Beyond Bordeaux

The Nouvelle Aquitaine is France’s largest region. Equivalent in size to about the entire size of the country of Austria, there’s plenty of things to do in Nouvelle Aquitaine beyond Bordeaux. From catchin’ a wave in the European birth place of surfing to swooshing down the pistes of the Pyrenees, outdoor enthusiasts will love this region for the varied activities from sea to summit. Foodies find a bounty of gastronomic delights. And luxury good lovers will appreciate everything from the world-class wines of Bordeaux to the hand-crafted leather goods produced in Saint-Junien for some of the world’s best known fashion houses.

No matter where you choose to explore beyond Bordeaux, the Nouvelle Aquitaine surely offers unique experiences for everyone. Explore the region with us beyond the Bordeaux wine region.

Drone photo of the Biarritz Lighthouse and sunset colors along the Grand Plage

Biarritz and Pays Basque

Travel about two hours south of Bordeaux and you reach Bayonne, Biarritz and the Pays Basque. This part of the Nouvelle Aquitaine is a favorite in the region. The Pays Basque offers 25 kilometers of Atlantic Coastline, powerful waves attracting surfers and making it the birthplace of surfing in Europe, gastronomic delights from the spicy Espelette Pepper to the sweet Gateau Basque, a festival spirit and Basque spirit, and even the rugged foothills of the Pyrenees attracting outdoor enthusiasts with ample hiking and even white water rafting.

The sky in oranges and pinks from the Cote des Basques beach in Biarritz

3-Day Biarritz Itinerary

A couple hikes down La Rhune with the Basque Coast behind them

36 Hours in the Pays Basque

Pouring white Egiategia into a wine glass for the tasting

Egiategia: The Underwater Winery

Colorful Basque-style buildings line the river in Bayoone

Bayonne: France’s Capital of Cocoa

Gorges de Kakuetta

Charente-Maritime

Probably best known for La Rochelle and Cognac, the Charente-Maritime department is a top destination on mainland France. With some 460 kilometers of coastline, four islands, thermal spas and natural wonders, there’s a lot to explore. And as the second sunniest and driest department of mainland France, you’re practically guaranteed perfect weather.

A drone aerial of Lac Bleu de Guizengeard showing the milky turquoise color of the water with some white clay islands and the lake surrounded by a pine forest

Lac Bleu de Guizengeard Discovery Hike

The village of Castelnaud and the Castelnaud Bridge reflect on the mirror-like Dordogne River

DorDogne Valley

The Dordogne Valley drips the perfect vie à la française with its enchanting villages, gastronomic delights and take-your-breath-away scenes around every corner. Home to an incredible 22 of France’s officially listed most beautiful villages, you can’t help but fall in love with this part of France. Visit the prehistoric caves that the Dordogne is known for, savor the wines of Bergerac and Duras and feast on delights of one of the best food regions of France.

The winery of Vignoble des Verdots with its two towers

Discover Bergerac Wines

Drone view of Cabane Monbazillac tree house at dusk with lights on and the Nordic bath uncovered

The Dordogne Tree House Castles You Can Stay In

The tasting at Caviar de Neuvic with spoons of caviar, Sturgeon rillettes on baguette and caviar butter on baguette

French Gastronomy: Discover Aquitaine Caviar

Jennifer's friend AJ paddling in the front of the canoe as a castle topped village reflects on the Dordogne River

Canoeing the Dordogne River

A drone aerial of the Cap Ferret Lighthouse with the Dune du Pyla visible across the bay

The Gironde

The Gironde is the largest metropolitan department in France, and Bordeaux is its capital. With a multitude of treasures from cultural to natural, it’s easy to see why this is a beloved and much visited department in France. Beyond Bordeaux and its world-class vineyards, the Gironde is home to Europe’s tallest sand dune, Western Europe’s largest navigable estuary and Western Europe’s largest pine forest. Come discover the Gironde beyond Bordeaux.