Aquitaine: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
The historical region of Aquitaine in southwestern France is now part of the region of New Aquitaine and boasts a beautiful and varied landscape. Between the wild Atlantic coast and the mighty Pyrenees, you will find the idyllic Dordogne Valley, the legendary wine-growing region of Bordeaux, as well as numerous historical and cultural highlights.
Table of contents
Aquitaine - The most beautiful cities
Bordeaux
Built according to a unified concept in the 18th century, Bordeaux impresses today with perfectly straight grand streets and symmetrical squares. Noble residential buildings with uniform facades flank the quays. In between, exquisite wine shops invite you to wine tastings. And on the banks of the Garonne, which winds through the city in a crescent shape, the market entices with culinary delights. On Quai Richelieu, Bordeaux's promenade, multi-story grand houses stretch for kilometers, mirrored by the water surface of the Garonne. Next door on Quai des Chartrons, the Marché du Colbert invites you to savor fresh oysters. That Bordeaux is also the center of the famous wine-growing region is proven by the wine bars offering fine Bordeaux wines.
Bergerac
Around Bergerac, delicious wine grows, which you can enjoy in the first-class restaurants in the medieval old town. Many cozy eateries can be found especially on Pekissière Square. The House of Wines is dedicated to the noble drops. On the square, you can also admire the statue of Cyrano de Bergerac. Stroll through the center and discover many houses with pointed arch windows that contribute to the charm of the city. If you want to buy fresh ingredients, the market held several times a week in front of the Notre Dame church is recommended. It's also lively at the harbor.
Arcachon
There is much to discover in Arcachon: for example, the highest dune in Europe, the Dune du Pilat. No wonder the picturesque seaside resort inspired famous artists like the painter Édouard Manet. To this day, you can experience a bit of the Belle Époque flair in the city on the Atlantic. Gourmets will be delighted in Arcachon: oysters are harvested from the sea around the city. Just like freshly caught fish, you can enjoy the delicacy in the excellent restaurants. The bike path to Moulleau is perfect for active vacationers. The view of the sea is breathtaking.
La Rochelle
Narrow alleys, craftsmanship, cozy cafes, and restaurants create a lively atmosphere. Feel serenity and lightness as you explore the magnificent marina by bike. Boat trips are recommended to experience La Rochelle at its best. Romantic sunsets can be enjoyed on the cliffs by the lighthouse with a view of the sea. Enjoy fresh seafood in one of the many restaurants while the boats sway in the rhythm of the waves before you. Stroll through the old town along cobblestone streets past half-timbered houses to the Church of Saint-Sauveur. The salt island, Île de Ré, with its dreamlike beaches, is also just a few minutes' drive away.
Pau
Pau is known for offering something for everyone. Considering more than 750 hectares of green spaces, exotic plants, magnificent palace buildings, and the castle, this is not surprising. Particularly worth seeing is the 1.8-kilometer-long Boulevard of the Pyrenees with views of the mountain range, as well as the Museum of Fine Arts. A visit to the National Stud of Pau-Gelos with its magnificent horse-drawn carriage and proud breeding horses is also worthwhile. The Cathedral of Pau dates back to the 12th century and is one of the most important Romanesque churches in the region. You can also experience history at the birthplace of Bernadotte, the later King of Sweden and Norway.
Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion is located about 40 kilometers from the famous city of Bordeaux in a very advantageous position on a rocky outcrop surrounded by vineyards. The small medieval village offers many great sights such as the bell tower and enchants with its charm. Together with the surrounding wine-growing region, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. From the imposing watchtower of the village, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the village itself and the magnificent wine-growing region of the surroundings. For wine lovers, there is plenty to taste afterward – you can discover and enjoy the entire diversity of the famous wine region here in a fitting atmosphere.
Beynac-et-Cazenac
Beynac-et-Cazenac not only boasts the hilltop castle of Beynac, which rises about 150 meters above the river, but is itself a single great attraction. The picturesque, flower-adorned stone houses with their pretty slate roofs adorn the rocky terraces below the high cliff of the Dordogne. The surroundings invite you to go hiking, cycling, and also to enjoy wonderful boat trips on the Dordogne. For this, there are the typical flat-bottomed boats called Gabarren, which offer a beautiful panoramic view of the place. Additionally, swimming is also possible here in the summer.
Sarlat
Start your city tour at the market square and take a look at the picturesque town hall. The landmark, the cathedral, is within walking distance from there, and the other attractions are only a few minutes' walk away. A hidden gem is the market hall, located in a former church. Around the community of nearly 9,000 inhabitants, there are numerous interesting excursion destinations. Very popular are day trips along the Dordogne, which runs to the south. The pilgrimage church Notre-Dame de Temniac, just 3 km away, is easily accessible on a hike. The impressive house of worship dates back to the 12th century.
Aquitaine - 4 most beautiful natural sights
Dune of Pilat
The Dune of Pilat, also known as the highest sand dune in Europe, is a breathtaking natural wonder in the Aquitaine region of France. It stretches over an impressive 500 meters in width and 2.7 kilometers in length, reaching a height of over 110 meters. The dune offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, the dense pine forest, and the impressive bird sanctuary Banc d'Arguin. A visit to the Dune of Pilat is an unforgettable experience that delights both nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you climb the dune on foot or fly over it with a paraglider, you will be fascinated by the beauty and uniqueness of this natural wonder.
Caves of Lascaux
The caves of Lascaux, located in the picturesque region of Aquitaine, are a breathtaking natural wonder and a historical jewel. They are known for their prehistoric cave paintings, created by our ancestors over 17,000 years ago. Each wall is a living artwork, covered with vivid depictions of animals, humans, and abstract signs. A visit to the Lascaux caves is like a journey back in time, offering us a deep insight into the world of our ancestors. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty and mystery of this unique site. Discover the Lascaux caves - an unforgettable experience awaits you!
Pyrenees National Park
Discover the breathtaking Pyrenees National Park in Aquitaine. This natural paradise spans an impressive area of 457 square kilometers and offers a variety of landscapes, from majestic mountains to deep valleys. Here you can observe a rich wildlife, including ibex, marmots, and even the rare Pyrenean bear. Hike on picturesque trails, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and be enchanted by the untouched beauty of nature. The Pyrenees National Park is not only a place of relaxation but also a place of discovery and adventure.
Marais d'Orx Nature Reserve
The Marais d'Orx nature reserve, a hidden gem in the Aquitaine region, is a paradise for nature lovers. This impressive wetland, spanning an area of 1,000 hectares, is a refuge for a variety of animal species, including rare birds and amphibians. The breathtaking landscape, characterized by lush green meadows, tranquil waters, and picturesque hiking trails, attracts visitors from around the world. Here, you can enjoy the tranquility of nature while observing the rich wildlife. The Marais d'Orx is more than just a nature reserve - it is a place where you can experience the beauty and diversity of nature up close.
Aquitaine - Climate
In Aquitaine, there is a moderately warm climate with average temperatures of about 25 degrees in summer and 5 degrees in winter. Generally, the best travel time is from April to October, as it is pleasantly warm and there is little rain. For a beach holiday by the sea, the peak summer season is recommended, although the Atlantic Ocean is often just as warm in September as it is in August. For an active holiday or to enjoy culinary and cultural highlights, April and October can also be worthwhile. In autumn and winter, however, colder temperatures with a lot of rain prevail.
The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.