12 Places You Shouldn’t Miss in Nouvelle Aquitaine

 
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).

www.rhune.com/en

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.

tourisme.biarritz.fr/en

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.

ladunedupilat.com/e

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.

www.phare-de-cordouan.fr

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.

www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk

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-tourisme.com/en

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.

www.destination-cognac.com/en

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.

chassiron.jimdo.com

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.

www.brouage-tourisme.fr

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,

www.corderie-royale.com

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.

www.larochelle-tourisme.com

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.

www.pharedesbaleines.com

From France Today Magazine

Lead photo credit : Tours de La Rochelle

Share to:  Facebook  Twitter   LinkedIn   Email

More in Atlantic coast, French coast, Nouvelle Aquitaine, roadtrip, top sites

Previous Article Key Words and Phrases to Celebrate Christmas in French
Next Article Where to Stay and Eat on the Coast of Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Related Articles


Caroline is a freelance writer with a focus on European travel. She has toured all areas of France, but none more so than the Loire Valley where she finds the combination of rich historical culture, rural landscape and exceptional architecture – not to mention outstanding wine – an irresistible lure to return again and again. Says Caroline, "With the focus over the next three years on the Loire Valley's connection to Leonardo da Vinci, lovers of art, architecture and French culture are in for a treat when visiting the region with the many additional events and activities on offer." Caroline is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *