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France’s third-biggest region with a surface area of 41,308 km2, Aquitaine is famous, among other things, for its vast protected natural spaces.
Towns occupy 17% of the territory, with 70% of the 2,988,395 inhabitants living in urban areas. There are therefore many rural areas offering a great variety of landscapes.
Bordered along the whole of its west coast by the Atlantic Ocean, Aquitaine is bathed in a mild oceanic climate with the influence of the Gulf Stream.
The 2,200 sunshine hours per year make the Bordeaux region similar to the Mediterranean.
Along with rainfall that is well distributed over the year, this sunshine is one of the elements which favour vine-growing in Aquitaine.
The Ocean
The Aquitaine coast has been carefully safeguarded against excessive urbanisation.
Between the region’s famous seaside resorts, there are 250 km of coastline offering sandy beaches for surfing, relaxing, or enjoying a thalassotherapy session.
Between the Atlantic coast to the west and the Quercy hills to the east, the Landes plains form a triangle of 14,000 km2 with the Pointe de Grave, Bayonne and Nérac as its three points. Its flat terrain makes it ideal for cycling.
Lakes
Ocean currents and winds have little by little formed a long fringe of sand dunes along the ocean shore, against which the freshwater of many waterways came to a stop.
The result today is a host of large lakes , a paradise for yachts and… migratory birds!
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Mountains
Aquitaine also offers a superb playground for hikers, skiers, white-water enthusiasts or lovers of breathtaking views.
The Pyrenees form France’s natural border with Spain. In Aquitaine, they are mainly the Pyrénées Atlantiques, climbing slowly away from the ocean through the Basque Country and the Béarn region.
The Pyrenees National Park is a particularly well-preserved haven for you to observe the flora and fauna on a hike or from the Artouste train.
Forests
The forests of Green Périgord in the Dordogne or the Regional Nature Park of the Landes de Gascogne, the biggest forest in Europe! Iraty and Les Arbailles in the Basque Country…
You can already smell the pine and the moss, you can see the truffles, cèpe mushrooms and chestnuts, you can imagine picnics or rides on horseback… Not forgetting some ideal spots for naturist holidays.
A land of convivial tradition
The South West is famous for its festivities and its warm welcome.
The region’s tradition can be seen in various ways: the fêtes of course, but also the sports, crafts and legends.
Food-lovers rest assured, a whole chapter is dedicated to the delights of the table, from regional specialities to cookery lessons, recipes and festivals, starred restaurants, markets, Gourmet Routes and museums.
The wine region also has its own chapter, the winegrowing tradition being the founding factor of the heritage, and the life, in Aquitaine.
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