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Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Dive into the Heart of Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Where History Meets Hedonism Sun-drenched beaches, rolling vineyards, and charming villages nestled in ancient history - this is Nouvelle-Aquitaine, a region in southwest France…

#wine region#coastline#historic architecture#countryside#gastronomy

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Top Hotels in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Top Flights to Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Tours

Explore the Dunes of Pilat

Visit the tallest sand dunes in Europe and enjoy panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and Landes Forest.

Saint-Émilion Heritage Walk

Explore the medieval town of Saint-Émilion with its cobbled streets and historical architecture.

Shopping

La Rochelle Shopping Spree

Discover the charming shops and local boutiques in the historic city of La Rochelle.

Outdoor

Bordeaux Wine Tour

Visit famous Bordeaux vineyards and indulge in wine tasting sessions.

Surfing at Biarritz

Experience the world-renowned surfing destination with waves suitable for all levels.

Exploration of Île de Ré

Cycle around the picturesque Île de Ré, known for its salt marshes and charming villages.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

6.1 million

Languages

French, French, Occitan

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

What people love

Nouvelle-Aquitaine, located in southwestern France, is a diverse region known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Nouvelle-Aquitaine:

Diverse Landscapes: Nouvelle-Aquitaine offers a wide range of landscapes, including sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast, lush forests in the Dordogne region, and rolling vineyards in Bordeaux. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, or wine tasting, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Cultural Heritage: The region is home to historic cities such as Bordeaux, known for its stunning architecture and world-class wine. You can explore medieval villages, Roman ruins, and charming towns that showcase the rich history of the area.
Gastronomy: Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a paradise for food lovers, with a wide variety of local specialties to try. From fresh seafood on the coast to foie gras in the Dordogne to renowned wines in Bordeaux, the region offers a culinary experience that is sure to delight your taste buds.
Outdoor Activities: Whether you prefer surfing on the Atlantic coast, cycling through the vineyards, or hiking in the Pyrenees mountains, Nouvelle-Aquitaine offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. The region's natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for a wide range of activities.
Climate: Nouvelle-Aquitaine enjoys a mild climate, with warm summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for year-round travel. Whether you visit in the summer to enjoy the beaches or in the fall to explore the vineyards during harvest season, you are sure to find something to love about the region's climate.

Overall, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a fantastic destination for travelers looking to experience the best of French culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in exploring charming towns, tasting delicious food and wine, or simply relaxing on the beach, this region has something for everyone to enjoy.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Nouvelle-Aquitaine in France could include:

Crowds: Popular tourist destinations within Nouvelle-Aquitaine, such as Bordeaux, Biarritz, and the Dordogne region, can get quite crowded during peak travel seasons. This may result in long lines at attractions, difficulty finding accommodations, and an overall less peaceful experience.
Language Barrier: While many people in Nouvelle-Aquitaine speak English, especially in tourist areas, you may encounter some language barriers, particularly in more rural areas. This can make communication and navigation more challenging.
Weather: The weather in Nouvelle-Aquitaine can be unpredictable, with rainy periods especially common in the spring and fall. This could impact outdoor activities and sightseeing plans.
Cost: Some areas within Nouvelle-Aquitaine, such as the coastal towns of Biarritz or Arcachon, can be relatively expensive compared to other parts of France. Accommodations, dining, and activities may come at a higher cost.
Transportation: While the region is well-connected by train and bus, traveling between some smaller towns and villages may require a car. Public transportation options may be limited in more remote areas.

Please note that these are general potential cons and may not apply to every traveler's experience. It's always a good idea to research specific details about your travel destination to make informed decisions.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest administrative region in France, created in 2016 by the merger of three former regions: Aquitaine, Limousin, and Poitou-Charentes. This region is located in the southwest of France and has a rich historical and cultural heritage.

Historical Background

Prehistoric and Ancient History:

The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the famous Lascaux Caves in the Dordogne department, which contain some of the world's most extraordinary Paleolithic cave paintings.

Roman Era:

The area was part of the Roman province of Aquitania. Important Roman sites include the amphitheater in Saintes (Mediolanum Santonum) and the remains of Roman villas and temples scattered across the region.

Medieval Period:

During the early Middle Ages, the region was known as Aquitaine. It became a significant duchy under the Carolingians and later the Merovingians.
In 1152, Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry Plantagenet, who became King Henry II of England in 1154. This union brought the region under English control, leading to centuries of conflict between England and France, known as the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453).
Notable medieval figures include Richard the Lionheart, who was also Duke of Aquitaine and has connections to the region.

Renaissance to 18th Century:

The region saw significant development during the Renaissance, with the growth of cities like Bordeaux, which became a major port and center for trade, especially in wine.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Bordeaux flourished under the influence of traders and the Atlantic slave trade, which contributed to the city's wealth and architectural heritage.

19th and 20th Century:

The region was affected by the Franco-Prussian War and both World Wars, with significant resistance activities during World War II.
Post-war, the area saw economic development, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and industry.

Significant Historical Figures

Eleanor of Aquitaine: A key figure in the region's history, her marriages to Louis VII of France and later to Henry II of England significantly influenced the political landscape of medieval Europe.
Richard the Lionheart: Son of Eleanor, he spent considerable time in Aquitaine and was known for his involvement in the Crusades.

Important Landmarks

Lascaux Caves: Located near Montignac, these caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site and contain some of the most famous prehistoric art in the world.
Bordeaux: Known for its wine and stunning 18th-century architecture, including the Place de la Bourse and the Grand Théâtre.
The Dune of Pilat: Europe's tallest sand dune, located on the Atlantic coast near Arcachon.
Saint-Émilion: A medieval town with Romanesque churches and ruins stretching along steep and narrow streets, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Oradour-sur-Glane: A village preserved as a memorial to the 642 individuals massacred by a German Waffen-SS company in 1944.

Modern Era

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is known for its diverse landscapes, from the Atlantic coastlines to the Dordogne Valley, and its economic activities include agriculture, aerospace, technology, and tourism. The fusion of the three regions has brought together diverse cultural traditions and economic resources, making it a vibrant and dynamic part of France today.