A stunning view of the Atlantic
Aquitaine isn’t the first region that rolls off the tongue when thinking about holidays in France. Its unknown status, however, certainly works in its favour as the incredible scenery and traditional streets have retained their authentic French charm. Found tucked away in the southwest corner of France, the Aquitaine region offers beaches, culture, history and fine cuisine. Think of it as the best bits of any French holiday rolled into one place and the weather’s nice! In the centre of Aquitaine, the surrounding countryside makes you feel as if you are in the middle of endless rolling hills and valleys.
Take a culture trip
Exploring the local culture of Aquitaine doesn’t mean trawling round a long list of stuffy, boring museums. In fact the best way to get a sense of the region’s history is to stay in the sunshine. Aquitaine is home to some of the most incredible Gothic cathedrals and churches in France and dotted around the vast countryside you’ll find Châteaux and Medieval towns that are packed with exciting stories and mysterious myths. Head to the culturally rich Sarlat and you’ll be surrounded by more listed buildings than you’ll find in one place than anywhere else in Europe.
Wine and dine
A holiday in France isn’t complete without sampling the local wine and cuisine. An Aquitaine holiday is no exception and the region is famous across the world for its wine production. If you’re not quite ready to commit to a whole bottle, first visit one of the many vineyards. Take a tour around the production line and try the end results for yourself. That way you can enjoy a free tipple and decide which one you want to part with your cash for. When it comes to cuisine, Aquitaine has its specialities. If you do visit the region, foie gras, truffles and salt cod are all made to perfection by the locals. If you’ve got a stronger stomach, baby eels and sea snake are surprisingly popular on the local menus.
South France holidays are often associated with the rich and famous but with lastminute.com you can escape to Aquitaine for less. lastminute.com has a great range of Aquitaine holiday deals that will leave your pockets full of change. Make sure you leave plenty of space in your suitcase for all that lovely wine you’ll be bringing home.