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Experiences in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

This region, which covers the former lands of the duchy of Eleanor of Aquitaine, is rich in history, heritage and culture. The Basques, Gascons and Languedocians (among others) who gradually developed this part of southern France have left a rich heritage all around its capital, Bordeaux. So it's hardly surprising that the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region now attracts many visitors in search of inspiring discoveries.

Facts and figures

Before discovering 4 things to do in 4 of the region's 12 départements, here are a few of its characteristics:

  • With a surface area of 84,000 km2, it's larger than Austria! 
  • Its more than 6 million inhabitants, the Neo-Aquitains, occupy 1/8th of the national territory.
  • It is Europe's leading agricultural region (in terms of sales), thanks in particular to the international renown of its Bordeaux and Cognac vineyards.
  • Another of the region's emblematic products, oysters from the Marennes-Oléron basin, make it France's No. 1 shellfish-growing region. Thanks to its famous seaside resorts on the Atlantic coast (Arcachon, Biarritz...) and its winter sports resorts in the Pyrenees, it is the No. 1 region for tourist employment.
Oenology and gastronomy, maritime or mountain ambience, built or natural heritage: there's something for everyone in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and especially for lovers of the French art of living. Here are just 4 examples:

IN THE AIR

A hot-air balloon flight in Châtellerault (Vienne)
At sunrise or sunset, soaring over the picturesque landscapes of the Vienne region is an absolutely unique experience. In addition to discovering this mode of transport, developed in the 18th century by two brothers who gave it its name, the flight offers a unique perspective on the surroundings of Châtellerault. A town dear to the philosopher, mathematician and physicist René Descartes, who would undoubtedly have been inspired by this adventure. For unforgettable memories, visit the Aladinia website.
Aerial tour around La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime)
We continue to soar over the wonders of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region with this panoramic view of several sites that contribute greatly to the region's renown: Fort Boyard near the port of La Rochelle, the Île d'Oléron and the Île de Ré with its famous Phare des Baleines lighthouse. Aboard a comfortable airplane for 3 people, 1 experienced pilot and 2 passengers, this private ocean-view flight can be enjoyed with friends or as a couple. A change of scenery guaranteed!

ON THE WATER

Cruise on the Garonne with wine tasting (Gironde)
A yacht, or rather two, taking you from Saint-Emilion to Bordeaux. 
Departing from Château Belloy, where an initial introduction to the specific characteristics of Bordeaux wines is offered, wine-lovers will embark on a cruise punctuated by the tasting of 6 regional wines. The 3-hour cruise concludes with a final stop on a post-war Riviera yacht, with commentary by a tour guide. An original way to discover the rich Bordeaux region.

INLAND

Immersion in a caviar-making workshop with tasting (Dordogne)
If Nouvelle-Aquitaine is famous for its wines, it also excels in caviar production. And to find out how sturgeon eggs are transformed into this highly prized delicacy, Caviar de Neuvic opens its doors to the curious. Located in the commune of Neuvic, it was a pioneer in French production of this luxury product (in the 1980s), and offers tours to unlock the secrets surrounding this mysterious know-how. 

From sturgeon rearing in the nearby Isle River to canning, this “remarkable company” (a distinction awarded by the French Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) concludes this immersion with a tasting of three of its products. The perfect way to fully appreciate Aquitaine caviar.

Of course, other equally epicurean experiences are also available in the region's other départements. To book or offer one of them, the Aladinia portal of original experiences awaits all those in search of a unique gift.

Enjoy your discovery.

Valérie from Comme des Français



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Further afield in the region