12 Places You Shouldn’t Miss in Nouvelle Aquitaine
From historic cities to Plus Beaux Villages to glorious natural wonders, Nouvelle-Aquitaine has it all…
1. LETRAIN DE LA RHUNE
A 35-minute journey on the century-old rack railway takes you to the top of La Rhune. Return tickets allow 1½ hours at the summit to enjoy a walk or dine at one of the café-restaurants (which are officially in Spain).

Train de la Rhune
2. BIARRITZ
The playground of royalty, Biarritz became fashionable in the 19th century and is still the place to see and be seen, whether in the casino, the spa, the golf course, the beach, the surf or simply strolling along the promenade.

Biarritz, © CAROLINE MILLS
3. LA DUNE DU PILAT
La Dune du Pilat (a Grand Site de France) is the largest sand dune in Europe at 2.9km long and 102m high. Climb to the top to enjoy immense views over the Bassin d’Arcachon and the Forêt domaniale de la Teste.

Dune du Pilat
4. PHARE DE CORDOUAN
Built in 1611, Cordouan is mythical in stature yet boasts the most modern innovations of its day. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it sits on a rock in the Gironde estuary and is only accessible by boat.

Phare de Cordouan
5. BORDEAUX
1810 hectares of Bordeaux are classified collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a self-guided walking tour of the city’s most famous historical landmarks, including Place de la Bourse and Porte Cailhau.

Bordeaux
6. SAINT-ÉMILION
The creamy stone village is as attractive as its internationally- renowned, prestigious wines. Daytrippers should arrive very early or stop overnight as this is a very popular, dare one say, over- touristy destination.

Saint Emilion
7. MAISONS DE COGNAC
There are many ways to explore Cognac, from food and cognac pairings to discovering the ancient art of barrel-making. You can visit famous names like Martell, Courvoisier and Hennessy, or lesser-known brand Meukow.

Maisons de Cognac
8. PHARE DE CHASSIRON
Climb the 224 steps to the top of the lighthouse for views over the Île d’Oléron, visit the museum in the former guards’ room, and explore the Jardin Remarquable, which fans out in compass points around the central lighthouse.

Phare de Chassiron
9. BROUAGE
Plus Beau Village Brouage sits within Cardinal Richelieu’s ‘impenetrable’ fortress walls among the marshes of Charente- Maritime. The ramparts are still intact, from which you can view the drained salt marsh.

Brouage
10. CORDERIE ROYALE
This extraordinary 17th-century building, part of the Royal Naval arsenal at Rochefort, was where naval ropes and cords were made. It’s now a fascinating museum about the extraordinarily long, elegant building, and ropemaking,

Corderie Royale
11. TOURS DE LA ROCHELLE
La Rochelle’s three towers are the iconic symbols of the city, historic fortifications that date from the 12th century and surround the port. Open daily, a visit to the towers is included in the La Rochelle Océan Pass.

Tours de La Rochelle
12. PHARE DES BALEINES
At 60m (257 steps to the top). the Île de Re’s lighthouse of the whales’ is one of the tallest in France. Also visit the neighbouring Tour Vauban, built as a fortification in 1682, which now houses a small maritime museum.
From France Today Magazine
Lead photo credit : Tours de La Rochelle
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