A vast region stretching from Bordeaux to the Basque country, Aquitaine is truly a treasure trove of culture, beauty and history. Holiday cottages in Aquitaine are perfectly positioned for groups, couples or families holidaying in France, due to the diversity of the region which combines coastline with countryside, providing a picturesque backdrop to any short or long break. The west coastline of the region is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, meaning that the Gulf Stream creates a year round mild climate, with 2,200 hours of sunshine a year.
Holiday cottages in Aquitaine which are located close to the region's long sandy beaches are the perfect base for a beach holiday. Enjoy walks along the promenade, where you can explore ports and nearby markets and cafés. There are several activities available in Aquitaine with many watersports lovers seeking their thrills by surfing, body boarding and windsurfing along the Atlantic waves. Land-based pastimes such as tennis, cycling and fishing are also readily available from many holiday cottages in Aquitaine.
For nature lovers the great coastal lagoon of the Bassin d'Arcachon which provides sanctuary for wild birds is a must-see. Another highlight of the region is the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park, which covers more than 700, 000 acres of magnificent forest and valleys, where guests can enjoy canoeing and kayaking.
To the south of Aquitaine, holiday cottages are set amid the lush foothills of the Pyrenees Atlantique. With a mix of gentle and more challenging routes, this area has become a popular destination for walkers in Aquitaine. Holiday cottages in this area give you access to many of these amazing paths through some of France’s most breathtaking scenery.
Every part of Aquitaine is steeped in history, particularly the famous vineyards of the region’s capital Bordeaux, which is one of the world’s top wine producing regions.
The wine industry has grown from the Middle Ages and now adorns the hills between the magnificent Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Wherever you decide to rent a holiday cottage in Aquitaine, you are sure to find wine produced by a local vineyard nearby.
There are many Aquitaine holiday cottages available near Bordeaux, which has many more attractions on offer including stunning architecture, which helped the city gain its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The elegant city has an array of museums, theatres and operas as well as numerous restaurants and cafés, which will ensure that visitors have plenty to see and do during their time there.
Holiday cottages in Aquitaine which are located below the Gironde are popular with surfers and beach lovers. They spend their time on the sands of Côte d’Argent which translates into English as the Silver Coast. Another natural attraction is the epic Dune du Pilat, which stretches for 3km, making it Europe’s largest sand dune. For a combination of old and new, Soulac-Sur-Mer, Lacanau-Ocean and Hossegor are charming sea-side resorts with numerous activities and places of interest.
Moving south of the forest of Les Landes, the green and red livery of the Basque flag signals the approach of the Pyrenees. Alpine-style Aquitaine holiday cottages grace the slopes of rolling Béarn countryside, which shelters a great diversity of wildlife. To the west, the Atlantic around Biarritz offers the tantalising prospect of a dip at the end of a day's walk. Finally inland, the centres of Bayonne, Pau, Oloron Ste-Marie, Tarbes, Orthez and Sauveterre offer insights into the Basque culture, while it is just a short car journey over the border into Spain.
'Aquitaine is reputed to have one of the best climates in Europe . . . a mildness in winter and a cool breeze in summer. We think we have found the perfect spot - France's best-kept secret.' - Mr and Mrs Weston (Petit Chadelle, St Ferme)