Colorful buildings in Nouvelle-Aquitaine near Originals Hotels

The historical city of Nouvelle-Aquitaine near Originals Hotels

Your travel guide to Nouvelle-Aquitaine

The largest of the 18 different administrative regions of France, Nouvelle Aquitaine was formed when the three sub-regions of Aquitaine, Poitou-Charentes and Limousin merged together. The area has a great reputation for research and innovation with several vibrant university cities within its borders including La Rochelle, Pau and Bordeaux. The region of the South West of France employs more people in the tourism and leisure industries than any other. It is easy to understand why thanks to our hoteliers’ travel guide on attractions and things to do. Live unique and unforgettable experiences during your holidays in Nouvelle Aquitaine.

Inspirations, Emotions, Passions

NOUVELLE AQUITAINE : THE HOTELS

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NOUVELLE AQUITAINE : THE BEST CITIES

Biarritz

Located in the far south of France, a short distance to the Spanish border, Biarritz faces the Atlantic Ocean and is well-known as a city that attracts surfers among the many tourists who holiday in the French Basque country.

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La Rochelle

La Rochelle, also known as “La Ville Blanche” (the White City), is a large city found within the western portion of France and along the shores of the Bay of Biscay.

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Royan

You know you’re in good company when your holiday destination was favoured by luminaries like Zola, the Rothschilds, Picasso and Sarah Bernhardt. Royan might be lesser known than some of the French coasts most famous destinations, but it’s a city so special that the artist Corot nicknamed it ‘The Pearl of the Ocean’.

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Brive-la-Gaillarde

Situated midway between Limoges and Toulouse, Brive-la-Gaillarde is a city of about 50,000 residents.

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Niort

Niort is a medium-sized city found within the Nouvelle Aquitaine region of France and only a short distance away from the Atlantic Ocean.

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Limoges

Situated in central France, the city of Limoges is the capital of the Haute-Vienne department in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region.

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Bordeaux

Located in Southwestern France and found within close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the city of Bordeaux is known for its amenable climate as well as representing the “wine capitol of the world”.

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Angoulême

Situated on the banks of the pretty Charente River in mid-western France, Angoulême is one of the smaller cities in the country with a population that stands at around 42,000.

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NOUVELLE AQUITAINE : BE INSPIRED

What to do, to see, to hear...

Visit

Nouvelle Aquitaine extends from central France all the way down to the Pyrenees so a touring holiday of the region requires plenty of time in order to visit every part of it. It is larger than you might think!

Explore

The Dordogne Valley, so loved by British tourists, lies in Nouvelle Aquitaine and the town of Périgueux makes for a great starting spot to begin exploring it.

Taste

Bordeaux, famous for its wonderful wines, is the largest city in the region with over a million inhabitants.

Visit

Bayonne, in the far south of the region, is a good place to head to if you want to explore the Basque country and the mountains that form the border between Spain and France.

Enjoy

Les Francofolies is a five-day music festival that takes place every July in the historic coastal city of La Rochelle.

Discover

Prehistoric sites can be found all over the region, especially in Dordogne which has been continuously inhabited for over 80,000 years. Head to Castel Merle for a typical example.

Transports in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Getting around in Nouvelle Aquitaine once you have arrived is relatively easy. Fast train services connect all of the major cities, including Bordeaux, Pau, Bayonne, and Poitiers. Bordeaux has a handy ring road if you want to get past it and on to another destination rather than visit it. The Chavanon Viaduct in Corrèze is a spectacular road bridge on the A89. Seagoing travel can be arranged from La Rochelle, Verdon-sur-Mer, Pauillac and Bordeaux.

WHEN TO GO TO NOUVELLE AQUITAINE ?

The number of sunshine hours in Nouvelle Aquitaine is comparable with Mediterranean regions so coming in summer means you are likely to enjoy good weather. Anywhere in the Basque country enjoys warmer than average winters, too. The Pau Valley is known to have its own microclimate which means springs and autumns see lots of sun but also a higher than average amount of precipitation at these times. The Bordeaux Wine Festival is a good time to come to the area. It is held in June each year. In August, the town of Dax holds its annual Feria, another busy but enjoyable time to arrive.

WHAT TO DO IN NOUVELLE AQUITAINE ?

A large region, there is no end to the possible activities you can do in Nouvelle Aquitaine. Located in South West France, the region is diverse and please every type of travelers: nature lovers, trendy cities, amazing beaches… Nouvelle-Aquitaine has it all! Our hoteliers are the expert – follow their suggestions on what to visit, do and taste!

KARTING

There is a great karting facility in the town of Bergerac where both kids and adults will be thoroughly entertained.

WATER ACTIVITIES

The coastal city of La Rochelle has plenty of waterborne activities to take part in. Anything from yachting to sea fishing is possible or how about a boat trip to the famous Fort Boyard which stands out at sea?

VISIT POITIERS

The city of Poitiers has plenty of gardens and castles but it is also a centre for the escape room puzzle games phenomenon with several different operators offering this experience.

The best restaurants in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Agen

Valérie Sieurac Gastronomie

Located on Rue Félix Aunac in Agen, not far from the banks of the mighty Garonne River, the upmarket restaurant of Valerie Sieurac Gastronomie plies its trade. Superb dishes and an excellent cellar make this a food lovers paradise and the great thing is that it is only one restaurant of many in the region which serves fantastic regional food.