Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Where is the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region?
The Nouvelle-aquitaine region is located in the southwest of France and is composed of 12 departments: Charente, Charente-Maritime, Corrèze, Creuse, Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne, and Haute-Vienne.
This vast region covers around 84,100 km², or 15% of French territory, making it the largest metropolitan region in France. To give you an idea, its surface area is comparable to that of Austria.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the third most populous region in France, with around 6 million inhabitants. It is bordered by the regions Pays de la Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Occitanie, as well as Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. Each department has its own identity and specialties, whether cultural, historical, or gastronomic. From Poitiers to Pau, through Bordeaux and Limoges, this region never ceases to amaze with its richness and its must-see iconic sites.
Map of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region
Why discover the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region?
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest region in France, a land with a thousand faces stretching from the Atlantic beaches to the hills of Périgord, passing through the prestigious Bordeaux vineyards and the Pyrenean mountain chains. A dream destination for lovers of wide-open spaces, cultural discoveries, and gourmet pleasures.
Along the coast, the Atlantic Coast unveils endless beaches, perfect for fans of surfing, relaxation, or brisk coastal walks. Seaside resorts like Biarritz, Arcachon, or Royan each offer a unique atmosphere—between Belle Époque elegance, surfer spirit, and family-friendly relaxation. The Dune of Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe, is a spectacular site not to be missed.
Inland, the region reveals an exceptional architectural and historical heritage. Medieval villages in the Black Périgord such as Sarlat-la-Canéda, the bastides of Dordogne, hilltop castles, and the prehistoric caves of Lascaux invite you on a fascinating journey through time.
Wine culture is omnipresent: Bordeaux and its region are home to some of the largest vineyards in the world. Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol… so many legendary names that reflect oenological excellence. Visiting a château winery, tasting a grand cru, or exploring La Cité du Vin are must-do experiences for any lover of exceptional wines.
Nature lovers will also find happiness in the Regional Natural Parks such as the Landes de Gascogne, or in the Pyrenean mountains, ideal for hiking, skiing, or simply wildlife watching.
As for gastronomy, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a paradise: foie gras, duck breast, goat cheese, Périgord truffles, Marennes-Oléron oysters… Each terroir reveals unique specialties savored at lively markets or traditional inns.
Exploring Nouvelle-Aquitaine means experiencing a flavorful journey through France, with varied landscapes and authentic encounters. A region where every detour brings a new emotion.
Stories and tips from my travels in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Frequently asked questions about traveling in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
The Regions of France I have travelled
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Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, I scramble through the land of the Velay's volcanic sucs. From Mont Mézenc to the Corbœuf ravine, these fire-born lands hold landscapes found nowhere else in Europe. -
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Bretagne
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Centre-Val de Loire
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Corse
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Grand Est
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Hauts-de-France
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Île-de-France
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Normandie
From Honfleur to the cliffs of Étretat, I wander between Impressionist light and bowls of cider. Then the D-Day beaches and the Pointe du Hoc bring back the full weight of memory. -
Occitanie
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Pays de la Loire
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur (PACA)
From hilltop Roubion to the Valley of Marvels, PACA blends mountain, culture, and sun. Between wine-red gorges and Mercantour waterfalls, the Mediterranean Sea is never far off.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a land where every landscape invites discovery.
From the sweeping sands of the Dune du Pilat to the peaceful waters of the Arcachon Bay, from the winding canals of the Marais Poitevin to the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux, every journey reveals a different side of one of France’s most diverse regions.
What moves me most is the variety of atmospheres that unfold along the way. A walk along the Atlantic coast, a boat ride through the tranquil waterways of the Marais Poitevin, the discovery of a characterful village such as Collonges-la-Rouge or the majestic silhouette of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau each offer a unique perspective on the region.
Photography has taught me to appreciate these contrasts. The golden light on the Dune du Pilat, the reflections of the Arcachon Bay, the endless rows of vines stretching across the countryside and the dramatic mountain landscapes of the Pyrenees all tell a different story.
With camera in hand, I invite you to discover a Nouvelle-Aquitaine where ocean, nature, heritage and the French art of living come together to create journeys that are both inspiring and unforgettable.
Here, every landscape opens a new perspective and every detour becomes a discovery.
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