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HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION AQUITAINE REGION - Area information

Location: South West France - The five departments of Aquitaine are: Dordogne (24), Gironde (Bordeaux) (33), Lot et Garonne (47), Landes (40) and Pyrénées Atlantiques (64) make up this Atlantic region of France

Geography: Bordeaux is the region's capital city. It is situated in the Gironde on the bank of the River Garonne. Gironde and the Dordogne form the two northern departments, side by side, with Landes and Lot et Garonne side by side beneath them and finally the Pyrénées Atlantiques dividing France from Spain on the Atlantic coast.

Food and Drink: Wine, wine and more wine.... Bordeaux probably being one of the most famous wine regions in the world and producing some of the highest quality and long-lasting wines. There are also other wine areas in this region including Bergerac, Buzet, Duras, and Monbazillac as well as the Madrian wines in the south. Armagnac brandy is produced around Condom and Eauze. Goose and duck are important ingredients in this region's cuisine, with every part of the bird being used. You will also find excellent Pyrénéean goats cheeses, mushrooms of all kinds including truffles, and of course seafood particularly from the coastal departments.

DORDOGNE area information

Ancient History: Dordogne is possibly most famous for its caves and cave paintings. Human remains were found at Les Eyzies some time around 1837 that triggered the first major excavations in Périgord. Evidence of Neandertal man and Cro-magnon man was unearthed in the caves near the river Vézère. These were amongst the most important find in archaeological history to help us understand the complete picture of prehistoric civilization.

Tourism Today: Today the Dordogne still benefits from its ancient history – the caves and their paintings (and the other visitor attractions created because of them) are the main draw to the region for visitors – that, along with the breath-taking scenery, the wonderful meandering river valleys, wooded hills, ancient villages and traditional market towns. Here you can enjoy whatever type of holiday you like, from exploring the caves to canoeing down the river, from walking in the woods to sipping a kir in a local café, from swimming in the refreshing waters of a lake to soaking up the sun from your balcony or terrace. If it gets too hot outside the cool and fascinating caves will help to chill you out.

Places to visit: There are over 1000 chateaux and castles in the Dordogne, including the incredible Château de Jumilhac, and the enchanting Losse Château and Gardens. There are also many other gardens open to the public. The Leisure park “le Village du Bournat” is a great place for all the family as it takes you back in time 100 years. For history lovers there are plenty of museums and for the outdoor active you will discover more than enough activities to satisfy even the most adventurous people. 

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