Southwestern Hospitality – Aquitaine, France

Discover a beautiful, festive region with a strong identity, a long history and rich culture.

Dordogne Valley:

Calling all history buffs. Get in touch with your inner Cro-Magnon visiting the prehistoric sites of Périgord. Situated along the Vezere River, the Dordogne Valley is home to some of the best preserved prehistoric sites in the world. Start your journey at L’Abri Pataud, a prehistoric cave shelter which has been converted into a museum, the only one of its kind in Europe. This excellent site helps visitors better understand how early man lived. 25 minutes north are the famous Lascaux caves, home to some of the earliest cave art in the world.

The City of Bordeaux:

Two hours west of the quiet Dordogne Valley, is the elegant city of Bordeaux, the capital of Aquitaine. Home to a large university, and at the center of some of the best wine country in the world, Bordeaux is a vibrant young city with loads to see and do, The pedestrian rue Ste – Catherine, lined with trendy shops, leads you through the best of the old city. The Musée d’Art Contemporain and the Musée des Beaux Arts both offer excellent collections. A stroll along the Gironde river offers a view of the citys magnificently preserved 18th Century architecture. And of course a visit to Bordeaux wouldn’t be complete without a fine red and a gourmet meal. Art du Voyage’s Southwestern Hospitality includes a gourmet dinner at Chez Phillippe DuBern, one of the best seafood restaurants in the city.

St Emilion:

Indulge the senses with a private full-day tour of the medieval village of St Emilion and its surrounding vineyards. With a private quide you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the best chateaux in the area and taste the rich warm merlot that make this region so notorious.

Bay of Arcachon:

An hour east of Bordeaux is the scenic Bay of Arcachon, an inland sea with the colors of a lagoon and a wonderful nature preserve. Discover charming villages exuding a pleasantly rustic atmosphere and taste the best oysters in France. Stop in the charming town of Arcachon, a seaside resort erected on the shores of a protected coastline, where light takes extremely delicate shades. For a truly amazing experience, ascend the breathtaking Dune du Pyla, the highest sand dne in Europe. From its summit, the dune offers a spectacular view of the Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the forests.

Pays Basque:

Two hours south of Arcachon, the Basque country offers a cultural experience far different from any other region of France. The city of Bayonne on the Atlantic coast is considered by many to be the capital of the French Basque region. With it festivals, ferias, and delicious ham, this city, surrounded by mountains and ocean, is famous for its picturesque sixteenth century houses, its amazing cuisine and its festivals. A journey to the interior mountains of this region reveals a land rich in natural, and cultural heritage. Take the time to visit the little town of Dax, one of France’s top spa towns, with it hot spring and mud baths. Between the Pyrenees and the beaches of the Atlantic coast, Dax is a delightful town, locates at the gates of the Basque country and a stone’s throw from Spain, Be sure to try the local brebis cheese. Discover the colorful markets, savor the culinary delight and enjoy the richness of the spa water.

As published in Art du Voyage’s Travel Notes, Spring 2008

By Jessamyn Embry