Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Must-sees and must-dos
Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees mountains, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest region in mainland France. A land of contrasts, with an exceptional historical heritage, unspoilt natural landscapes and an authentic way of life, this region fascinates visitors with its diversity. From the water mirrors of Bordeaux to the peaks of the Basque Country, from the châteaux of Périgord to the innovations of Futuroscope in Poitiers, each region tells its own unique story. Discover a journey to the heart of a region where tradition rhymes with modernity, where gastronomy meets innovation, and where each town reveals its most precious secrets.
Also in the Bordeaux guide:
- Bordeaux culinary specialities
- Discover the Cité du vin de Bordeaux
- Where to stay in Bordeaux: the best hotels
- 15 not-to-be-missed excursions around Bordeaux
- 20 must-see weekend ideas around Bordeaux
- The most beautiful villages to visit around Bordeaux
1. Bordeaux, the sleeping beauty revealed to the world
The architectural jewel of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Bordeaux dazzles visitors with its historic centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Place de la Bourse and its water mirror (Place de la Bourse, 33000 Bordeaux, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 7019 reviews) are the emblem of this spectacular urban metamorphosis. This contemporary creation, inaugurated in 2006, is one of the largest water mirrors in the world, with a surface area of 3,450 m².
Download the audio tour to discover Bordeaux on foot and on your own
Explore the 6.2 km of Bordeaux’s historic centre in 2? hours of total immersion on the Navaway “Sleeping Beauty” itinerary. This 29-stop audio tour takes you from the quays of the Garonne to the secrets of the Chartrons, revealing the fascinating history of this trading city that became the world capital of wine. Let us guide you as you discover the city, with detailed explanations of 18th-century architecture, historical anecdotes and local recommendations.
The Cité du Vin (Avenue de Belgique, 33300 Bordeaux, rated 3.9/5 on Google out of 6,418 reviews) is the perfect embodiment of this combination of wine-making tradition and architectural innovation. This modern temple to world wine offers a unique immersive experience through its sensory exhibitions and panoramic view of the Bordeaux vineyards. For an in-depth discovery, Visit Bordeaux with Navaway reveals all the secrets of this remarkable urban transformation.
2. La Rochelle, the white city facing the Atlantic
La Rochelle, the sentinel of the ocean, fascinates visitors with its exceptional maritime heritage and the medieval towers that have guarded the entrance to the Old Port for centuries. This “White City” of New Aquitaine reveals its rich past as a Protestant merchant town through its cobbled streets and Renaissance arcades.
TheAquarium de La Rochelle (Quai Louis Prunier, 17000 La Rochelle, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 9433 reviews) is one of the finest in Europe, with 3 million litres of seawater and 12,000 marine animals. This internationally-renowned institution offers an extraordinary underwater journey, from the tropics to the Arctic, in stunningly accurate reconstructions of ecosystems.
Download the audio tour to discover La Rochelle on foot and on your own
Explore 6.1 km of maritime history in 2? hours with the Navaway “La Ville Blanche” itinerary. This tour of 26 audio guides takes you from the towers of the Old Port to Vauban’s fortifications, revealing the secrets of a city that has defied the greatest kings of France. The Navaway itinerary accompanies you on this unique heritage discovery, combining historical anecdotes with contemporary recommendations for an authentic visit to this pearl of Charente.
3. Poitiers and Futuroscope, between history and the future
Poitiers, the historic capital of the Poitou region, has a surprisingly rich Romanesque heritage and a modern technological edge embodied by the famous Futuroscope park (Avenue René Monory, 86360 Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 82550 reviews). This temple of images and multimedia attracts almost 1.8 million visitors a year, confirming its position as Europe’s leading centre for technological entertainment.
The historic centre of Poitiers is home to architectural treasures dating back thousands of years, starting with Notre-Dame-la-Grande, a jewel of French Romanesque art. This twelfth-century church dazzles visitors with the finesse of its sculpted façade, a veritable stone book recounting the history of the saints. Let Navaway guide you as you explore this city steeped in history, revealing the secrets of this university town that dates back thousands of years.
Download the audio tour to discover Poitiers on foot and on your own
Discover 5km of Poitou’s heritage in 2 hours of cultural immersion with the Navaway itinerary “Les surprises du Poitou”. This itinerary of 16 audio guides takes you from Gallo-Roman remains to contemporary innovations, revealing how this university town reconciles age-old tradition and modern technology. When you visit Poitiers with Navaway, you’re guaranteed not to miss a thing about this flagship destination in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
4. The Basque Country, between Biarritz and Bayonne
A land of character on the edge of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the French Basque Country is fascinating for its well-preserved cultural identity and its contrasting landscapes between ocean and mountains. Biarritz, nicknamed the “Queen of beaches and beach of kings”, has embodied seaside elegance since the Second Empire, when Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie made it their favourite holiday resort.
The Rocher de la Vierge (Place Sainte-Eugénie, 64200 Biarritz) offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Basque coast, accessible via a metal footbridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. This iconic silhouette overlooks the Grande Plage and its colourful huts, symbols of Biarritz’s art of living. Visiting Biarritz with Navaway Tours reveals all the secrets of this legendary seaside resort.
Bayonne, the gateway to the Basque Country, has a charming historic centre with half-timbered houses and famous traditional festivals. This city on the Nive and Adour rivers, renowned for its famous hams and handmade chocolate, is a must for understanding the authentic Basque soul. The Navaway itinerary accompanies you on this unique cultural discovery, combining culinary traditions and architectural heritage.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Bayonne on foot and on your own
Explore 3.4km of Basque heritage in 1h20 with the Navaway route “En route pour le Pays Basque”. This route of 22 audio guides takes you from the banks of the River Nive to the Vauban ramparts, revealing the fascinating history of this merchant city that has become the cultural capital of the French Basque Country.
5. The Arcachon Basin and the Dune du Pilat
The natural wonder of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the Dune du Pilat (France, rated 4.8/5 on Google for 11,135 reviews) is the highest dune in Europe at 102 metres. This constantly shifting mountain of sand dominates the entrance to the Arcachon Basin, offering exceptional views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Landes forest and the oyster beds.
Arcachon, nicknamed the “Town of 4 Seasons” for its themed districts, embodies the seaside elegance of the 19th century. The Ville d’Hiver, perched on the dune, boasts an exceptional architectural heritage with its Belle Époque villas nestling in the pine forest. These eclectically styled residences, built to accommodate the winter bourgeoisie, are a veritable open-air museum of Arcachon’s art of living.
Download the audio tour to discover Arcachon on foot and on your own
Explore 3.2 km of seaside heritage in 1? hours with the Navaway “City of 4 Seasons” itinerary. This tour of 19 audio guides takes you from the Thiers jetty to the heights of the Ville d’Hiver, revealing the fascinating history of this climatic resort that became a temple to French oyster farming. Let Navaway’s recommendations guide you on your exploration of the basin, for an authentic discovery of this jewel of Gironde.
6. Limoges, capital of porcelain and enamel
A thousand-year-old city in the Limousin region, Limoges is a world-renowned centre for the exceptional arts of fire. Since the 18th century, this “Capital of Porcelain” has perpetuated a tradition of excellence in craftsmanship that is the pride of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. The Château district, the city’s historic birthplace, boasts a remarkable architectural heritage around Saint-Etienne’s Cathedral, a jewel of southern Gothic art.
The Musée national Adrien Dubouché (Place Winston Churchill, 87000 Limoges) houses one of the finest collections of ceramics in the world, with 18,000 pieces testifying to Limousin expertise down the centuries. This international benchmark perfectly illustrates Limoges’ reputation for excellence in the decorative arts.
Download the audio tour to discover Limoges on foot and on your own
Discover 5.6 km of Limousin heritage in 2 hours 15 minutes with the Navaway “Porcelain Capital” itinerary. This itinerary of 17 audio guides takes you from the workshops of craftsmen to the secrets of the Episcopal city, revealing how this industrial town has managed to combine traditional craftsmanship with creative modernity. Visiting Limoges with Navaway means plunging into the heart of exceptional expertise that has been preserved for centuries.
7. Périgord and its legendary châteaux
The cradle of European prehistory, Périgord in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is fascinating for the density of its thousand-year-old heritage. The Dordogne region boasts some of the finest medieval châteaux in France, bearing witness to the epic exploits of the lords of the Middle Ages. Bergerac, city of Cyrano, is the perfect embodiment of this rich heritage, with its Renaissance houses and famous vineyards.
The Château de Beynac (Beynac-et-Cazenac, 24220), perched on its limestone cliff, majestically dominates the Dordogne valley. This 12th-century fortress, one of the best preserved in Périgord, is a perfect illustration of medieval military art and offers an exceptional panoramic view of the meandering River Espérance.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Bergerac on foot and on your own
Explore 2.7 km of Bergerac’s heritage in 1 hour with the Navaway itinerary “Au bord de la rivière Espérance”. This itinerary of 17 audio guides takes you from the banks of the Dordogne to the secrets of old Bergerac, revealing the fascinating history of this market town famous for its wines and its immortal literary hero.
8. Pau and the Béarn castles
The historic capital of the Béarn region, Pau boasts an exceptional royal heritage and a privileged location facing the Pyrenees mountain range. This “city of palm trees facing the Pyrenees” enjoys a unique microclimate that allows Mediterranean vegetation to grow right in the heart of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
The Château de Pau (Rue du Château, 64000 Pau), birthplace of Henri IV, is one of the most visited historic monuments in the region. This royal Renaissance residence is home to some exceptional collections, including the famous tortoise shell that served as the cradle of the future King of France. Let us guide you on your royal discovery thanks to the Navaway tours, which reveal all the secrets of this Béarn town.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Pau on foot and on your own
Explore 4km of Béarn’s heritage in 1h40 with the Navaway “From the palm trees to the Pyrenees” itinerary. This tour of 18 audio guides takes you from the Royal Castle to the Boulevard des Pyrenees, revealing how this garrison town became a renowned European health resort. Visiting Pau with Navaway means discovering the art of living in Béarn in an exceptional mountain setting.
9. Agen and the Garonne valley
At the heart of the Lot-et-Garonne region, Agen embodies the Gascon art of living and the agricultural wealth of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. This “City of the Agen prune” boasts a remarkable architectural heritage along the Garonne, the river that shaped its destiny as a prosperous trading city.
Saint-Caprais Cathedral (Place du Dr Esquirol, 47000 Agen), a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela, is a testament to medieval religious fervour. This 12th-century Romanesque church features exceptionally fine sculpted capitals, revealing the influence of the Toulouse school in the region.
Download the audio tour to discover Agen on foot and on your own
Discover 3.1 km of Agen’s heritage in 1 hour 15 minutes with the Navaway “C’est le ponpon sur la Garonne! This tour of 18 audio guides takes you from the banks of the Garonne to the secrets of old Agen, revealing the tasty history of this gourmet city famous the world over for its exceptional agricultural specialities.
10. Gastronomy, the art of living in New Aquitaine
A land of gourmet delights par excellence, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is renowned for its exceptional gastronomy, which blends age-old traditions with contemporary innovations. From Marennes-Oléron oysters to Bordeaux wines, from Périgord foie gras to Bordeaux cannelés, each region reveals its own authentic specialities.
The vineyards of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the largest appellation d’origine contrôlée vineyards in the world, covering 120,000 hectares. This mosaic of terroirs produces some of the world’s most prestigious wines, from Saint-Émilion to Pauillac, revealing the region’s exceptional geological diversity.
The traditional markets of Nouvelle-Aquitaine perpetuate this gourmet art of living: the Sarlat market reveals the treasures of the Périgord, the Biarritz market the authentic Basque flavours, while the market halls of La Rochelle celebrate the products of the ocean. Let Navaway’s recommendations guide you on your culinary exploration, revealing the best addresses in each destination.
11. Not-to-be-missed festivals and cultural events
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is alive with international cultural events that bring its towns and cities to life throughout the year. Every summer, the Francofolies de La Rochelle transforms the white city into the capital of French-language song, attracting over 150,000 spectators in a unique festive atmosphere.
The Angoulême International Comics Festival is a not-to-be-missed event in the world of 9th art, showcasing contemporary creativity and French comics heritage every January. This benchmark event attracts the world’s leading authors to the Charente capital, confirming the region’s cultural vitality.
Every summer, the Fêtes de Bayonne, the biggest popular festival in France, transform the Basque city into a stage for exceptional collective jubilation. These age-old celebrations perpetuate authentic Basque traditions in a convivial atmosphere that has earned the region a worldwide reputation for hospitality.
12. Preserved natural areas
A sanctuary for biodiversity, New Aquitaine protects exceptional ecosystems through its nature parks and national reserves. The Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park preserves the largest artificial forest in Western Europe, planted in the 19th century to reclaim the swampy land of the Landes region.
The Marais Poitevin, nicknamed the “Green Venice”, reveals a labyrinth of canals lined with pollarded ash trees, where exceptional biodiversity rubs shoulders with a preserved rural heritage. This remarkable wetland is home to over 150 species of birds and is a haven for rare flora and fauna.
The Banc d’Arguin National Nature Reserve, opposite the Dune du Pilat, protects a dune and marine ecosystem that is unique in Europe. This sandy islet is an exceptional nesting site for caugek terns and oystercatchers, testifying to the ornithological wealth of the Arcachon basin.
In conclusion, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is an exceptional destination where historical heritage, natural riches and the art of living are in perfect harmony. From the urban circuits of Bordeaux to the wilderness of the Pyrenees, each region reveals a unique facet of the French identity. Let the Navaway itineraries guide you on this exploration, revealing all the secrets of this fascinating region, a veritable concentrate of the French art de vivre. This land of contrasts invites you to discover it slowly and authentically, revealing its deepest soul and the richness of its age-old heritage.
FAQ – Discovering New Aquitaine
When is the best time to visit the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region?
New Aquitaine can be visited all year round, thanks to its temperate oceanic climate. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal conditions, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. Summer is perfect for enjoying the Atlantic beaches and cultural festivals, while winter reveals the authentic charm of the historic towns.
How long does it take to discover the region?
One week is enough to discover the must-sees: Bordeaux (2 days), La Rochelle (1 day), the Arcachon Basin (1 day), Périgord (2 days) and the Basque Country (1 day). For an in-depth exploration with the Navaway tours, allow 10 to 15 days to visit all the key destinations in the region with complete peace of mind.
What are the UNESCO sites in New Aquitaine?
The region boasts several listed sites: the historic centre of Bordeaux, the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela (Sainte-Foy de Conques cathedral, Saint-Seurin basilica), the jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion and the Palolithic sites of the Vézère valley. These international accolades testify to the exceptional wealth of heritage in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
How do you get around the region efficiently?
The car remains the most practical way of exploring the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region at your own pace. The TGV serves Bordeaux, Poitiers and La Rochelle from Paris. The Navaway tours are ideal for exploring the historic centres on foot, while local transport is an effective complement to the region’s mobility offering.
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