Surfing, cycling, sunbathing, relaxing in a hammock, or strolling through coastal towns – all this awaits you in Aquitaine.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is not only the largest region in France but also one of the most diverse and surprising. Between La Rochelle and Hendaye, you’ll find the two islands Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron, as well as seemingly endless fine sandy beaches along the 720-kilometer coastline with marinas, seaside resorts, and spa towns.

Bordeaux is the capital of Aquitaine and is definitely worth a day trip. Notable sights include the Gothic Saint-André Cathedral, the gardens along the banks of the Garonne, and the impressive Place de la Bourse. The Dune du Pilat near Arcachon is the highest sand dune in Europe. It runs north-south and is up to 110 meters high, 500 meters wide, and about 2.7 km long, offering a magnificent view of the surrounding forests and the Bassin d'Arcachon.

If you like water sports you can enjoy surfing in the Atlantic at Lacanau, Hossegor, or Biarritz, or kite surfing in one of the freshwater lakes. In general, the Atlantic coast is wonderful to explore by bike: in many places, a bike path runs directly behind the dune through the pine forest, connecting the various villages.

Biarritz is one of the larger cities in Aquitaine, alongside Bordeaux, and has a unique vibe with its large city beach, rocky cliffs, numerous cafés, small boutiques, and surf shops. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a particularly charming, typically Basque coastal town. Highlights include the small harbor, Place Louis XIV, and the pedestrian street Rue Gambetta.