Gites in Poitou Charentes South West France

Aquitaine

This region of wide-open spaces includes Europe's largest forest, and offers a long list of outdoor activities in an authentic and healthy environment. The number and quality of its golf courses has made it France's leading region for golfers.

A visit to the Aquitaine region inevitably inspires interest in its past. With an abundance of prehistoric sites and a fascinating variety of artifacts, it is no wonder that the region is referred to as the "Cradle of the Arts." The outstanding finds at Lascaux, La Madeleine, and Rouffignac, the abbeys, fortresses, and châteaux, and the Gallo-Roman remains will delight those interested in architecture and archaeology.

Romantics will be fascinated by the social history of the region, the duchy ruled over by Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 12th century. Married first to Louis VII of France, and later to Henry II of England, Eleanor bore ten children, including Richard the Lion-Hearted. One of the earliest feminists, Eleanor's court encouraged the flowering of the troubadour tradition and the development of the concept of romantic love.

A wine-growing region of worldwide reputation, the vineyards of Bordeaux produce Margaux, Pauillac, St Julien, Medoc, Sauterne, Pomerol and Saint-Emilion wines, leading examples from an area where many excellent wines are produced. Aquitaine abounds with time-honored recipes and new cuisine, with local specialties like truffles and foie gras to whet the appetite of the gourmet. Local and international hotel chains offer all the services necessary to satisfy the most demanding visitors. Quality, price, and pleasure are the key words of promise in Aquitaine.

Sitting on 270km of Atlantic coastline, the region's western edge consists of one long expanse of sandy beach stretching as far as the eye can see. Known as the Côte d'Argent (silver coast), it is a source of joy not only to swimmers but also to surfers. Its high, rolling breakers make it one of the best surfing spots in Europe.

If you consider upright surfing to be too risky, however, you can always try a body board. The largest natural dune in Europe, the Dune de Pyla, is found here and attracts thousands of hang gliders as well as sand boarders. At 3km long and 100m high, it is a slippery uphill climb, but the views at the top of the dune are worth it. The white, powdery sands of the Bay of Biscay and dense pine foliage of the Landes Forest spread out like a multi-textured tapestry below.

This forest, designated a regional natural park, is a treasure trove of flora and fauna, including more than 270 species of migratory birds in the Teich Bird Reserve. For outdoor types, the park's numerous quiet, scenic roads and sleepy farming villages can be explored by bike, horse or on foot. A leisurely cycle among the sun drenched pines is an unforgettable experience. There are 500km of cycle tracks stretching from the mouth of the river Garonne to the Spanish border, most of them far from the traffic of the roads.

Click on the links below for more information on the towns in the Aquitaine region of South West France.

The Dordogne
Bordeaux
The Bassin d'Arcachon and Arrachon
Lacanau
Biarritz
Bayonne
Saint Jean de Luz
Dax
Pau
Pays Basque




Aquitaine This region of wide-open spaces includes Europe's largest forest, and offers a long list of outdoor activities in an authentic and healthy environment. The number and quality of its golf courses has made it France's leading region for golfers. A visit to the Aquitaine region inevitably inspires interest in its past. With an abundance of prehistoric sites and a fascinating variety of artifacts, it is no wonder that the region is referred to as the "Cradle of the Arts." The outstanding finds at Lascaux, La Madeleine, and Rouffignac, the abbeys, fortresses, and châteaux, and the Gallo-Roman remains will delight those interested in architecture and archaeology. Romantics will be fascinated by the social history of the region, the duchy ruled over by Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 12th century. Married first to Louis VII of France, and later to Henry II of England, Eleanor bore ten children, including Richard the Lion-Hearted. One of the earliest feminists, Eleanor's court encouraged the flowering of the troubadour tradition and the development of the concept of romantic love. A wine-growing region of worldwide reputation, the vineyards of Bordeaux produce Margaux, Pauillac, St Julien, Medoc, Sauterne, Pomerol and Saint-Emilion wines, leading examples from an area where many excellent wines are produced. Aquitaine abounds with time-honored recipes and new cuisine, with local specialties like truffles and foie gras to whet the appetite of the gourmet. Local and international hotel chains offer all the services necessary to satisfy the most demanding visitors. Quality, price, and pleasure are the key words of promise in Aquitaine. Sitting on 270km of Atlantic coastline, the region's western edge consists of one long expanse of sandy beach stretching as far as the eye can see. Known as the Côte d'Argent (silver coast), it is a source of joy not only to swimmers but also to surfers. Its high, rolling breakers make it one of the best surfing spots in Europe. If you consider upright surfing to be too risky, however, you can always try a body board. The largest natural dune in Europe, the Dune de Pyla, is found here and attracts thousands of hang gliders as well as sand boarders. At 3km long and 100m high, it is a slippery uphill climb, but the views at the top of the dune are worth it. The white, powdery sands of the Bay of Biscay and dense pine foliage of the Landes Forest spread out like a multi-textured tapestry below. This forest, designated a regional natural park, is a treasure trove of flora and fauna, including more than 270 species of migratory birds in the Teich Bird Reserve. For outdoor types, the park's numerous quiet, scenic roads and sleepy farming villages can be explored by bike, horse or on foot. A leisurely cycle among the sun drenched pines is an unforgettable experience. There are 500km of cycle tracks stretching from the mouth of the river Garonne to the Spanish border, most of them far from the traffic of the roads. Click on the links below for more information on the towns in the Aquitaine region of South West France. The Dordogne Bordeaux The Bassin d'Arcachon and Arrachon Lacanau Biarritz Bayonne Saint Jean de Luz Dax Pau Pays Basque