New Aquitaine

Region · 🇫🇷 France

Population 6,150,451

Area 84,994 km²

Time zone Europe/Paris

Official website www.nouvelle-aquitaine.fr

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Featured Lists

Nouvelle-Aquitaine Highlights

Stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Pyrenees, this selection features UNESCO-listed landmarks like the Lascaux Caves' prehistoric art and the Romanesque murals of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe. Architectural highlights include the Vauban fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the Byzantine-style domes of Périgueux Cathedral, and the royal Château de Pau. Natural wonders range from the massive Dune of Pilat to the high-altitude Col d'Aubisque. The list also covers the region's industrial and leisure heritage through the Hennessy cognac distillery and the historic La Rhune rack railway.

12 places

zhang / CC-BY-SA

Editor's Choice: Cognac

Cognac’s heritage centers on its eponymous spirit and medieval architecture. This selection includes the historic Maison Hennessy and Rémy Martin, alongside the Otard distillery housed within the 15th-century Royal Castle. Beyond viticulture, the 12th-century Église Saint-Léger showcases Romanesque and Gothic transitions, while the Musée des Arts du Cognac details the region's industrial evolution. The English-style Cognac Public Garden provides a central green space connecting these historic landmarks.

6 places

Historic Heritage of Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Explore the diverse historical landscape of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, ranging from the Upper Paleolithic cave paintings of Lascaux and Rouffignac to the medieval architecture of the Way of St. James. This collection highlights UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Vauban fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré and the Romanesque frescoes of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe. The list features grand cathedrals in Périgueux and Agen, the ducal Palace of Poitiers, and ancient pilgrim hospitals and abbeys that define the region's spiritual and political evolution over two millennia.

18 places

Historic Churches & Cathedrals

This collection highlights the diverse religious architecture of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, from the Byzantine-inspired domes of Périgueux Cathedral to the Romanesque murals of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It includes significant stops on the Way of Saint James, such as the Church of Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Fin-des-Terres. These sites represent centuries of spiritual history, featuring 15th-century relics in Limoges and the unique Protestant heritage in Niort.

15 places

Flo641 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Castles & Manor Houses

This collection showcases the architectural diversity of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, ranging from the medieval Keep of Pons to the Renaissance grandeur of Château de Pau, the birthplace of Henry IV. It includes world-renowned wine estates like Château Margaux and Château Giscours, alongside unique sites like the ruined Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers, currently under collective restoration. The list spans fortified towers in Charente-Maritime, elegant 17th-century residences in Landes, and the distinctive stone manor houses of the Périgord region.

20 places

Bo35bo35 / cc0

Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s archaeological landscape spans millennia, from the world-renowned Upper Paleolithic cave paintings of Lascaux and Rouffignac to the Roman amphitheater of Vesunna in Périgueux. The region features significant Neolithic megaliths like the Dolmen d'Ors and defensive medieval structures, including the UNESCO-listed gates of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Evocative ruins like the overgrown Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers and the fortress of Bidache illustrate centuries of architectural evolution and historical conflict across southwestern France.

20 places

Regional Markets & Cuisine

This collection highlights the gastronomic heritage of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, featuring historic covered markets and regional restaurants. The selection includes architectural landmarks like the 19th-century porcelain-friezed hall in Limoges and Royan’s mid-century concrete dome. These hubs offer access to local specialties such as Bazas beef and Atlantic seafood, while the featured eateries range from traditional Basque inns near the Pyrenees to coastal brasseries on the Île de Ré.

10 places

France64160 / CC0

Natural Wonders

This collection highlights the diverse geography of southwestern France, spanning from the Atlantic coast to the high Pyrenees. It features the Dune of Pilat, Europe's tallest sand dune, and the historic La Coubre Lighthouse. The selection includes significant mountain passes such as the Col d'Aubisque and Somport, alongside glacial lakes like Lac Gentau and Lac Bersau. Inland, the list covers cultural landscapes including the 19th-century Haras National in Saintes and the botanical heritage of the Cognac Public Garden.

17 places

AlMare / CC BY-SA 3.0

UNESCO Sites & Museums

This collection showcases the diverse heritage of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, spanning from the Upper Paleolithic cave paintings of Lascaux and Rouffignac to the Romanesque and Gothic architecture of UNESCO-listed cathedrals in Périgueux and Agen. It includes significant landmarks on the Way of Saint James, such as the Abbey of Saint-Savin and the medieval pilgrim hospital in Pons. The list also highlights the region’s industrial history through the cognac houses of Cognac and the tragic modern history preserved at the Oradour-sur-Glane memorial.

20 places

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

Top Campsites & Caravan Parks

This collection features prominent outdoor accommodations across the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, ranging from the Atlantic coastline to the Dordogne countryside. Coastal sites like Pyla Camping and La Forêt du Pilat are situated at the base of the Dune du Pilat, while the Île de Ré hosts several venues including La Tour des Prises and Le Cormoran. Facilities across these locations include basic tent pitches, caravan hookups, and luxury mobile homes, with specialized options like the CHM Montalivet naturist resort and lakeside pitches at Lac de Saint-Cyr.

12 places