitaine not only benefits from a mild and sunny climate, but also enjoys a favourable location between the Atlantic Ocean, the Pyrenees mountain range and the Massif Central. Boasting a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from the famous Bordeaux vineyard to the splendid Pyrenees mountains, via the charming Dordogne Valley, the peaceful Millevaches Plateau, the mountains of Limousin, the mysterious Poitevin Marsh, the islands of Ré and Oléron or the picturesque Pays Basque, this magnificent territory in south-western France offers holidaymakers a wide range of activities and sightseeing opportunities. Boasting many remarkable sites, the region has a large number of natural and architectural treasures and combines the joys of the beach and the ocean with the attractions of the forest and lakes.
Favourite tourist destinations include cities of Art and History like Bayonne, Bordeaux, Pau, Périgueux and Poitiers, the castles of Bonaguil, Cazeneuve, Crozant, Roquetaillade and La Rochefoucauld, the medieval towns of Saint-Émilion and Sarlat-la-Canéda, the old port town of La Rochelle, the picturesque villages of Angles-sur-l'Anglin, Collonges-la-Rouge and Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, the stunning gardens of Eyrignac and Marqueyssac, and also the famous seaside resorts of Arcachon, Biarritz, Capbreton, Hossegor, Royan and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, as well as the tall Dune of Pilat that majestically towers over the entrance to the Bay of Arcachon. Lovers of religious architecture and artistic heritage will be delighted by gems of Romanesque art like the Church of Aulnay-de-Saintonge, the triad of Melle, Le Dorat Collegiate Church or Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe Abbey Church, and age-old traditions and skills like Aubusson's celebrated tapestry and Limoges' famous porcelain.
New-Aquitaine will also delight fans of relaxation and sports, with its immense sandy beaches, salty waves so popular with surfers, lakes and ponds for water sports, cycle paths weaving through pine forests, spa resorts with health-giving waters, ski areas and countless hiking trails. Gourmets in search of new flavours will also be satisfied as the region is renowned for its local specialities and products, like wines from Bordeaux, Bergerac and Jurançon, oysters from Arcachon and Marennes-Oléron, Agen prunes, poultry and foie gras from Landes, Périgord truffles, Chalosse beef, Bayonne ham, poule au pot (poached chicken), Broyé du Poitou, flognarde and Basque cake. Children and grown-ups alike are sure to be thrilled by famous attractions like the Futuroscope theme park, Zoodyssée in Villiers-en-Bois, Vallée des Singes, Walibi Sud-Ouest park and La Palmyre zoo!
