Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Aquitaine, France

Located on the Atlantic coast of southwestern France, Aquitaine is an expansive region featuring a diverse range of landscapes, cultural sites, and recreational activities.

The coastline boasts endless sandy beaches, complemented by rolling waves that entice surfers from across the globe.

This region presents a stark contrast to the Dordogne, with its ancient castles and prehistoric caves, as well as the lush meadows in the Pyrenees and the meticulously organized vineyards in the Gironde.

It is evident; Aquitaine is a dynamic area that appeals to every visitor in unique ways.

Let us delve into the premier attractions in Aquitaine:

1. Bordeaux

Renowned as the wine capital of the world, Bordeaux boasts a greater number of historic edifices than any other city in France, with the exception of Paris.

The city center has been designated a World Heritage site due to its remarkable collection of 18th-century architecture, marking its expansion beyond medieval fortifications.

A notable example is the awe-inspiring Place de la Bourse, enhanced by Michel Corajoud’s Mirroir d’Eau, a delicate layer of reflective water that creates a magical atmosphere when illuminated at night.

Additional highlights include the medieval gate of Port Calihau, the Grosse Cloche belfry, the iconic Pont-de-Pierre, and the impressive Monument aux Girondins, featuring dynamic sculptures of horses.

2. Dordogne

The Dordogne River valley was a significant battleground during the Hundred Years’ War in the 14th and 15th centuries, leaving behind a legacy of formidable military castles overlooking the river from limestone cliffs.

A fantastic method to view majestic fortifications such as Beynac and Castelnaud, along with quaint riverside villages, is to rent a canoe and enjoy the gentle currents.

The limestone of the Dordogne also sheltered prehistoric cave dwellers who left captivating paintings that continue to mesmerize thousands of years later.

3. Beaches

The 270-kilometer-long Atlantic coastline in Aquitaine offers both excitement and relaxation in abundance.

If you seek to unwind, Hendaye near the Spanish border presents a pristine beach at the mouth of the Bidasoa River.

Similar to most beaches in the region, the conditions are ideal for water sports such as bodyboarding and kite-surfing.

Further along, Grande Plage in Biarritz is world-renowned, providing ample space for both active individuals and those wishing to simply relax.

Additionally, Montalivet is recognized as France’s oldest naturist resort, operational since 1949 and featuring campsites, chalets, and expansive beaches.

4. Dune du Pilat, La Teste-de-Buch

Located approximately an hour west of Bordeaux, just south of Arcachon Bay, lies a natural marvel that merits a visit.

This is Europe’s tallest sand dune, creating a breathtaking seascape that defies description.

The dune reaches heights exceeding 100 meters, providing astonishing views from its summit.

To the west, the majestic Banc d’Arguin sandbank and the Atlantic Ocean glisten, while to the east, a vast pine forest extends to the horizon.

On a clear day, the Pyrenees can even be seen from this vantage point.

5. Wine Experiences

Recently, France’s premier wine region has begun to innovate in ways that go beyond traditional cave tours and tastings.

For example, Château La Dominique features striking contemporary architecture, and dining on their elevated terrace affords stunning views of the vineyards.

Additionally, at the Atelier-B laboratory in Haut-Sarpe, visitors can participate in a workshop to create a personalized wine blend, which can be taken home.

6. Jardin Eyrignac, Salignac-Eyvigues

For those who appreciate formal French topiaries, the gardens adjacent to a 17th-century manor house will be particularly appealing.

Spanning ten hectares, these boxwood sculptures demand tens of thousands of man-hours annually to maintain.

An audio guide is available to describe the gardens’ five distinct sections, each showcasing a multitude of imaginative shapes, creating the sensation of walking through furnished rooms rather than a living garden.

Throughout the grounds, secluded benches provide quiet spots for reading or relaxation.

7. Boulevard des Pyrénées, Pau

Perched atop bluffs overlooking Pau’s Gave River, this balustraded walkway features a panoramic view that could be admired for hours.

Near the horizon are gently rolling hills, some topped with châteaux, while further beyond loom the soaring peaks of the Pyrenees, recognizable in their expansive silhouette.

In the foreground, terraced gardens ascend the steep slope, which can be explored along the serpentine Sentiers du Roy footpaths leading to the Ousse River.

8. Rocher de la Vierge, Biarritz

Situated between Biarritz’s Port-Vieux and Port des Pêcheurs, this natural attraction features a rock formation resembling an upturned ship hull.

Exposed to the Atlantic, the rock is adorned with a statue of the Virgin Mary, and a tunnel was commissioned through it by Napoleon III in the 19th century.

Initially utilized as a whale-watching platform, it is now an essential experience for visitors in Biarritz.

The late-19th-century bridge connects it to the mainland, allowing visitors to traverse through the tunnel for fresh sea air and witness the Atlantic waves crashing below.

9. Saint-Émilion Monolithic Church

This remarkable church is hewn from the limestone hillside, with nearly 15,000 cubic meters of rock removed during its construction.

Built during the Middle Ages to house the relics of Saint-Émilion, an 8th-century Breton monk seeking refuge from persecution, it remains a marvel of architecture.

Visitors may borrow a key to independently explore the tower; however, a 45-minute guided tour is required to view the three subterranean naves and catacombs, showcasing exquisite medieval carvings and frescoes adorning the church walls.

10. Château de Bonaguil, Saint-Front-sur-Lémance

Exploring this stunning castle reveals state-of-the-art 15th-century defensive architecture.

Following the Hundred Years’ War, the entire site underwent reconstruction to counter newly emerging threats from artillery, with gun placements added to the tower tops.

Ironically, these defenses were unnecessary, as the castle was never besieged again.

This is fortunate for visitors, as there is much to fascinate you for several hours as you ascend spiraling staircases, wander through grand halls, and survey the Lot-et-Garonne countryside from the rooftop.

Throughout the castle are various intriguing elements to discover, including tunnels and caves accessible from the moat and the remnants of medieval graffiti revealed through restoration efforts.

11. Cycling

Aquitaine is an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts.

Whether traversing the vineyards, coastal paths, or the foothills of the Pyrenees, one will find extensive cycling trails featuring gentle gradients.

The greenway along the towpath next to the Canal de Deux Mers extends from coast to coast across southwestern France, alongside a remarkable 17th-century waterway.

All beach destinations within the Arcachon Basin are interconnected through a network of paths stretching nearly 90 kilometers from Arcachon to Cap Ferret.

Wine tours on bicycle are also available, such as the circular route in Madiran, where châteaux, picturesque vineyards, and the Caves des Crouseilles offer opportunities to learn about award-winning wines.

12. Food

Capturing the extensive range of culinary specialties and regional delicacies in a single paragraph is a challenge.

The region is renowned for its black truffles from Périgord, foie gras, Arcachon oysters, caviar from Le Teich, Ossau-Iraty sheep’s cheese, and poultry from Landes, to name just a few.

Every town and village boasts a market where local foods are celebrated.

Additionally, numerous festivals are held in honor of local products; for instance, in Etauliers, the Aquitaine Asparagus Festival takes place in late-April, while Espelette hosts a festival dedicated to its red peppers at the end of October.

13. Surfing

Landes is recognized as Europe’s premier surfing capital, featuring beaches and experiences that rank it among the best globally.

A memorable experience is the tidal bore at the Gironde Estuary.

During high tide, the ocean flows upstream against the river’s current, generating waves that never fully break and can transport surfers several kilometers upstream.

Plage de Lacanau, located in Médoc, is one of the principal surf beaches and hosts the Lacanau Pro in August, the oldest surf competition in France.

Other notable surfing spots include La Gravière, La Piste, and Les Estagnots.

14. Villa Arnaga, Cambo-les-Bains

Designated as a French historic monument, this elegant mansion was constructed for Edmond Rostand, the author of Cyrano de Bergerac, in the early 20th century.

Exhibiting timber framing, stained glass windows, wooden shutters and sash windows, it exemplifies beautiful Basque revival architecture.

While the exterior may appear rustic, the interior showcases sophisticated Belle Époque designs with hints of Baroque, equipped with amenities such as telephones, early electrical appliances, and a heating system.

The carefully pruned formal gardens are an essential component of summer tours when in full bloom.

15. Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Saint-Jean-de-Luz

This magnificent Basque church was the site of the historically significant wedding between Louis XIV and Maria Theresa, daughter of the king of Spain, in 1660. In addition to the wooden galleries flanking the church, the elaborate gilded baroque sanctuary captures the attention of all visitors.

This space was completed in the 1630s, reflecting the wealth generated by the local community through whaling, cod fishing, and trade in the West Indies.

Before this period, the church endured significant damage, particularly during the Hundred Years’ War when Saint-Jean-de-Luz faced repeated destruction and reconstruction.