Aquitaine

FROM THE ATLANTIC OCEAN TO THE PYRENEES, the largest region of France has so much to offer

The Nouvelle Aquitaine region in France is located in the south west part of the country and is the largest of all the regions of metropolitan France. From the french Basque Country, home to beautiful sandy beaches and where some of the best waves of the Atlantic coast can be found, to the Dordogne region to the East where some of the world's most famous Paleolithic Art can be found, the region is so diverse that it would take more than a week to just get a small feel of it. 

A great starting point is naturally the city of Bordeaux. The region also boasts fabulous seaside resorts such as Saint Jean de Luz, Arcachon and Royan. To the south, where one of the largest pine forests of France is located, discover medieval towns and villages that will take you all the way to the pyrenees. Here, traditional mountain villages have kept their authentic charm.

A bit of Nouvelle Aquitain History

Already known as one of the 3 major regions of France uder the Roman times, the huge area that stretched from the Loire Valley to the Garonne River and from the Atlantic Ocean to the East of the Central Mountain Range was already  accounted for in the IVth century.

By the 8th century, the first Dukes of Aquitaine controlled much of that area and the Kingdom of Aquitain was created by Charlemagne in 781. In 855, Charles the Young was crowned King of Aquitain in the town of Limoges.

In the 11th century, the Counts of Poitiers became the new Dukes of Aquitaine and in 1170, Richard the LionHeart, son of Eléonore of Aquitaine and Henry II Plantagenêt, became the new Duke. At that time, Aquitaine & Gascony became one and included all three major cities of the region: Limoges, Bordeaux and Poitiers, very similar to the Nouvelle Aquitaine region that exists today.

The Most Visited Monuments, Sites & Tourist Attractions in Nouvelle Aquitaine

The Nouvelle Aquitaine region of France is the largest of all the French regions composed of 12 departments with a population of about 6 millions persons. In terms of the most visited Monuments, Sites or Tourist attractions of the region, the Futuroscope near Poitiers is the most popular attraction of the Region.

It is then followed by the lesser known Millau Viaduct, the Zoo of La Palmyre, Lascaux IV Center for Parietal Art or the Dune du Pilat located near the town of Arcachon. The most visited museum of the region is the Aquitaine Museum of Bordeaux.

The Best Towns in Nouvelle Aquitaine

The largest region of France makes for a great holiday destination and there is a large choice of destinations whether along the coast, in the Pyrénées Mountains, in the countryside or for Urban discoveries and city breaks in France.

The best towns in Nouvelle Aquitaine include the regional capital of Bordeaux, the classy but surf orientated sea-side resort of Biarritz, Pau located near the Pyrenees, the Basque town of Bayonne, Limoges known for its porcelain, Poitiers, the port town of La Rochelle or the capital of the Dordogne, Périgueux.

The Best Hotels with Spa in Nouvelle Aquitaine

A question that we ofter receive from our clients is which Hotel should I choose for a weekend spa in the Aquitaine region of France? First of all, the name Aquitaine refers to the 'Land of Water' because of the number of thermal baths present in the region. Today, it is the region with the highest number of thermal establishments, 30 out of a total of 103 in France. 

Historically, travelers have been coming for spa holidays in Aquitaine since the beginning of the 19th century.  

Bordeaux City in Nouvelle Aquitaine

Wholly revitalized since its so-called “Sleeping Beauty” days, Bordeaux is now one of France’s liveliest cities. A capital of art and architecture, culture and wine in France, the city is located at just over 2 hours from Paris by high speed train. Classified UNESCO world heritage site in 2007, Bordeaux France is separated by the Garonne river into right and left bank and today there are endless ways to discover all that Bordeaux has to offer.

If you’re curious about the city’s restored architecture, recent feats of urban planning and the history of this formerly rundown town, join us on a guided walking tour or a biking tour. Led by one of our certified tour guides, they will be eager to show you the essential Bordeaux sites to suit your interests. The most famous landmarks include the historical Golden Triangle, the Cathedral of Bordeaux as well as Place de la Bourse and most popular water mirror.

A trip to Bordeaux is also a great occasion to participate in a wide variety of activities. Traditional activities include a river cruises, a bordeaux bike wine tour or a visit to the brand new la Cité du Vin wine museum. Other popular activities include food and wine lover tours, a wine tasting bordeaux class, gourmet walking tours, cheese and wine pairing activity. We at Ophorus can adapt to your wishes and organize all these activities for you.

Unique Sightseeing tours in Nouvelle Aquitaine

If you are planing holidays in Aquitaine France and wish to explore the region of Bordeaux beyond the city, we offer sightseeing excursions to the most important sites of the area. One of our favorite and most popular day trip from Bordeaux is the Arcachon bay full day tour.

Arcachon & Pyla Sand Dune

On this day trip, discover the Dune du Pyla, the tallest dune in Europe and hike to the top for breathtaking Atlantic ocean views. After the effort, savor great seafood in Arcachon town or Cap Ferret. During the day, visit a local oyster farm to enjoy a tasting of fresh oysters with a glass of white wine. The town of Arcachon in Nouvelle Aquitaine France is a must see while in the region.

The Dordogne region in Nouvelle Aquitaine France

Another most exciting tour is our Dordogne full day trip from Bordeaux. On this day trip you will experience the brand new Lascaux IV museum, visit beautiful medieval villages and drive along the valley of the Dordogne or Vézère Rivers where so many prehistoric caves are located. If time permits ask your guide if a guided tour of Sarlat is feasible as this one of the most well preserved historical city center in France.

As a specialized tour company based in Bordeaux City, proud member of the Bordeaux Tourism Office, let us organise your perfect Bordeaux wineries and wine cellar tours to taste delicious Medoc or Saint Emilion wines.