Historic heritage sites in New Aquitaine

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.

Historic Heritage of Nouvelle-Aquitaine — Map

A

Lascaux Caves

Monumental prehistoric art site containing Upper Paleolithic paintings and engravings primarily of animals. This UNESCO World Heritage site features ancient artistic expressions dating back 17,000 to 22,000 years.

B

Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe

The Abbey Church of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe is a Roman Catholic church located in Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe, in Poitou, France.

C

Périgueux Cathedral

Périgueux Cathedral is a Catholic church located in the city of Périgueux, France. A cathedral since 1669, it is dedicated to Saint Front.

D

La citadelle el l’enceinte de Saint-Martin-de-Ré

A 17th-century star-shaped citadel and urban wall designed by Vauban. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built to defend the Île de Ré and later served as a transit point for convicts.

Philippe Lauzun d'après un plan du… / Public domain

E

Agen Cathedral

Agen Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Agen, Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine, France. It is dedicated to Saint Caprasius.

F

Church of Saint-Hilaire le Grand

The Église Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand is a church in Poitiers, France. It was named after Hilary of Poitiers.

Havang(nl) / CC0

G

Bazas Cathedral

Bazas Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in Bazas, Gironde, France. The cathedral is a national monument.

H

Château de Hautefort

The Château de Hautefort is a French château and gardens located in the town of Hautefort in the Dordogne.

Rprin / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Church of Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay

The Church of Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay is an important Medieval church on the way to Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, in Aulnay, Charente…

Cobber17 / CC BY 3.0

J

Hôpital des pèlerins

A 12th-century hospital for pilgrims traveling the Way of Saint James. It is one of the few remaining medieval structures of its kind and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

K

Rouffignac Cave

The Rouffignac cave, in the French commune of Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac in the Dordogne département, contains over 250 engravings…

David Lally / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Porte St Jacques

A historic city gate in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port that serves as a traditional entry point for pilgrims on the Way of Saint James. It is part of the town's UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Daniel Villafruela / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Abbaye Saint-Jean de Sorde

A Benedictine monastery founded before 960, featuring remarkable Roman mosaics and medieval architecture. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site along the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela.

Gilles Messian / CC BY 2.0

N

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Fin-des-Terres

A 12th-century Romanesque basilica in Soulac-sur-Mer. Once buried under coastal dunes for centuries, this UNESCO World Heritage site was excavated and restored in the 19th century.

Michel Germain / Public domain

O

Ancienne abbaye Saint-Jean-Baptiste

A royal Benedictine abbey founded in 817 to house the relic of Saint John the Baptist. The site features a 13th-century Gothic church and 18th-century monastic buildings protected by UNESCO.

P

Palace of Poitiers

The palace of the Counts of Poitou/Dukes of Aquitaine in Poitiers in Poitou in western France is a medieval testimony of the Plantagenet…

Q

Chapel of St. Aurelianus, Limoges

The Chapel of St. Aurelianus is a 15th and 17th-century chapel that hosts the relics of Saint Aurelianus in Limoges, Haute-Vienne, France.

R

Keep of Pons

The Keep of Pons is an 830-year-old fortified tower located in Pons, France and is one of the few remnants of the original castle of Pons.

Other Lists

Nouvelle-Aquitaine Highlights Editor's Choice: Cognac Historic Churches & Cathedrals Castles & Manor Houses Archaeological Sites & Ruins Regional Markets & Cuisine Natural Wonders UNESCO Sites & Museums Top Campsites & Caravan Parks