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Aquitaine, South West Coast and Vineyards Regional Information

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Across the Gironde river near the elegant Bordeaux, a glorious wide sandy beach, backed by sand dunes and sweet smelling pine forests, stretches almost uninterrupted all the way to the Pyrenees and the Spanish border.

Inland tranquil forests dotted with lakes and stately chateaux stretch for miles between the famous Bordeaux vineyards in the north and the fascinating 'Basque' country in the south.
Beaches, forests and famous wines

Aquitaine is a land of contrast. Around Bordeaux, perhaps the most elegant of French provincial cities, lie the most arisocratic of vineyards. Travelling through this area one comes across villages which lend their names to a wine connoisseur's favourite choice of wines such as St Emilion, Margaux and Sauternes. Here too, majestic chateaux such as Latour and Lafite overlook their immaculate vineyards.

The Landaise forest is a massive, deep forest and one of the largest in Europe. Planted in the 19th century to stabilise shifting sand dunes and drain a marshy heath - here shepherds went around on stilts (and still practice their skills at local fairs), though some say that the forest was also intended to be used to build an armada for Napoleon to attack Britain.

The Basque country has a unique and fascinating culture. The origins of the Basque people are somewhat obscure. They speak an impenetrable language and have their own national game - pelota. Here you may also see locals participating enthusiastically in their folklore tradition, including Force Basque, which involves various competitions of strength.

Surrounding the square will be attractive and colourful buildings in a very distinctive styles. Whereever you go in the region you will be served herty ciusine , usually in very generous portions.

PLACES TO SEE

BORDEAUX: Sophisticated city on the banks of the Gironde made rich by the wine industry.
BAZAS: Beautiful arcaded square dominated by the 12th century cathedral.
ARCACHON: Chic holiday resorton large bay famous for oysters.
BIARRITZ: Unlikely combination of stylish resort and surfing capital of France.
ST JEAN DE LUZ: Good beaches and pretty quayside area with square where regular confetti fights take place!
BAYONNE: Capital of the French Basque country with old streets in typically colourful Basque style.

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

ECOMUSEUM MARQUEZE: Fascinating presentation of pastoral life in the area pre-pine age including a traditional farm.
LA RHUNE, ASCAIN: Funicular railway to mountain top offering superb views of the coast and mountains.
BLUE FLAG BEACHES: Lanton, Lege Cap Feret, Carcans, Vendays, La Verdon, Hourtin, Gujan Mestras, La Teste, Soulac, Andernos, Seignosse, Biscarosse, Vieux Boucau, Tarnos, Lit et Mixte, Sanguinet, Ondres, Soustons, Maubisson, Lanton, Labenne, Messanges

FOOD AND DRINK

BASQUE CUISINE: Typical ingredients are tomaoes, peppers, garlic and onions. Piperade is a mix of these ingredients added to an omelette and served with Bayonne ham. Basque cheese is often served with cherry compote and gateau Basque is a dryish yet very tasty cake.
BORDELAISE: Many menus will show dishes 'a la bordelais', which not surprisingly, is a rich wine sauce.
FOIE GRAS: This rich goose pate is widely available in Les Landes.
BORDEAUX WINES: The five main districts with plenty of opportunities to taste: Medoc, St Emilion, Pomerol, Graves and Sauternes.
IZZARRA: Sweet Basque apertif. Choose from vivid green or lurid yellow.

Images of South West Coast and Vineyards:

Image of South West Coast and Vineyards

Average monthly temperature in Centigrade:

Average Monthly Temperature in South West Coast and Vineyards

Call 0870 336 2423 to book accommodation in this region or use QUICK SEARCH FACILITY.