Aquitaine

What's the common denominator between Cyrano de Bergerac and the wise Montaigne; between the Béarn rivers and the terraced vineyards bordering the Garonne; between the radiant Arcachon Basin and the sombre Eyzies caves, whose walls carry inscriptions going back fifteen thousand years? At first glance, they appear to have nothing in common. Yet people from other French provinces attribute Aquitaine an incomparably high standard of living and a host of activities combining both simple and loftier pleasures: raising cattle, cultivating vines, producing wine and spirits, gastronomy. For foreigners too, there is no doubt that Aquitaine embodies the art de vivre so typical of France.
A 300-kilometre stretch of sand dunes lapped by the gentle flow of the Atlantic Ocean, is sheltered by a pine forest. The lively, smiling brooks spring from the Pyrenees and the deep, mysterious chasms that cut across Périgord country. The walled city of Montpazier is a testimony to three centuries of English occupation, and the fortified citadels of Vézère are simply stunning. Bordeaux and its precious vineyards are not to be missed.
There are even more treasures than these awaiting you in Aquitaine. The unsuspected riches of this multi-faceted province and its geographical, architectural and gastronomic heritage will satisfy the most demanding visitors, whichever pays they choose to explore: Agen, Périgord, Pays Basque, Béarn, Entre-Deux-Mers or Médoc...