Unusual weekends in Aquitaine: 8 original ideas
Aquitaine, in south-west France, is a dream destination for those seeking authenticity, unspoilt nature and out-of-the-ordinary experiences. Between the vineyards of Bordeaux, the forests of the Landes, the beaches of the Atlantic and the medieval villages of Périgord, the region offers an ideal playground for unusual weekends away. Whether you’re looking for romance, adventure or simply a change of scenery, these 8 ideas for unusual accommodation and original experiences promise you unforgettable memories in Aquitaine.
Also in the Bordeaux guide:
- Bordeaux’s best culinary specialities
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Must-sees and must-dos
- 15 must-see places in the Landes to discover
- 15 not-to-be-missed excursions around Bordeaux
- Visiting the Dune du Pilat: guide and practical information
- The 12 most beautiful villages in the French Basque Country
- 20 must-see weekend ideas around Bordeaux
- Visiting New Aquitaine
1. A romantic night in transparent bubbles near Bordeaux
For an unusual weekend in Aquitaine, nothing beats a night under the stars in a transparent bubble. These unusual accommodations are springing up all around Bordeaux, offering a unique experience in the heart of nature. Imagine yourself comfortably seated in your bubble, with a 360-degree view of the Landes forest or the Bordeaux vineyards, while enjoying all the modern comforts.
The concept is simple but magical: a semi-transparent inflatable structure isolates you from the outside world while offering you a privileged contact with nature. Most of these bubbles are equipped with a cosy bed, sometimes a private jacuzzi, and even offer spa services to enhance your stay. This is the ideal option for couples looking for romance and originality.
Several estates around Bordeaux offer this type of unusual accommodation, particularly along the Saint-Émilion vineyards. After a night under the stars, make the most of your unusual weekend in Aquitaine to visit Bordeaux and discover its exceptional heritage. Let yourself be guided through the narrow streets of the city thanks to the Navaway itineraries, which will reveal all the secrets of the capital of Gironde.
Download the audio tour to discover Bordeaux on foot and on your own
To round off your unusual weekend in Aquitaine, there’s nothing like an in-depth tour of Bordeaux. TheBordeaux Itinerary takes you on a tour of the city’s 29 must-see attractions, from the Miroir d’Eau to the Cité du Vin, via the Grand Théâtre and Saint-André Cathedral. With its immersive audio commentary and interactive navigation, this audio guide transforms your walk into a real journey through time.
2. Tree houses in the Dordogne
Périgord, the land of castles and gastronomy, is also home to some magnificent tree houses for an unusual weekend in Aquitaine. Perched several metres off the ground, these unusual accommodations offer total immersion in the Périgord forest. Wake up to birdsong, rustling leaves and a bird’s-eye view of the canopy… it’s the Robinson Crusoe experience in modern comfort.
The Dordogne is home to a number of estates offering quality tree houses, some with private spas, others with sleek Scandinavian designs. Some, like the Châteaux dans les Arbres at Domaine de Puybeton near Bergerac, even offer prestige cabins with private terraces and hot tubs.
During your unusual weekend in Aquitaine in the Dordogne, be sure to visit Bergerac and its medieval streets. This charming town on the banks of the Dordogne will win you over with its authenticity and well-preserved heritage. Fans of prehistory can also visit the famous Lascaux caves or explore the troglodyte village of La Roque Saint-Christophe.
3. Well-being break in Lacanau with ocean views
Lacanau, a popular seaside resort in the Gironde, is the perfect destination for an unusual weekend in Aquitaine dedicated to relaxation and well-being. Several top-of-the-range establishments offer accommodation with views over the Atlantic Ocean, accompanied by spa areas with hammams, saunas and seawater pools.
Just a stone’s throw from the wild beaches of Lacanau, you can take advantage of your stay to try your hand at surfing, paddle boarding or simply let yourself be lulled by the sound of the waves. The sunsets over the Atlantic from your private terrace will remain etched in your memories.
Many establishments offer all-inclusive packages with gourmet dinners featuring local produce: oysters from the Arcachon Basin, canelés from Bordeaux, lamb from Pauillac… A real treat for the taste buds during your unusual weekend in Aquitaine.
4. Weekend at a château and vineyards near Bordeaux
For an unusual weekend in Aquitaine full of elegance and refinement, opt for a stay in one of the many wine châteaux in the Bordeaux region. Some estates open their doors to visitors and offer charming guest rooms in the heart of the vineyards.
The programme includes visits to the cellars, tastings of grands crus, walks through the vineyards and gourmet meals in period dining rooms. Some châteaux even organise oenology workshops, where you can learn to taste wine like a real sommelier. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the secrets of Bordeaux winemaking and take home a few carefully selected bottles.
The vineyards of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are particularly recommended for this type of unusual weekend in Aquitaine. Between tastings, take time to stroll through this perched medieval village and enjoy the panoramic view of the vineyards as far as the eye can see. To extend your discovery of the region, theBordeaux itinerary will allow you to explore the wine capital in great detail.
5. Romantic gypsy caravans and lodges in the Landes
The Landes, with its immense pine forests and wild beaches, is an idyllic setting for an unusual weekend in Aquitaine. Numerous estates offer unusual accommodation, including traditional wooden caravans, comfortable lodges and luxurious safari tents.
These unusual accommodations are generally nestled in the heart of the Landes forest, offering peace and privacy. Many have a private spa, perfect for relaxing after a day’s walking in the forest or surfing on the beaches of the Atlantic coast. Comfort comes as standard, with king-size beds, wooden terraces and sometimes even fully-equipped kitchens.
During your unusual weekend in the Landes region of Aquitaine, take the opportunity to discover typical villages such as Hossegor, famous for its surf spots, or Capbreton and its lively fishing port. Nature lovers can explore the Landes de Gascogne regional nature park or watch migratory birds in the bird sanctuaries.
6. Geodesic domes with spa in the heart of Périgord
Geodesic domes represent a new trend in unusual accommodation and are becoming increasingly popular in Aquitaine, particularly in the Périgord. These semi-spherical structures made of wood or canvas offer surprising interior volume and exceptional luminosity for a memorable unusual weekend in Aquitaine.
Often set in the heart of the countryside, these domes are equipped with all modern comforts: top-of-the-range bedding, a wood-burning stove for chilly evenings, and above all a private spa for relaxing under the stars. Some estates even offer packages with breakfast delivered directly to your dome, so you don’t miss out on any of the magic of the place.
The Périgord Noir, with its medieval villages and prehistoric sites, is the perfect setting for this type of stay. After a night in your dome, set off to discover Sarlat-la-Canéda and its magnificent market, or visit the Marqueyssac hanging gardens, which offer breathtaking views over the Dordogne valley. An unusual weekend in Aquitaine that combines nature, culture and well-being.
7. Overnight in a barge on the Garonne
For a truly unusual weekend in Aquitaine, why not embark on a night on the water? Several barges moored on the Garonne, particularly in the Bordeaux area, offer unusual accommodation with all the comforts you need. Cosy rooms, a terrace lounge on the deck, and the gentle lapping of the water to lull you to sleep…
Some of the barges are real jewels of decoration, combining old-world charm with modern facilities. You can have breakfast on deck while admiring the sunrise over the quays of Bordeaux, a unique experience to start your unusual weekend in Aquitaine. Some boats even offer river cruises to discover the region from the river.
Moored in the heart of Bordeaux or nearby, you’ll be ideally placed to explore the city on foot. The Bordeaux audioguide tour will enable you to discover the city’s 29 places of interest on your own, from the majestic Miroir d’Eau to Saint-André Cathedral and the Chartrons district. Don’t forget to visit Bordeaux in depth, so you don’t miss out on anything of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
8. Ecological tiny house in the Arcachon basin
The trend for tiny houses is gaining ground in Aquitaine, particularly around the Arcachon Basin. These eco-friendly micro-homes, measuring between 20 and 30 m², are perfectly equipped to provide all the comforts you need for an unusual weekend in Aquitaine. Mezzanine beds, fully-equipped kitchen areas, shower rooms and wooden terraces make up these atypical accommodations, which emphasise minimalism and respect for the environment.
These tiny houses are usually located in a peaceful, green setting, where you can reconnect with what’s essential. Many are equipped with solar panels and rainwater recovery systems, for a stay in keeping with your ecological values. It’s the perfect option for an eco-friendly weekend away in Aquitaine.
The Arcachon basin, with its majestic Pilat Dune, oyster-farming villages and fine sandy beaches, offers a thousand possibilities for excursions. Sample fresh oysters in one of the basin’s oyster ports, take a boat trip to Ile aux Oiseaux and its famous cabanes tchanquées, or climb to the top of the Dune du Pilat to admire an unforgettable sunset.
In conclusion, Aquitaine is full of options for an unforgettable unusual weekend. Whether you opt for a night under the stars in a transparent bubble, a tree house in the Périgord, a well-being break in Lacanau, a wine experience in a Bordeaux château, a Landes gypsy caravan, a geodesic dome with spa, a barge on the Garonne or an ecological tiny house near the Arcachon Basin, each option promises a change of scenery and magical moments. These atypical accommodations, combining modern comfort with contact with nature, are the perfect opportunity to discover this magnificent region in a different way. And don’t forget to round off your stay by exploring the region’s emblematic towns and cities, thanks to the audio-guided itineraries that will help you discover all the hidden treasures of Aquitaine. So, are you ready to book your next unusual weekend in Aquitaine?
FAQ
What’s the best time of year for an unusual weekend in Aquitaine?
The best time to enjoy an unusual weekend in Aquitaine is from May to September, when the weather is fine and temperatures pleasant. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the advantage of fewer tourists and still favourable weather conditions. Summer remains ideal for water sports activities and nights under the stars in the transparent bubbles.
Is it necessary to book well in advance for unusual accommodation in Aquitaine?
We strongly recommend that you book several weeks or even months in advance, especially for weekends and school holidays. The most popular unusual accommodation (transparent bubbles, tree houses with spa, vineyard châteaux) often sell out quickly. During the high season (July-August), it’s worth booking 2 or 3 months in advance.
Are these unusual accommodations suitable for families with children?
Some unusual accommodation in Aquitaine accepts children, particularly the most spacious tree houses, gypsy caravans and tiny houses. However, transparent bubbles and accommodation with private hot tubs are generally reserved for couples or adults only, to preserve the tranquillity of the site. It’s important to check the conditions of access and the minimum age required when you make your reservation.
What budget should you allow for an unusual weekend in Aquitaine?
The budget for an unusual weekend in Aquitaine varies considerably depending on the type of accommodation you choose. Expect to pay between €100 and €200 a night for a standard treehouse or gypsy caravan, between €150 and €300 for a transparent bubble or geodesic dome, and up to €400 or more for a luxury wine château or prestige cabin with private spa. All-inclusive packages with gourmet meals and activities naturally add to the budget.
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