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| Aquitaine
took its name from the Romans
who described this region of many rivers as Aquitana. It is
bounded in the north by the Gironde River and follows the wild
Atlantic coast down to the Spanish border and the Pyrenees
Mountains. It reaches east as far as the Dordogne. Aquitaine
is an important wine and agricultural region with Bordeaux being
one of the most important wine areas in the world. Its generous
climate and wide fertile river valleys are perfect for growing
crops of all varieties. Agen is at the centre major fruit growing
region. They produce more kiwi fruit than New Zealand and is
the prune capital of the world. Aquitaine has the enormous Landes
Forest that backs the Atlantic Coast. Originally planted
under Napoleon’s reign to arrest the encroaching dunes
the Landes Forest is one of the least populated regions of Europe
making it a peaceful holiday destination. The Aquitaine coast
is also basically the only part of Europe with reliable surf
and Australian companies like Billabong have clothing factories
in the area. Biarritz and Hossegor are on the world pro surfing
circuit. Aquitaine also contains a section of the Pyrenees mountain
chain including a couple of ski resorts. The Dordogne is one
of the best preserved heritage areas of France dotted with ancient
villages (bastides) and crusader castles. It also has the Lascaux
Caves featuring prehistoric paintings suggesting it is one
of the longest continually inhabited areas of Europe. Dax in
the Landes departement is an ancient Roman spa town that functions
to this day as a thermal resort. It also has a touch of Spain
about it with a large bullfighting arena in the centre of town
that sees a lot of use around July and August. The ethnically
distinct Basque
people occupy the Pyrennes-Atlantiques department especially
Bayonne, Biarritz, Hendaye and across the border into Spain.
Aquitaine is a wonderful region of France offering a variety
of experiences to visitors and providing the locals with a lifestyle
that is hard to beat. Wine, food and rugby are strong themes
that unite the region and give it much of its character. |
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Bordeaux
| Gironde | Aquitaine | 33000
Bordeaux is the capital of the Aquitaine region of south western
France with a population of almost one million (greater metropolitan
area). Located on the banks of the Garonne River inland from
the Atlantic Coast, the Bordeaux region has been continuously
settled for millennia and was an important Roman outpost for
several centuries. The city has strong historical links with
England and was for a time during the middle ages under English
rule as a result of royal marriage alliances. Bordeaux, like
most European cities, has endured its share of war and pestilence
through the ages, but escaped most of the ravages of the two
World Wars that so devastated other parts of France. Its fine
18th century architecture is intact making it an important heritage
site. Bordeaux was literally built on the wine industry. It
is the centre of arguably the most important wine
region in the world and is synonymous with red wine. Billions
of litres of wine have been shipped from the river port of Bordeaux
over the centuries to an appreciative world. These days wine
also means tourism which has added to the city’s prosperity.
New high tech aeronautics, defence and research industries have
also gravitated towards Bordeaux allowing for strong future
growth. |
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| Bordeaux
is also a great centre of learning with several universities
and academies and a student population of around 100,000. Bordeaux
Weather |
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Arcachon
| Gironde | Aquitaine | 33120
Arcachon is a popular seaside resort on the Altantic coast near
the mouth of the Gironde River. In summer it swells with holiday
makers from Bordeaux 50km away. Arcachon is set on a large lagoon
protected from the Atlantic surf. It is famous for its oysters
and the enormous 'Dune du Pilat', a massive sand dune near the
town that affords a great view over the coast and expansive
pine forests.
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Agen
| Lot-et-Garonne | Aquitaine| 47000
Agen is a large town located on the river Garonne between Bordeaux
and Toulouse. The area is known for its excellent stone fruit
(prunes), brandy and champion rugby team. Agen is a great place
from which to take boat cruises or to hire canal boats as it
provides access to over 300km of navigable
waterways. Getting to Agen by road is via either Toulouse
or Bordeaux on the A62 Autoroute. Flying to Agen from the UK
is best via Bordeaux, Bergerac or Toulouse. Agen is well served
by trains as well via Bordeaux, Limoges and Toulouse. |
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Bayonne | Pyrénées-Atlantiques | Aquitaine |
64100
Bayonne is located at the confluence of the Ardour
and Nive rivers near the Spanish Border. It is the main centre
in the French Basque Country and many of its inhabitants speak
Basque and proudly maintain the culture. Its Spanish influence
is evident in the area’s passion for bull fighting (there
is a bullfighting arena) and the huge Fete du Bayonne held
every summer that rivals Pamplona. The old quarter of ‘Petit
Bayonne’ offers a lively bar scene that has a distinctly
Spanish flavour.
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Biarritz
| Pyrénées-Atlantiques | Aquitaine | 64200
Biarritz was originally established by the Vikings in the 9th
century. Today it is a beautiful seaside resort and a major
centre for France's Basque population. It is also an emerging
surfing destination and
is on the world professional circuit.Biarritz also has a champion
rugby team, winners of
several national titles in recent years.
Dax | Landes | Aquitaine | 40400
Dax is a small provincial city in southern Aquitaine region.
It was established by the Romans after having discovered it
had thermal springs. |
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became an important spa town
for the Romans and continues to this day with the French. Thousands
come to Dax each year for their ‘Thermal Cures’
which is covered by the French health system. By some quirk
of French law designated Spa Towns are allowed a casino so this
small provincial city is slightly different to its contemporaries.
Corrida (bloodless
bullfighting) is hugely popular and there is an impressive bullfighting
arena located next to the 16,000 seat rugby stadium of US Dax,
the town’s other passion. Dax is on the TGV line to Bordeaux
and Paris and is 40km from Biarritz Airport |
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Sarlat-la-Caneda
| Dordogne | Aquitaine | 24200
Sarlat is a beautifully preserved town in the Dordogne area
consisting of many fine examples of late medieval architecture
and much of the CBD is car free giving it a lovely atmosphere.
Sarlat is a fantastic place to eat, boasting many
fine restaurants specialising in the local delicacies of
duck, foie gras and truffles. It is also an excellent base from
which to explore the beautiful surrounding region including
Domme, Beynac
and Le Roc Gageac.
Saint Emillion | Gironde | Aquitaine | 33330
Saint Emilion is one of the four principle wine
regions around Bordeaux. So highly regarded is this area
that the vineyards are World Heritage Listed. Saint Emilion
is a well preserved medieval town featuring many impressive
stone buildings. There is also a network of ancient catacombs
and tunnels underneath the town, many of which have |
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Getting
there
By road with Viamichelin.com
routeplanner
By air via Bordeaux,
Bergerac, Biarritz, Pau
By rail from Paris |
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