a camp-site - Tourisme Aquitaine

Transcription

a camp-site - Tourisme Aquitaine
GET WAYS
E S C A P E
T O
A Q U I T A I N E
Bordeaux,
bringing heritage
up to date
In the
chefs’ kitchens
Châteaux and hanging
gardens in Périgord
From here, you can
see even further
www.tourism-aquitaine.com
/ EDITORIAL /
Aquitaine, the next place to escape to
Bordeaux, Biarritz, Bassin d’Arcachon,
Pyrenees, Pays Basque, Saint-Jean-deLuz, Landes, Lascaux, Dune du Pilat,
beaches, surfing, gastronomy, vineyards:
What could better conjure up a getaway,
for a day trip, a weekend break, a week
or the whole summer holidays? They all
have one point in common: Aquitaine.
The south-west of France, lined with
240 kilometres of beaches of fine
sand, boasts an extraordinary palette
of destinations and activities, with the
ocean, mountains, cities, culture and
heritage, fortresses and prehistoric sites,
immense panoramas, rivers and canals,
grand itineraries for hikers and cyclists,
medieval bastides and world-famous
vineyards. It’s up to you to choose what
to do in Aquitaine!
12
4
OCEAN
/ A new take on camping
/ Naturism, modern art de vivre
/ Holidays for communing
with nature
/ Lovely terraces with a sea view
/ Surfing the trends!
…GETAWAYS
CITY
/B
ordeaux, bringing heritage up to date
/ “In” places in Bordeaux
/P
au, Queen of Pyrenean cities
32
Magazine published by the
Aquitaine Regional Tourist Board
4 Place Jean Jaurès
CS 31 759
33074 Bordeaux Cedex - France
Tel.: +33(0)5 56 01 70 00
Fax: +33(0)5 56 01 70 07
Web: tourisme-aquitaine.fr
Design and production:
Seppa Communication
Editor: Pierre Sauvey
Photos: Alban Gilbert
unless otherwise specified
Printing: Korus
Printed on certified PEFC paper
from sustainably managed
forests
WINTER
/ New snow-white
sensations
©Domaine de Michelet
17
WINE TASTER
/ Cruises: discover the vineyard
while going with the flow
/ Accommodation that’s out of
the ordinary
/ Become a wine-grower
- 2 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
©L’aventure nordique
22
27
RURAL
/ Châteaux and hanging gardens in Périgord
/ Lot-et-Garonne: colourful, vibrant bastides
SCENIC
/ From here, you can see even further
/ The Vélodyssée® cycling route along the Atlantic
/ Peaceful navigation
34
16
25
BASQUE COUNTRY
/T
he Basque country, a proud culture
/ The most beautiful villages
in the Basque country
/ 5 unforgettable places of interest
in the Basque country
/ Beautiful, festive, tasty Bayonne
SHOPPING
Gifts like home-made
GOURMET
/ In the chefs’ kitchens
/ Gastronomic Périgueux
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 3 -
Ocean /
GETAWAYS
DID YOU KNOW?
Aquitaine ranks 2nd
among French regions for
its camp-sites, with over
261,000 beds
in 682 establishments (of
which 395 are 3-star and
above)! It accounts for 13% of
those available in France.
(Source CRTA, Key figures, 2014 edition
- 4 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
/ Ocean
Camping les Grands Pins - LACANAU
GETAWAYS
A new take
ART DE VIVRE
on camping
In Aquitaine, campsites have a new lease
of life! How about accommodation and
pitches to die for, incredible water parks,
activity clubs for babies, children and
teens, sports and well-being facilities,
communing with nature, eco-labels, topquality entertainment, from the simple
ridge tent through to the affordable
luxury of “5-star resort & spa camp-sites”?
Camp-sites in Aquitaine cater to your
every last whim. You’ll find all you ever
wanted for free-wheeling escapades!
GOOD REASONS
a camp-site
to choose to
IN
AQUITAINE
Camping La Rive
1 // CRAZY WATER PARKS
Is this a water park? No! You’re just enjoying the
facilities of a camp-site in Aquitaine! There’s plenty
of fun at the “AquaRive Park” at the La Rive campsite in Biscarrosse for the young and young-at-heart.
Residents can enjoy 5,500 sq.m of pools in all, of
which 1,000 sq.m indoors. A lagoon of clear water, a
wild river and water slides await you at the Sylvamar
in Labenne. You can frolic to your heart’s content in
the water.
Camping Resort & Spa 5* - Sylvamar
www.sylvamar.fr
©Camping La Rive
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 5 -
/ Ocean
GETAWAYS
2 // REVELLING IN
THE SPA
Camping La Pointe du Médoc 4*
www.camping-lapointedumedoc.com
3 // GLAMPING IS
THE NEW BLACK
AQU
IN
Relaxing, taking care of yourself, letting go, being
pampered or massaged in a cocoon of delight,
soaking up the steam of the Turkish baths or
the dry heat of a sauna, feeling fresh and new:
nothing beats a spa. You’ve been dreaming of
it, camp-sites in Aquitaine have caught on! An
increasing number offer such facilities, like Pointe
du Médoc in Verdon-sur-Mer, Grands Pins in
Lacanau, La Rive in Biscarrosse and Sylvamar in
Labenne.
5 // THE BEAUTY OF THE SITES HERE!
Are you yearning for breath-taking panoramas like at the Dune du Pilat,
opposite the Bassin d’Arcachon, at the Banc d’Arguin and the Pointe du Cap
Ferret? Are you contemplating staying in a tiny bay in the Basque country,
right by a pine forest or a beach of fine sand, a bubbling brook or a Périgord
château? You are in the right place: here the sheer beauty of the sites
contribute to the appeal of the camp-sites.
You want a cosy, comfortable, well-equipped,
niftily laid out, well-ventilated, stylish mobilhome? How about going all-out for originality
or «glamping», at a glamorous camp-site?
Bohemian-style wooden gypsy caravans come
across as decidedly classic compared to these
chalets on stilts, tree-houses, high-perched nests
and Far West tents to delight of both adventurers
and romantics, as in Lou Pignada, in Messanges.
You’re all free to choose!
Camping Le Panorama in Pyla - La Teste de Buch
Camping Panorama in Pyla 4*,
www.camping-panorama.com
6 // CLUBS FOR CHILDREN, FREEDOM
FOR THEIR PARENTS
Camping Lou Pignada - Messanges
Camping Lou Pignada 5*:
www.loupignada.com
4 // SPORT FOR ALL
Are you dreaming of a sporting break? You’ll
be spoilt for choice: jogging, cycling, tennis,
surfing, table-tennis, golf, windsurfing, yachting,
pétanque, aquagym, archery, zumba, football and
beach volley: it’s time to get going! You can even
try your hand at paragliding at one of the bestreputed and most beautiful spots in Europe, at the
base right next to your camp-site, for example at
the Panorama camp-site in Pyla-sur-Mer
- 6 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
Indulge, and make your children happy! Baby Clubs, Kids Clubs, Juniors and
Teens, boys and girls will just love the age-appropriate activities laid on with
qualified youth workers, in structures with great facilities, in most camp-sites
in high season. While they’re busy, you are free to explore or just laze about!
7 // FRESH
CLEAN AIR
Are you yearning for fresh clean
air off the ocean and in the forest?
Aquitaine has the largest cultivated
forest in Europe and a largely
unspoilt coastline, with few built-up
areas! Here camp-sites thrive in the
midst of nature, beneath young pine,
oak and strawberry trees. No need to
hold your breath now you’re here!
GOOD REASONS
a camp-site
/ Ocean
GETAWAYS
to choose to
UITAINE
©Fram Nature
8 // UNFORGETTABLE
SHOWS
9 // PEACE AND QUIET
AND OPEN AIR
Professional dancers, top-flight concerts
and entertainers with energy to spare:
evening entertainment and shows make for
unforgettable holiday memories! «We have
audiences of 800 practically every night
in our new theatre! Our secret? Top-flight
sound and lighting facilities, costumes,
truly excellent dancers and musicians,»
enthused Martial Devillairs, President of the
Camping de La Rive, in Biscarrosse, one of
the most innovative in this sphere.
Are you hankering to get away from it all?
Noiseless electric buggies to get about
in the camp-site, decibel restrictions,
especially after 11.00 pm: An increasing
number of camp-sites have opted for
peace and quiet, especially the Fram
Nature camp-site in Soustons
Camping Fram Nature 5*
www.camping-nature-soustons.fr
Camping Resort & Spa 5* - La Rive
www.larive.fr
10 // THERE’S
EVERYTHING YOU
COULD WISH FOR!
You want everything on site so you can
leave your car in the car park? Most campsites offer all the services you can possibly
need: boutiques, bicycle rental, bars,
restaurants, launderettes, newsagent’s,
local specialities, surfwear and hairdressers:
Camping in Aquitaine is a whole new way
of life!
Camping Les Grands Pins 5*,
www.lesgrandspins.com
“We love camping!”
“Our idea of a holiday is camping!” Katia, Jans, Mette and Bannet Ohlmeyer
are full of enthusiasm after a 2-week stay at the “Camping Resort & Spa La
Rive”, in Biscarrosse (Landes). This German family chose their destination
via Internet. “We wanted to try the Atlantic coast in south-west France and we
were attracted to the open space and water parks, clubs for the children, and the
nearby lake,” explained Jans. “The children are thrilled with the water games and activity
clubs. While they’re having their fun, we parents enjoy hanging out together on the beach,
cycling along bike lanes to the Dune du Pilat, jogging and tennis,” added Katia. “It’s a great
way to relax. There’s all you need: a supermarket, a pleasant restaurant, a bar with excellent
Bordeaux wine,” the father added. “We love that it’s modern and smoothly organised, with
very good activities for the children,” explained Katia. “We are having an excellent holiday
and we’ll be back next year!” they said in unison. The children applauded!
TRIED
AND TESTED
© Pierre
Sauvey
Katia, Jan
s, Mette a
nd Bann
et
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 7 -
/ Ocean
GETAWAYS
NEW LIFE
Naturism,
modern art de vivre
DID YOU KNOW?
The Centre Héliomarin in Montalivet was the
first naturist centre to open in Europe. It
was founded in 1950, the same year as the
Fédération Française de Naturisme.
TRIED
AND TESTED
“We’re all the same!”
With his grey moustache
and laid-back smile, Gerhard
Geigle is a regular at the Centre
Héliomarin in Montalivet. “I have
been coming for 40 years! The first time
was with my parents and sister in 1975. I
was ten. Nowadays, I bring my wife, Heike
and our children. We come for two weeks in
the spring and four weeks in the summer,”
recounts this 50-something German. «What
I like is that we’re all the same! People can
be really different elsewhere: young, old,
fat, skinny, beautiful, ugly, black, white,
rich, poor, of all nationalities, all social
classes. But here there are no differences:
we are naked, we are all the same,»
explained this dyed-in-the-wool naturist.
«Even if my wife pulls on a sarong for the
photo,» he laughs. For him, the natural
beauty of the region and the Atlantic are
bonus attractions at Montalivet.
Aquitaine preserves nature, naturism is the
way to enjoy it! Wide open spaces, respect
for others, innovation, preservation of the
environment: this is the spirit of naturism.
Naturism with decidedly contemporary
appeal!
Nigh on a third of naturist tourists choose
Aquitaine as their destination in France.
They are quite right: the naturist sites adapt
readily to new expectations, in line with the
movement’s fundamental values, yet each
with its own personality. Domaine de la
Jenny has the only naturist golf course in
Europe, with Segways to get about in, a
tree-top rope park and horse-riding on the
- 8 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
ey
© Pierre Sauv
kids
and his teenage
Gerhard, Heike
«We are always outdoors, in the garden,
on the terrace, or at the beach,» the father
explained.
For the youngsters, the Centre Héliomarin
is a place to enjoy an international
atmosphere. «We have friends of all
nationalities: British, French, German,
Dutch, Spanish: it’s a multilingual
community,» enthused Max, 14. «We
really feel free: we can go cycling, to the
beach or the pool, surfing, playing tennis,
table-tennis, reading, or just laze about,»
the teen continued. «For us as parents,
it’s great that the kids can enjoy so many
activities. This gives us time for ourselves,
and for intimacy,» remarked Gerhardt. For
this family no doubt, the CHM Montalivet
symbolises international, family naturism!
www.naturisme-aquitaine.fr
beach. Euronat is the largest naturist village
in Europe, boasting the first real natural
spa in the region, with sea-water pool,
algae and marine mud. Arnaoutchot NatuResort &Spa, features around 40 different
activities including an «opera» workshop
and «aborigine painting». Its avant-garde
accommodation includes gypsy caravans
and treetop nests. Périgord Pourpre’s
Domaine de Chaudeau and the Pays des
bastides’ Domaine de Laborde have also
embraced naturism. Other more modest
naturist accommodation is available in
Périgord, the Landes, and the Bordeaux
vineyards.
/ Ocean
GETAWAYS
RELAXING
Holidays,
for communing with nature
There are vast stretches of Aquitaine’s coastline,
forests, rivers and mountains where nature is
protected. There are already 44 eco-labelled
sites, topping the list of French regions in terms
of European tourist eco-labels!
In Aquitaine, nature is everywhere. There’s the immense,
naturally sandy coastline, dunes and forests in Gironde and
the Landes, rocky cliffs in the Basque country, the majestic
mountains criss-crossed with hiking trails in Haut-Béarn,
the biggest wild estuary in Europe and the rolling green hills
in Périgord and Lot-et-Garonne. It’s an authentic nature
destination.
© OT Seignanx
THE PAYS DU SEIGNANX,
THE ECOLABEL
CHAMPION:
Camping Le Panorama in Pyla - La Teste de Buch
TRIED
AND TESTED
At the furthest point south-west of the Landes, the Pays du
Seignanx is now one of the eco-friendliest destinations in
Europe, with no fewer than ten establishments boasting the
precious, demanding eco-label! Camp-sites, holiday villages,
bed & breakfast and gîtes have all been striving for several
years to produce a“Seignanx eco-tourism” charter!
“The environmental approach appealed to us”
A hammock slung between two cork oaks, grass, gorse and heather, wooden chalets,
flowers, a dreamy lake: welcome to the Camping du Lac, in Ondres, an eco-label
establishment in Seignanx. “The environment-friendly camping approach appealed to
us, and we really appreciate it,” remarked a smiling Cécile and Axel, who came from the
north of France with their two daughters Maïlys and Lysa. “It’s green, and it’s calm! Silence
is compulsory after 11.00 pm. Waste-sorting is very well organised and explained. It’s a
good educational experience for the children. We are enjoying nature to the utmost. And we
are close to a family-friendly beach with a gorgeous panorama, the Basque mountains to
one side and Capbreton on the other!” Unadulterated happiness!
Camping du Lac 5-star camp-site, 518 rue du Janin, 40440 Ondres
Tel.: +33 (0)5 59 45 28 45 I www.camping-du-lac.fr
© Pierre Sa
uvey
Cécile, A xel an
d their daughter
s
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 9 -
/ Ocean
GETAWAYS
TOP 5
Lovely terraces
with a sea view
© Brigitte Bloch
1 // THE BLUE CARGO,
2 // T
HE EDEN ROCK CAFÉ,
• Fans call it a «legendary place in the Basque country». On one
of the most beautiful beaches in Bidart, right next to Biarritz,
the Blue Cargo terraces stretch over to the stunning château
belonging to the baron of Espée and the Ilbarritz golf course.
Dabble your feet in the sand or sit on the deck, beneath the
parasols, to sip at a drink, sample the quality cuisine of the south
west of France or dance through to the early hours against the
backdrop of the horizon.
Clinging to the rock at the south-west end of the beach in the
Port Vieux, Biarritz, the Eden Rock Café (former Santa Maria)
sets out its tables opposite the Rocher de la Vierge (Virgin’s
Rock), using every little bit of space. An incredibly original place
with a unforgettable view to sip on fruit juice, cocktails or coffee,
and sample tapas or local dishes, such as chipirons (the local
name for squid) a la plancha. And now a lounge bar and DJ in
the evening.
BIDART, Ilbarritz beach
BIARRITZ, Port Vieux
Blue cargo - www.bluecargo.fr
3// THE GRAND HÔTEL
DE LA PLAGE,
BISCARROSSE
It has watched over the Atlantic atop the
dune of the central beach in Biscarrosse for
over a century! It has now been refurbished
with a decidedly contemporary design,
beneath the palm trees! Bar, hotel and
restaurant, lounge with a cosy atmosphere:
this is a must you’ll keep coming back to!
Le Grand Hôtel de la Plage:
www.legrandhoteldelaplage.fr
- 10 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
Eden Rock Café - Tel: +33 (0)6 59 68 18 24
4 // THE PINASSE CAFÉ,
3 // THE BAYA LOUNGE,
Probably one of the best views of the
Bassin d’Arcachon! Gorgeous blue sea,
deep and calm, boats bobbing towards the
Banc d’Arguin, and on the other side of the
«southern narrows», the majestic Dune du
Pilat! The ideal place to enjoy seafood and
fish. You can even arrive by sea!
On the pedestrian breakwater at
Capbreton, not far from the famous jetty,
the Baya Hotel and Spa has a panoramic
terrace lounge. Exotic furnishing, a varied
menu featuring Oriental delicacies and
Iberian tapas, freshly made cocktails or
champagne with fresh strawberries. The
appeal of the wide open sea.
CAP FERRET
Pinasse Café: www.pinassecafe.com
CAPBRETON
Baya Lounge: www.bayahotel.com
/ Ocean
GETAWAYS
NEW WATER SPORTS
Surfing
the trends!
STAND UP PADDLE
BOARDING: SURFING
FOR ALL
Anyone can do Stand-Up-Paddle
boarding (SUP)! Start out gently on the
Gironde or Landes lakes, before taking
on the ocean swell and waves! Standing
on your stable board, confidently
dipping your paddle, you’ll feel like
you’re walking on water.
KITE-SURFING: THRILLS AND SPILLS
For those who love the rush of adrenaline and plenty of excitement,
why not try harnessing the wind to surf the foam? The Aquitaine coast
is just great for kite-surfing. But be careful: training, prudence and
respect for others and their safety remain a must.
“Learning to surf
with my Dad!”
TRIED
AND TESTED
SUP-YOGA:
ZEN SURFING!
Ready for the Sun Salutation on your
paddle board, floating gently by the Dune
du Pilat? This latest trend combines yoga,
stretching and stand-up paddle boarding in
calm waters! The full-on Zen attitude!
©Pierre Sauvey
In Cap Ferret: Nirmalbir Kaur.
Tel.: +33 (0)6 11 32 80 24 I www.yoga-keala.com
The
TOP
spots
In fact, practically the entire
Aquitaine coastline is a paradise
for surfers!
HOURTIN, Pin Sec
LACANAU, north beach
CAP FERRET, Truc Vert
BISCARROSSE, north beach
HOSSEGOR, la Gravière
ANGLET, Cavaliers beach
The Basque coast, BIARRITZ
BIDART, central beach
SAINT-JEAN-DE-LUZ, Lafitenia
HENDAYE, central beach
BORDEAUX
«It’s a true classic in Aquitaine
surfing clubs: the children love
taking courses with their parents, and the
feeling is mutual,» remarked Manech,
Manager of the Hendaia surfing school
in Hendaye. Take Robin, 12: thrilled to
be taking the same lessons as his Dad,
Frédéric, 39. «I love
bracing the waves and
being in the water.
Especially given how
much warmer the water is than at home,»
the young guy from
Nantes laughed.
«What I like best
© Pierr
e Sauvey
is learning to surf
Robin
with my Dad,» he
added. «On the
Basque coast, surfing is a
national sport, second only to Basque
pelota! And it’s just wonderful to share
this with my son. We don’t get many
chances to do it the rest of the year. So
it was obvious that we’d do it on holiday
here. And now we’ve caught the bug,»
confided Frédéric.
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 11 -
/ City
GETAWAYS
Bordeaux,
TRENDS
bringing heritage
up to date
Bordeaux is well-reputed for its architecture and 18th-century façades
which helped significantly in gaining UNESCO World Heritage status.
But there are many other facets to Bordeaux, with heritage sites that
have been beautifully restored and modernised, well worth taking in
during a gentle stroll.
The Pont Chaban-Delmas (1) is the
perfect starting point to explore the
city. Designed by architects Christophe
Cheron, Charles and Thomas Lavigne,
inaugurated in 2013, it is symbolic of
new Bordeaux urbanism. With its 117m
long deck rising 55m above the river
and the graceful 77m pylons, this lift
bridge opens the gate to the Port of
the Moon, hailing the liners and yachts
entering the city.
1
2
A quayside stroll (2) along by the newly restored former port warehouses, to the
famous Water Mirror (3), opposite the Stock Exchange. This 2006 creation, the
brainchild of the urban landscape artist Michel Corajoud, architect Pierre Gangnet
and hydrant expert Jean-Max Llorca, has revamped the square designed by Louis
XIV’s architect, Ange-Jacques Gabriel.
- 12 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
3
1
2
8
4
5
6
3
7
4
In the Saint-Pierre district, Square Vinet
(4) is a perfect example of the little
squares dotting the newly renovated
historic centre, with a 400 sq.m, 100m
long vertical garden designed by botanist
Patrick Blanc, who has also installed
works in Paris (Musée des Arts Premiers),
Japan, New Delhi and Los Angeles.
5
Mériadeck, (5) a futuristic district built in the Seventies, is an important example of
«Brutalist architecture». Contemporary architecture continues to blossom: the new
City Council building is the most recent addition, inaugurated in summer 2014.
6
7
Among the most inventive, amazing buildings, as you head back towards the City
Hall, the Palais de Justice extension (6) does not go unnoticed! Completed in
1998, this parallelepiped designed by the British architects Rogers, Stirk, Harbour
and Partners, with immense bay windows features seven cone-shaped wooden
courtrooms, sitting on concrete tripods and piercing the copper roof. This stunning
building contrasts with and sets off the neighbouring buildings, the former Fort du
Hâ and the 19th-century former Palais de Justice with its classic inspiration.
8
Tramway line B passes right by the Tour
Pey-Berland (7), opposite the cathedral
Saint-André and the Palais Rohan, stopping
just outside the famous Librairie Mollat on
Rue Vital Carles, running down the Cours
de l’Intendance, then passing the Place de
la Comédie, between the Grand Théâtre
(8) and the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux,
before running along the quays and back
to the Pont Chaban-Delmas.
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 13 -
/ City
GETAWAYS
TOP CHIC
«In» places
in Bordeaux
© Nathalie Jaffré
// THE BOUTIQUE WHERE
EVERYTHING IS HAND-MADE
• Les Filles à l’Ouest: 7 local designers opened a boutique in
spring 2014 right in the centre of Bordeaux. Women’s wear,
jewellery, handbags, accessories and small decorative items, for
those who love unique designs.
Centre commercial Saint-Christoly
Tel: +33 (0)6 09 07 01 43
// THE MICHELIN-STARRED
RESTAURANT WITH A CHEF
FROM ACROSS THE RHINE
• Le 7ème Péché. Opened in 2010, with hopes for a star as from 2011,
and now one in the Michelin Guide, chef Jan Schwittalla was soon
propelled to the gastronomic firmament.
65 Cours de Verdun - Tel: +33 (0)5 56 06 42 16
www.septiemepeche.fr
© Alain Béguerie / CRTA
// T
HE BORDEAUX
GALLERY
GENERATING BUZZ
IN PARIS
• Cortex Athletico: The gallery run by
Thomas Bernard, near the CAPC, is a
reference in contemporary art alongside
its Parisian homonym.
20 Rue Ferrère,
Tel: +33 (0)5 56 94 31 89
www.cortexathletico.com
- 14 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
© Fabrice Fatin
// THE BORDEAUX
WINE-GROWERS
WINE BAR:
// THE TERRACE FOR
AN ALL-ROUND
VIEW OF BORDEAUX
• The CIVB Wine bar: the Wine bar run by
the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de
Bordeaux, is obviously where it’s at. In the
superb CIVB building, it features Art Deco
and contemporary designs.
• The Mama Shelter Rooftop: One of the
most beautiful views of Bordeaux! The
former Bordeaux Gas Company building
has been given a makeover as the hotelrestaurant Mama Shelter, decorated by
designer Philippe Starck. You can have a
drink, nibble some tapas, enjoy brunch,
lunch or dinner on the rooftop taking in
the city views.
3 Cours du 30 Juillet,
Tel: +33 (0)5 56 00 43 47
http://baravin.bordeaux.com
21 Rue Poquelin Molière
Tel: +33 (0)5 57 30 45 35
www.mamashelter.com
/ City
GETAWAYS
MULTIPLE HORIZONS
Pau
Queen of Pyrenean cities
DID YOU KNOW?
Boulevard des Pyrénées
Does Pau have «the most beautiful view of the land», as Lamartine
claimed? Its Boulevard des Pyrénées lined with palm trees affords a
panorama taking in 150 kilometres of the Pyrenean mountains. The
discreet, contrasting capital of Béarn has many a surprise in store for
you.
You could come to Pau just for the view from the aptly-named “Boulevard des
Pyrénées”. From this route linking the Château de Pau and the grounds of the Palais
Beaumont, you can gaze on mile upon mile of mountain peaks. Starting from the
lower part of the city and the railway station, you can take a charming funicular
railway to Place Royale and a statue of one of the greatest kings of France, the
“Good King” Henri IV, a local boy. However the capital of Béarn has plenty more to
offer.
PAU FOR SPORTS
PAU, A BIT OF A BRIT
Pau is also a great place for horse lovers,
with the Pau-Gelos National Stud Farm
(Haras national), set up by Napoleon in
1808. Some dozen stallions are kept for
the reproduction of cart-horse breeds,
purebreds, and race-horse breeds. With
an 18th-century château and 13 hectares
of woodlands, it has a collection of
horse-drawn carriages listed among
French Historic Monuments. The PauPont-Long racecourse is the place to go
to for flat and jump racing in France in
the winter.
The classic Pau Golf Club, founded in
1856, prides itself as «the oldest golf
course in the world outside Great
Britain». Historians recount that its
origins date back to when Wellington’s
regiments moved in, in 1814, after the
battle of Orthez. In the 19th century, an
entire English colony gradually moved
in. They loved golf, horse-riding, foxhunting, real tennis and Pyreneism (the
enjoyment of mountaineering) and
contributed their «villas anglaises» to
Pau architecture. Built in this era (18651870), the Villa Navarre, is now a 5-star
hotel.
The Stade d’Eaux-Vives Pau-Pyrénées, of
international repute, associated with the
Olympic gold medallist Tony Estanguet,
is suitable for people of all ages and
levels, for kayaking, rafting and whitewater swimming!
Racing is big in Pau with the Grands Prix
for F3 single-seaters and vintage cars
on a 2,760-km circuit in through the city,
over two weekends in May in a decidedly
cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Anyone interested in French
history knows that Henri IV (15531610) was born in Pau. Few know
that Pau is also the birthplace of
another European king and dynasty!
Born in Pau in 1763, Jean-Baptiste
Bernadotte became Marshal of
Empire, then King of Sweden and
Norway! The current King of Sweden
Carl Gustaf is his descendant. No
visit to Pau is complete without
taking in the Musée Bernadotte,
where he was born.
Musée Bernadotte
8 rue Tran, 64000 Pau
Tel: +33 (0)5 59 27 48 42
La Villa Navarre
©Imageria
Pau Castle National Museum, www.musee-chateau-pau.fr
Gelos National Stud Farm, www.haras-nationaux.fr
Stade d’Eaux-Vives Pau-Pyrenees, www.paupyrenees-stadeeauxvives.com
Pau Golf Club, www.paugolfclub.com
Villa Navarre Hotel, www.villanavarre.fr
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 15 -
/ Shopping
GETAWAYS
Gifts like
home-made
TREATS
gifts for
Do you want to take
t pick up
your loved ones, or jus
uitaine,
Aq
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some souven
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items and
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products with quality
© Caviar de France
GIRONDE CAVIAR
A Romanov princess was behind the development of
Gironde caviar starting in 1920, with the wild sturgeon in
the estuary. Nowadays the sturgeon used for caviar are
farmed in top-quality farms in Aquitaine. Gironde caviar
has an excellent reputation.
www.caviardefrance.com
LE SLIP
FRANÇAIS
Manufactured in Saint-AntoineCumond in Dordogne, “Le Slip
Français” is a roaring success!
In Aquitaine, they are on sale
in boutiques in Pau, Biarritz,
Bordeaux and Pauillac.
© CDT 47
PRUNES FROM AGEN
www.leslipfrancais.fr
Prunes from Agen can be enjoyed in many different
ways: as taste bud ticklers, to ward off pangs of
hunger, in desserts, cakes and sweets, as a side
dish to meat and fish! They have PGI (Protected
Geographical Indication) status.
© Le slip français
ESPADRILLES
©
Fo
to
lia
The emblematic Basque country
shoes have retained their charm
and brought themselves up to date.
The best ones are hand-sewn, in the
Basque country, like those at “Art of
Soule”, or the “Maison Arin”.
www.pruneau.fr
BASQUE BERETS
BOUCHONS
FROM BORDEAUX
Foreigners always think of berets as being typically French. In
fact, they were invented right here in Béarn! Laulhère is the sole
manufacturer, working for several brands, authenticated with their
“Oloron” and “Made in France” crests.
Their unique shape and subtle blend
of almond and raisin flavours make
“Bouchons de Bordeaux” a distinctively
delicious treat. Designed by chocolatier
Jacques Pouquet in 1976, “Bouchons de
Bordeaux” are still manufactured by the
family business.
www.laulhere-france.com
www.bouchondebordeaux.com
REPETTO BALLET SHOES
Repetto’s famous ballet shoes and slippers have
been manufactured in Saint-Médard-d’Excideuil, in
Dordogne, since 1967. Brigitte Bardot, Béjart and
Gainsbourg all helped the brand become popular.
© Bouchons
de Bordeaux
- 16 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
©Istockphoto
www.artofsoule.com
www.espadrilles-arin.fr
www.repetto.fr
© Repetto
/ Wine taster
GETAWAYS
Discover the
vineyard while
going with the flow
CRUISES
© J.J Brochard - CRTA
The history of Bordeaux and Bergerac wines is tied in with that
of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers and the Gironde estuary.
The boats have made a remarkable comeback after dying
out in the late 20th century. River cruises exploring the great
Bordeaux vineyards are attracting ever more tourists. Several
companies offer their services for half-day trips through to the
full-blown cruise lasting several days on board a riverboat.
Château de Biac
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 17 -
/ Wine taster
GETAWAYS
Bordeaux River Cruise was founded by
local boat-lovers and reflects their love
of the land. This company has already
been awarded two “Best of Wine Tourism”
trophies in 2011 and 2013. There are various
offers with a boat-taxi, boat trips and a
boat–restaurant: “UNESCO Blaye Bourg”
wine cruise (day with a meal provided or
half-day), “D’îles en idylle” (Idyllic islands)
with a stopover on Île Margaux, taking in
the vineyard, “Médoc”, day with a meal,
visits and tasting sessions (starting at
€38).
©Pierre Sauvey
Robert Sellex and frien
ds cruising to
Médoc on a wine-tasting
trip
TRIED
AND TESTED
«An incredible getaway»
“I just love this cruise on the Garonne, visiting
vineyards along the way,” Robert Sellex, BBC
cameraman, is plainly delighted. He took advantage of a few days at a loose end to take a break
in Bordeaux with friends. It was only a 90-minute
flight from Liverpool. On the agenda: a visit to
Saint-Emilion followed by a Médoc wine-tasters’
cruise with “Bordeaux River Cruise”. “It makes
for a complete break, a great getaway. We started
by exploring Bordeaux and the Gironde islands
down the river. We’ve been tasting some excellent
wines. We’ve seen some lovely châteaux from the
boat: Beychevelle, Latour, Pichon-Longueville
and so on. Our guide has clued us up on the
history of Bordeaux, vineyards and wine. We had
a magnificent, restful stopover on the island of
Patiras, where we chilled out and climbed the
lighthouse. We could see the Citadelle de Blaye,
the docks and the church in Pauillac. We wound
up with a visit to a wine-growing château, the
vat-house and barrel storehouse, and learning
to taste wine! It was a great day out!” enthused
this 50-something Brit. His friends all agreed.
- 18 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
Stopover at Patiras island
/ Wine taster
GETAWAYS
Gironde wine estates from the river
One of these destinations, the Citadelle
de Blaye, offers a magnificent view of the
estuary. From atop the city walls, you can
spot Île Pâté and its fort in the middle of
the water and Cussac-Fort-Médoc on the
opposite bank. This UNESCO-listed area
was built by Louis XIV’s great architect,
Vauban, to “plug” the estuary and thus halt
enemy vessels.
The boat sails past the islands forming a
stunning archipelago on the Gironde river:
Île Verte, Île Margaux, Île Nouvelle, Île de
Patiras: several were inhabited until the
1970s, and even had schools. Some are still
farmed.
A stopover on Île Margaux to admire the
vineyard, visit the winery and of course
taste the wine is an experience that’s
totally out of the ordinary. Stop off for
lunch in the Île de Patiras shelter, chill
out on deckchairs in the shade of the ash
trees, then climb 30m to the top of the
lighthouse, to admire the 360° panorama:
you’ll feel like time has turned back.
Carrelet
Further down the river, you see lots of
“carrelets”, fishing cabins on stilts, where
fishermen throw their nets out to rake in
fish and shrimp. Little ports like the one
in Macau look most inviting: alight to
enjoy a picturesque guinguette, sharply
contrasting with the prestigious châteaux.
CroisiEurope schedules cruises lasting 5 to
8 days, on board its riverboats. Boarding
in Bordeaux, passengers leave the “Port of
the Moon” heading for Pauillac in Médoc,
Cadillac in Entre-deux-Mers, Libourne or
Saint-Emilion. You stay in comfortable
cabins and enjoy pleasant dinners and
evening entertainment on board, as well
as visits to wine estates and historic sites
and tasting sessions (starting at €659 for
5 days).
The cruises organised by Viking River
Cruises and Uniworld with a mainly North
American and Australian clientele offer
4-star comfort in a floating palace. The
rates are higher (starting at €2,000 for
8 days).
These river cruises to the vineyards are so
popular, three extra boats are due to arrive
in 2016.
ww.croisiere-bordeaux.com
w
www.croisieurope.com
Wine-tasting at Château La Tour Carnet
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 19 -
/ Wine taster
GETAWAYS
SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Accommodation that’s
out of the ordinary
Taste, admire, stroll, dream, float, play the Bohemian, live as if the château were your castle, indulge
in your love affair with the Bordeaux and Aquitaine vineyards! The sheer diversity of appellations
and soil is reflected in that of the accommodation.
© Château de Seguin
© Eric Courty
// LIVE AS IF THE CHÂTEAU
WERE YOUR CASTLE
// DON’T FIGHT
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
• Play Lord of the château in a Bacchus gîte! Unexpected upmarket
accommodation awaits you, for example at the château de Seguin,
530 sq.m for you, set in an immense park with pool. Bookings by
the week in Lignan-de-Bordeaux. On site, a wine museum and a
fishing lake (starting at €2,500 the week for 12 people).
• Here the accommodation is truly magnificent, designed by the
great cooper Seguin Moreau. Coup 2 Foudres, Château Vieux
Lartigue, Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens (starting at €129 a night).
Conception SARL Gaut-Bert Intérieurs,
Architecte d’intérieur ©Lionel Lizet
Château de Seguin,
33360 Lignan-de-Bordeaux.
Tel: +33 (0)5 57 97 19 81 I www.chateaudeseguin.com
Coup 2 Foudres, Château Vieux Lartigue,
Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens
Tel: +33 (0)6 76 12 52 30 I www.coup2foudres.com
©Jeanne Landais
// CRYING WOLF
•
In «La Cuve à mon loup», two rooms
and bathroom, carved out of two former
concrete vats, with floor-to-ceiling
«concrete» decoration (starting at €99 a
night).
Joël Duffau vineyards,
2 les Arromans, 33420 Moulon.
Tel: +33 (0)5 57 74 93 98
www.vignoblesjoelduffau.fr
- 20 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
©Châteaux dans les arbres
// ENJOY THE
ALTITUDE
// PERCH IN
THE TREETOPS
• At the Domaine du Clos Claberot, in the
Jurançon vineyard, two prestige ecocabins are ready for you in 6 hectares
of woodlands, prairies and vines, in the
rolling foothills of the Pyrenees (starting
at €120 a night).
•
Just a stone’s throw from the Bergerac
vineyard and the château de Monbazillac,
you can enjoy an amazing stay in this
wooden replica, or three other prestige
cabins, with an aerial spa, in the treetops,
(starting at €225/night).
Domaine de Claberot,
Chemin de Louisot, 64290 Gan.
Tel: +33 (0)6 52 94 12 90
www.cabanesdanslesarbres64.com
Domaine de Puybeton,
24440 Nojals-et-Clottes.
Tel: +33 (0)6 30 64 26 00
www.chateauxdanslesarbres.fr
© Domaine de Michelet
/ Wine taster
ESCAPADES
GETAWAYS /
gourmandes
GET IN ON THE ACTION
Become
a wine-grower
An increasing number of vineyards now let you join in vineyard
and wine-making work, caring for the vines, harvesting the grapes,
assembling the wine and tasting it. You can choose how to play at
wine-grower and learn about wine.
Budding wine-growers
at the Domaine de Michelet
HARVESTING IN BUZET
Spend a day working as a harvester in the
Buzetvineyard in Lot-et-Garonne, on the
slopes above the Garonne valley. The Michelet estate lays on these activities, plus
various workshops, including sessions to
taste the various types of grape, and grapecrushing according to time-honoured tradition (with your feet!)
www.domainedemichelet.com
© Alain Souloumiac
© Feely Wines
FIND OUT
YOUR WINE SIGN
LEARN TO MAKE YOUR
WINE IN AQUITAINE
Are you a guzzler, an explorer, an aesthete,
sensualist, insubordinate, eternal, muscle-man
or hipster? Find out your «Wine Sign»
at a blind tasting session. Once you
have determined your profile, you get a
customised cellar guide, with a suggested
selection of wines to suit your taste.
In the Bergerac vineyard at château
Haut-Garrigue, in Saussignac, you can
choose from several programmes, such
as tasting-sessions for various wines and
learning about assembly techniques.
Awarded the «Best of Wine Tourism»
trophy. Sean and Caro Feely, the owners,
offer their services in English.
Something to experience in “the Winery”
in Arsac, en Médoc. (please book)
Tel: +33 (0)5 56 390 490
www.winery.fr
www.terroirfeely.com
DID YOU KNOW?
There’s an app to guide you through the
vineyard:
Bordeaux Aquitaine Wine-trip is an application
to guide you through the many famous
Bordeaux appellations: Graves, Sauternes,
Entre-deux-mers, Médoc and Saint-Emilion
and the 14 other vineyards in Aquitaine like
Armagnac, Bergerac, Buzet, Duras, Irouléguy,
Jurançon, Tursan, Madiran, Marmandais,
Monbazillac and Vic-Bilh.
www.bordeaux-aquitaine-wine-trip.fr
TRIED
AND TESTED
“Proud
our vintage”
«I had the idea of offering
my boyfriend and his son
some vintage vines, as a gift
to share with the family,» recounted
Marie-Claude Massé, from central
France. The adventure lasted nearly two
years, starting in the spring with the
preparation of the vine for a superior
organic Bordeaux wine, at château
Beau Rivage, in Macau. «The grape
harvest with 15 other couples was very
friendly,» she laughed. Towards the end
of the year, it was assembly time. «We
tasted several wines to identify the tastes
of chocolate and musk. Then we used
little flasks to test various assemblies and
find a wine we like.» The wine cannot
be delivered until at least 18 months
after harvesting. Bottling and adding the
customised label is a moment of sheer
delight when you read: «Cuvée Clémot
père et fils» (Clémot & Son vintage).
«They are really proud of their vintage,»
enthused Marie-Claude. This adventure
will go down in family folklore.
Château Beau Rivage,
www.chateau-beau-rivage.fr
www.gourmetodyssey.fr
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 21 -
/ Rural
GETAWAYS
PARKS AND DUNGEONS
Châteaux and
hanging gardens
in Périgord
Beynac, Castelnaud, Biron: their names ring out as symbols of the proud
châteaux in Dordogne. Marqueyssac, Limeuil and the Roque-Gageac
boast truly beautiful gardens. Castles and hanging gardens make
Périgord an utterly charming place.
- 22 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
The hanging gardens Marqueyssac
/ Rural
GETAWAYS
BESIEGING
THE CASTLES
You can’t come to Périgord and not hear
the legend that there are 1,001 châteaux.
Bourdeilles, Hautefort, Josephine Baker’s
Milandes, Puymartin, Fayrac, Commarques,
Monbazillac, Bridoires: the list is neverending! Three of them stand out: Beynac,
Castelnaud and Biron.
Perched above a 150m cliff, Beynac has
been overlooking the Dordogne valley for
900 years. The keep stands another 30m
high! This invincible fortress, seat to one of
the baronies of Périgord (with Bourdeilles,
Mareuil and Biron), faces its rival from the
Hundred Years’ War, Castelnaud.
They have since both been magnificently
restored by their owners, thanks to over
200,000 visitors they attract every year.
With its Museum of Medieval Warfare
featuring life-size reconstitutions of
siege engines (trebuchets, catapults and
mangonels), Castelnaud is the second most
popular site in Dordogne, after Lascaux II.
Biron is another Périgord barony, in the
south of Dordogne, featuring outstanding
architecture. Set on a hilltop above the
forest, it affords incredible views. On a
clear day you can see the Pyrenees!
Château de Beynac, 24220 Beynac-et-Cazenac.
Tel: +33 (0)5 53 29 50 40 I www.beynac-en-perigord.com/fr
Château de Castelnaud, 24250 Castelnaud-la-Chapelle,
Tel: +33 (0)5 53 31 30 00 I www.castelnaud.com
Château de Biron, 24540 Biron,
Tel: +33 (0)5 53 63 13 39 I www.semitour.com/site-touristique/château-de-biron
A VISIT TO THE GARDENS
The hanging gardens in Marqueyssac,
provide over 6 kilometres of shaded walks
in a splendid maze of 150,000 boxwood
plants dating from the 19th century and still
pruned by hand. Laid out on a rocky spur,
800m from the château, these gardens
feature a fantastic panorama of the Dordogne
valley, 130m below. You can admire both the
châteaux de Castelnaud and Beynac from
the huge belvedere.
the park has been refurbished in a more
contemporary style and according to various
themes with a colour garden, witches’ garden
and water garden: truly magical!
There are many other gardens worth
exploring in Périgord, such as those in
Eyrignac, the Gardens of the Imagination
in Terrasson-Lavilledieu and the grounds of
the château de Hautefort.
A few kilometres away, Roque-Gageac,
where you can take a barge, features an
exotic garden, whisking you off to the tropics.
There is an amazing micro-climate here:
facing south, above the river, the limestone
cliff absorbs the heat from the sun then
radiates it by night. This prompted enthusiast
Gérard Dorin, to use it grow tropical and
Mediterranean plants, which love this natural
solarium. You can admire cactus, pink laurel
and bougainvillea as well as pomegranate,
orange, fig, lemon and palm trees. Past meets
present in the Limeuil Panoramic Gardens
set in one of the famous meanders further
down the Dordogne. The former physician
to the Sultan of Morocco, Dr Linarès, drew
inspiration from North African vegetation for
the grounds of his château. In recent years,
The grounds of the
Hautefort castle
© J.J Brochard / CRTA
The Castelnaud castle
The Hanging Gardens, Marqueyssac, route de Vézac, 24220 Vézac.
Tél: +33 (0)5 53 31 36 36 I www.marqueyssac.com
The Roque-Gageac exotic garden, Le Bourg, 24250 La Roque-Gageac.
Unaccompanied free tours throughout the year
La Roque-Gageac
The Panoramic Gardens, Limeuil - Association Au Fil du Temps 24510 Limeuil
Tél: +33 (0)5 53 57 52 64 I www.au-fil-du-temps.com
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 23 -
/ Rural
GETAWAYS
SINCE THE MIDDLE AGES
Lot-et-Garonne
DID YOU KNOW?
The bastides were built to «grid layouts»:
two main streets for driving carriages and
others only half as narrow that criss-cross
them. The centre features a square lined
with arcades and a covered market.
Avant-garde city planning:
New York was built according
to the same grid layout.
Vianne
Colourful,
vibrant
bastides
The utterly charming bastides were fortified “new towns” from the Middle Ages, featuring arcades around
a central square. There’s plenty going on too. Whether English or French in origin, they were built to
protect and watch over the people, and have resisted the onslaught of the centuries. They are a typical
feature of the south west, especially Lot-et-Garonne and Périgord. Over a hundred were built in Aquitaine
in the 13th and 14th centuries. Many have been listed among the prettiest villages in France. Including
Villefranche-du-Périgord, Domme, Eymet, Beaumont-du-Périgord and Monpazier in Dordogne. How about
exploring those in Lot-et-Garonne, to find out about another aspect of this avant-garde urbanism?
VIANNE
Vianne is an excellent starting point for a Bastide circuit. It was
founded in 1284 by a representative of Edward I of England, in
retaliation for Lavardac, founded in 1260. Its fortifications have
been beautifully preserved, with a 1,250m long city wall, four
square towers and two round. Its arts and crafts, glass museum
and night markets are well worth a visit in the summer!
www.albret-tourisme.com
MONFLANQUIN
Perched atop a hill and overlooking the Lède valley, Monflanquin
is the archetypical French “bastide perchée”. Plenty of
entertainment is laid on: medieval festivals, antique fairs, baroque
evenings, outdoor theatre, exhibitions of locally produced arts
and crafts, markets where local farmers sell their produce. Don’t
miss the “Janouille la Fripouille” guided tours, nor the Bastides
museum telling the fascinating tale of these «new towns» of the
Middle Ages.
www.monflanquin-tourisme.com
©Dominique Sellier
VILLENEUVE-SUR-LOT
VILLERÉAL
As you might expect from its name, Villeneuve-sur-Lot is located
on the banks of the Lot. It is a superb example of a French riverside
bastide. Its aptly-named Pont Vieux dates from the 13th century. Of
the city walls, only two stone and red-brick gates remain: the Pujols
and Paris gates. Place Lafayette is the central square ringed with
typical arcades, housing the traditional markets on Tuesday and
Saturday morning. Villeneuve celebrated its 750th anniversary on
the European Heritage Days 2014.
Villeréal is a must. Protected from the outset by the moats of
which vestiges still remain, the only way in is through a gate to
the west. It features a charming 13th-century church and a central
14th-century wooden marketplace, surrounded by half-timbered
houses. The Saturday market has been a tradition since 1288. It is a
riot of colour, with laughter and locals speaking the Occitan dialect
providing a lilt that’s typical of the south west.
www.tourisme-villeneuvois.fr
- 24 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
www.villereal-tourisme.com
/ Gourmet
GETAWAYS
GET STUCK IN
In the
chefs’ kitchens
What better way to learn about gastronomy in the south west than
cookery lessons with reputed chefs?
© Auberge de la truffe
© Patrick Loubet
1 // L’AUBERGE DE LA TRUFFE,
2 // LE SAINT-JAMES,
•W
ith the weekend package, you go on Saturday morning to
choose your duck for foie gras at the Périgueux market, with
chef Pierre Corre. After lunch you learn to cut it up and cook it,
then leave with your own confit and foie gras. You will also visit
a goose farm and watch the geese being force-fed. If you come
for the truffles, you can visit a truffle orchard, and see how they
are harvested, and enjoy a demonstration and a gastronomic
meal using five recipes cooked by Pierre Corre: omelette,
brouillade, scallops, magret in Périgueux sauce and sabayon,
all with truffles. Starting at €80 a day, €370 the weekend per
person.
•T
he Saint-James cookery school, «Côté cours», is run by Célia
Girard, assistant chef to Nicolas Magie, who runs the Michelinstarred restaurant next door. People of all ages and levels can
sign up for courses on a great variety of themes: sweet or
savoury, snacks or gastronomic classics, wine and local produce.
Starting at just €45 per person
IN SORGES (24)
IN BOULIAC (33)
4-star Hôtel Saint-James, restaurant with 1 Michelin star,
www.saintjames-bouliac.com
Auberge de la Truffe, 3-star hotel,
www.auberge-de-la-truffe.com
© Les clefs d’argent
© Domaine Lespoune
3 // LES CLEFS D’ARGENT
4 // DOMAINE LESPOUNE,
•T
he chef Christophe Dupouy promises “a taste of what it’s like
to work in a Michelin-starred restaurant”, with a day working
with the cooks, “right in the thick of the cooking”. It’s a great
opportunity to learn some recipes and tricks of the gastronomic
trade. Every day, except Tuesday, advance bookings only. Up to
2 people. €85 per person.
•N
icole Everaert will take you to choose local produce at the
Navarrenx, Orthez or Oloron markets. Duck, lamb, fresh foie gras,
wild trout from the Pyrenees, garden-fresh veggies: the theme
will be chosen with the students, based on what they buy or pick!
IN MONT-DE-MARSAN (40)
The Clefs d’argent, restaurant with 1 Michelin star,
www.clefs-dargent.com
IN CASTETNAU-CAMBLONG (64)
The Domaine Lespoune, gîte 3 épis and bed & breakfast
www.lespoune.fr
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 25 -
/ Gourmet
GETAWAYS
EASY LIVING
Gastronomic
Périgueux
The capital of Périgord is a town for gourmets. Its “marchés au gras” (literally “fat markets”) have forged
its reputation since the Middle Ages. Gastronomic Périgueux also boasts a proud culture and heritage,
sharing its Gallo-Roman past.
The Saint-Front cathedral
Things to do:
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uillerie.
Pâtissier Rue de l’Eg
val alleyways.
Stroll along the medie
Voie verte
Take a walk along the
way along
een
(Gr
le
des bords de l’Is
nd).
the banks of the isla
m, a very
Visit the Vesuna museu
signed by
de
m
contemporary museu
ing on Périgueux
uss
foc
l,
uve
No
n
Jea
at the foot of
in Gallo-Roman times,
e.
son
the Tour de Vé
stival Mimos in
Participate in the Fe
ational festival
ern
int
an
early August,
e of the biggest
on
,
of mime and dance
rming arts.
rfo
in Europe for these pe
- 26 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
Market stands are laden with duck and
goose foie gras, magret, capons, terrines
and paté, poultry, top-quality cold
meats, ceps and other mushrooms. The
buildings and town houses lining place
Saint-Louis, near Rue Limogeanne, look
splendid in the morning sun. There’s no
mistaking Périgueux when you visit a
famous marché au gras. They have been
held from November to March since the
Middle Ages!
The truffle market season is shorter,
mostly from December to February.
Every day of the year, the markets are
set up at 6.00 am through to mid-day
on the square and in the Coderc covered
market. On Wednesdays and Saturdays,
they spread to surrounding squares.
The reputation of the gourmet capital
of Périgord remains intact.
Périgueux even created the Salon
International du Livre Gourmand
(international trade fair of books for
gluttons!) 25 years ago. It is held in
even-numbered years, in late November.
/ Scenic
GETAWAYS
ADMIRING
From here, you can
see even further
The GR 10 is an inviting long-distance hiking trail crossing
the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. It
starts at Hendaye in Aquitaine, and plows through the
mountains to Gourette. If you’re not up to it, there are little
tourist trains in La Rhune and Artouste for spectacular
panoramas and wonderful pastoral encounters.
Jaizkibel view
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 27 -
/ Scenic
GETAWAYS
ON THE SLOPES
OF THE RHUNE
A COUNTRY OF
FORGES AND
CHÂTEAUX
Between Hendaye and Ainhoa, at 905m
in altitude, the GR10 peaks on La Rhune
mountain in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, with
pottoks* running free, vertiginous views
of the meandering river Nivelle, the bay
of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the immense
ocean to the west, the chain of mountains
visible as far as the Pic du Midi in Bigorre,
150 km to the east, the gigantic green plain
of the forest in the Landes to the north,
and the Spanish Pyrenees to the south.
Take La Rhune’s little rack-railway train
starting at Sare for a gentle 35-minute ride
at 9 kph to reach this legendary Basque
country summit.
www.rhune.com
*pottoks: small wild horses from
the Basque mountains
©Pierre Sauvey
You pass Bidarray, Saint-Etienne de
Baïgorry, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and
the chalets in Iraty on the way to the
Auberge de Logibar, starting point for
those heading to Sainte-Engrâce, in HauteSoule. It is one of the most spectacular
legs. Crossing the Holzarte rope bridge
s t r u n g 1 4 0 m a b ove t h e g ro u n d i s
simply thrilling. In Sainte-Engrâce, the
magnificent Romanesque church dating
from the 11th century is awe-inspiring,
surrounded by a cemetery featuring
typical Basque tombstones. Another
exciting moment is when you go up the
Gorges de Kakuetta between vertiginous
cliffs, up to the spring where the torrent
bursts forth from a mysterious cave. You’ll
enjoy visiting that cave!
DID YOU KNOW?
ITIAQUI IS AN APPLICATION FOR YOUR ITINERARIES IN AQUITAINE
The Gorges de Kakuetta
- 28 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
Ideal for all your walks in Aquitaine, itiAQUI suggests itineraries for those on
foot, on bicycles or mountain bikes, horseback and boat. There’s the GR10 in
Béarn and the Basque country, or the Way of Saint James, major European
cycling itineraries like the Vélodyssée cycling route along the Atlantic or hiking
loops for the whole family. Anywhere in Aquitaine, you can select your circuit
and view it on an interactive map studded with information: description of legs,
displaying places of interest and sites worth visiting and the panoramas, photos,
videos, audios etc. The application tracks your location to guide you all the way.
/ Scenic
GETAWAYS
SOULE, ASPE
AND OSSAU
After Saint-Engrâce in the Valley de la
Soule, the GR10 climbs up to the Pierre
Saint-Martin pass (1,760m), then the Pas de
l’Osque (1,922m) and Pas d’Azuns (1,873m),
affording splendid panoramic views. The
route then descends towards the Aspe
Valley and the majestic Cirque de Lescun,
ringed with the peaks of Ansabère, the
Table des Trois Rois and the Pic d’Anie.
Lestremeau, Mariet and the Gîte de Lhers
are all possible stopovers before crossing
the Col de Barrancq (1,601m) to join the
Ossau valley, towards Borce and Etsaut.
The impressive Chemin de la Mâture,
carved out of the rock, marks the entrance
to the Parc National des Pyrénées. It
was built in the second half of the 18th
century to ship tree-trunks from the Forêt
de Pacq down to the water. The timber
then floated down to the shipyards on
the coast, where they were used to make
masts for the boats.
The GR10 slopes back up to the Col
d’Ayous (2185m), before reaching one of
the most beautiful sites, with the lakes
Gentau, Miey, Roumassot and BiousArtigues. One of those magical hiking
moments when you have to stop to take
in the sheer beauty of Pyrenean flora:
gentian, digitalis, sundew, blueberries
and liquorice. You move on through the
Parc National to Gabas and the Corniche
des Alhas. The GR 10 continues further on
towards Gourette.
THE LITTLE TOURIST
TRAIN OF ARTOUSTE
DID YOU KNOW?
Take the little train of Artouste, one of the
highest in Europe to spend a relaxing yet
unforgettable day up in the mountains. At
an average altitude of 2,000m, it follows
the unspoilt valleyscape of Soussouéou for
about ten kilometres to the Lac d’Artouste.
Originally built in 1920 to bring the building
materials for the Artouste dam, it now
brings tourists to admire stupendous
landscapes, from the Pic du Midi d’Ossau,
to the starting point of the Fabrèges cable
car, and the pic Palas, the highest peak
in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, almost 3,000m
in altitude.
Several times each summer, it is also used
as a “shepherd’s train”, as the ideal way
to discover Pyrenean pastoralism, with a
walk to a cabin to find out how they make
“Estive” cheese and a guided tour above
the lake of Artouste among the ewes.
The amazing geological site Salle
de la Verna in Sainte-Engrâce, was
discovered in 1953. It is part of a
whole karst network of Pierre SaintMartin. It is among the biggest
underground caves in the world,
245m in diameter, 194m high, with
a surface area of 5 hectares and a
volume of 3.6 million m3. The visit
is magical and impressive. As you
near the end of the 700m leading
to it, you can barely believe your
eyes once it gets light. It gives
great insights into how Earth
evolved and the landscape was
formed! The Verna caves can be
visited, advance bookings only.
www.laverna.fr
www.train-artouste.com
© B. Bloch
© B. Bloch
IN THE PARC
NATIONAL DES
PYRÉNÉES
Discoïdal graves
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 29 -
/ Scenic
GETAWAYS
ITINÉRANCE
The Vélodyssée®,
cycling route along the Atlantic
There are nearly 400 km of cycle lanes along the Vélodyssée® for you to enjoy the Aquitaine coastline,
from Le Verdon on the Gironde estuary to Hendaye bay, just this side of the Spanish border. A naturelovers itinerary through the forest, past the ocean, beaches, dunes, Bassin d’Arcachon, the Landes pine
forest lakes and Basque country cliffs. Go for an afternoon, all day or venture the whole way: it’s up to you.
TRIED
AND TESTED
“Don’t dilly-dally, just do the Vélodyssée ®”
Christine Coutant and
Thierry Monfort are cycling
enthusiasts: they took the
Vélodyssée® from Le Verdon to
Hendaye. This Breton couple started out in
Nantes. “We couldn’t wait to get to Aquitaine,
with the magnificent forest, the fresh smell of
the pines and the greenery. We really loved
this environment, we really felt like we were
getting away from it all as we enjoyed the
wide open spaces. It’s not at all monotonous,”
explained Thierry, a 50-something executive.
“The landscape is changing all the time. We
were cycling through natural landscapes
AT YOUR SERVICE:
“ACCUEIL VÉLO (CYCLISTS WELCOME)”
LABEL
Services with the “Accueil Vélo (Cyclists
Welcome)” label are available for cycling
tourists all the way along the Vélodyssée®:
accommodation, rental, repairs, and sites to
visit. They are all listed on the website.
www.lavelodyssee.com
- 30 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
practically all the time, and we felt like we
had escaped! It was almost like meditating,
or going on a pilgrimage, communing with
nature,” confirmed Christine Coutant, an
athletic 40-something. “There’s the effort
you put in, pedalling for 70 kilometres a
day over an average of 7 hours a day, both
an inner adventure and an opportunity to
explore this lovely region,” explained Thierry
Monfort. “When we got here, we didn’t feel
like stopping, we wanted to forge ahead,” he
confided. When we asked the two cyclists
for a tip, they immediately replied: “Just go”.
Christine and Thierry,
cycling tourists
/ Scenic
GETAWAYS
EASY LIVING
Peaceful
navigation
DID YOU KNOW?
Trip along the canal de Garonne
What could be more peaceful than visiting Aquitaine by way of its
canals and navigable rivers? You can enjoy holidays in tour boats,
or walk, cycle or ride the towpaths. Canal de Garonne, Baïse, Lot,
Dordogne or Dronne all hold out the promise of magical moments
to the pace of the river.
The Canal de Garonne is one of the
most beautiful navigable waterways in
France. Mostly in the shade of plane trees,
dotted with locks, its calm is conducive to
contemplation. It can also be spectacular:
The 540m long Pont-canal d’Agen
crossing the Garonne features 22 arches!
The Canal de Garonne was originally
built from 1839 to 1856 to connect
Bordeaux to Toulouse and the
Atlantic to the Mediterranean,
continuing on from its counterpart
the Canal du Midi which runs from
Toulouse to the Mediterranean.
Several companies rent out licence-free
house-boats for river cruises, or to go
to the neighbouring Baïse. It’s a chance
to explore the river ports of Nérac and
Damazan, and many other gorgeous
villages. Many tourists walk or ride the
towpaths, on bikes or on horseback, each
at their own pace.
LIFESTYLE:
THE INN AT THE LOCKMASTER’S HOUSE
Fiveyears
ago
Christelle
Cousset
converted the lockmaster’s house by the
33rd lock, in Saint-Jean-de-Thurac, in Lotet-Garonne into the «La Poule à vélo», a
typical inn. She transformed this ancient
building into an ideal stopover place
for those travelling along the Canal de
Garonne: gourmet, bucolic and original,
for a meal, a glass of wine or a night. The
many cyclists who travel the green way
will especially appreciate the two rooms
on the first floor with a view of the canal.
The restaurant, bar and a small boutique
occupy the ground floor. Christelle
Cousset prefers to use top-quality
produce from a short supply chain. «The
menu changes every day, except the local
dish, which has a quality label: smoked
trout rillettes, hazelnut and grilled bacon
salad, duck confit, cheese and dessert,»
she rattled off.
Other lockmaster’s houses have gradually
been converted too, like No. 42, in Villeton,
Lot-et-Garonne. A restaurateur couple
from Belgium, Katharina Meersman and
Thierry Vervack founded the restaurant
«La Chope et le pichet». It is also a service
point for cyclists.
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 31 -
/ Winter
GETAWAYS
©R. Marchand
A night in an igloo in Gourette, in the Pyrenees
- 32 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
Snowmobile rides, Somport-Pyrénées
Nordic ski resort
/ Winter
GETAWAYS
New
snow-white
sensations
AN ALTERNATIVE WAY TO VISIT THE PYRENEES
The mountains in winter are for all sorts of skiing activities. But that is not
all: there are other ways of enjoying the Pyrenees. Aquitaine resorts are
brimming with alternative ideas for you to enjoy winter sports: Nordic
baths, snowmobile rides, cross-country skiing, husky dog sled rides,
Snake Gliss and igloo building: diversity is at its peak.
©L’aventure nordique
In Aquitaine’s winter sports resorts, Gourette,
Pierre Saint-Martin and Artouste, there’s
something for everyone whatever their
whim, much more than skiing and Snow
Parks.
You can start out playing at being a trapper
in the snowy north. Go cross-country skiing,
looking out for animal footprints, you’ll love
the amazing experience of Nordic bath, outdoors, in water heated to 38°C in a wooden
pool out in the snow. You can help build an
igloo, or simply spend a night in one, after
a mountain-style dinner or even spend New
Year’s Even in a lofty cabin. Wind the adventure up with a husky dog sled ride.
You can then become a forerunner, going
out with the ski patrollers first thing in the
morning. Sit in the cockpit of a snowmobile,
alongside an instructor, or simply enjoy a
ride on one of these vehicles which get the
snow ready for a superb skiing experience
every morning.
For an exciting, fun ride, try out the «Snake
Gliss», a sort of huge luge for the whole
family. If you and your children have perfect
balance, you can try your hands at snow
biking. And if you aspire to mountaineering,
head out to take on the ice waterfalls.
The Nordic ski resorts, Somport, Issarbe and
Iraty, also have plenty to offer, with crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing and husky dog
sledding.
www.gourette.com
www.lapierrestmartin.com
www.altiservice.com/artouste
www.lesomport.com
©La Pierre Saint Martin
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 33 -
/ Basque
country
GETAWAYS
AUTHENTICITY
The Basque
country,
a proud culture
- 34 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
/ Basque
country
GETAWAYS
Ongi etorri Euskal Herrian! Welcome to the Basque country and its
distinctive language. Basque culture’s full authenticity stems from
its language and setting, between mountain and ocean: the colours,
the flag, architecture, dancing, singing and the musical instruments,
festivals, pediments and pelota, gastronomy, discoid wayside stela
decorated with the sign of the cross, arts and crafts, pastoral plays,
pottoks and manechewes
• Red, green and white
The Basque country is immediately
recognisable with its flag and traditional
costumes: red, green and white. Typical
houses are plastered in white, with wooden
framework painted red and green. This
makes for pleasing harmony in Basque
villages and towns.
• Singing, dancing and music
The music, singing and dancing are
important facets of Basque culture.
Listening to a Basque choir singing a
capella, or a singer improvising a “bertsulari”
is a moving experience. Traditional musical
instruments, with names that sound
plain weird to those who don’t speak the
language, (trikitixa, txalaparta or txistu) are
amazingly melodious. Most festivals involve
some dancing.
• Fairs, fêtes, and pastoral plays
They celebrate all manner of things in
the Basque country, from San Panzar, a
legendary villain who is put on trial then
burnt at the spring carnival, and Olentzero,
the coal merchant of Christmas Eve,
espadrilles in Mauléon, cherries in Itxassou,
typical Basque pastries in Cambo-les-Bains
and wine in Irouléguy. Each village has its
fête, however small. Several days of nonstop festivities liven up the villages, for
example in Urrugne, Sare, Ahetze, Guéthary,
Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle and Iholdy, to name
but a few. There are all sorts of fairs: Pepper
and pottoks in Espelette, ham in Bayonne,
cheese in Tardets and so on. And pastorales,
which are musical plays, created by the
inhabitants of a village, usually performed
on the last Sunday in July and the first in
August, in a town in the Soule valley.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Basque language, Euskara, is considered
to be one of the most ancient in Europe and
its origin remains a mystery.
• Pediments, pelota and pilotaris (pelota
players)
No Basque village is complete without
a pediment or trinquet (typical Basque
house). Bare-handed Pelota, chistera, cesta
punta, pala, joko garbi, xare: there are no
fewer than 22 types of pelota registered
with the Fédération Française de Pelota
Basque. Competitions and tournaments
are great to watch, with the commentator
singing the score in Basque.
• May the force be with them!
The Festival de la force Basque in SaintPalais is a must. Every year, on the Sunday
after 15 August, this festival attracts 120
competitors in six impressive, spectacular
trials, according to true, time-honoured
tradition: tug-of-war (Soko tira), straw bale
lifting (lasto altsari), cart lifting (orga joko),
wood-cutting (segari), logging (aizkolari)
and sack racing (sakulari).
• Cuisine like no other
Basque cuisine is very varied, using many
top-quality products. There’s an emphasis
on seafood, brought in by the fishermen,
and much top-quality, original produce
from the land. Espelette peppers, Itxassou
cherries, Aldudes black pork, Bayonne ham,
Basque-style chicken, veal axoa and Basque
pastries are all examples of its gastronomic
riches. And all these products have their
own fair! At the Espelette pepper fair, for
example, on the last weekend in October,
you can see houses covered with peppers
to be dried in the sunshine, taste the pepper
specialities and check out the arts and crafts
also on display for the occasion.
• Crosses and tombstones
The Basque cross (lauburu) is an emblem of
Basque culture. Its name means “4 heads”. It
often features in the decoration of domestic
items, on lintels, gates and discoid stela.
• Pottoks, manechs and vultures
Pastoralism is an important element in
the Basque way of life. Herds of manech
sheep, with black heads and the small
wild pottok horses populate the mountain
with vultures and other great birds of prey
wheeling overhead. You can see them when
hiking in the Pyrenees or go to meet them
with shepherds who will share their love of
nature with you, not to mention their homemade cheeses.
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 35 -
/ Basque
country
GETAWAYS
Beautiful villages
in the Basque country
Ainhoa
Red, green and white, the Basque country colours feature prominently in their
villages, making for a distinctive identity. Many are well worth a visit. Three have
been listed among the most beautiful villages in France: Ainhoa, Sare and LaBastide-Clairence.
AINHOA
a small village with 650 inhabitants, might be considered to
be the archetypical Basque village with its white and red façades all the way along the only street. It was first founded in
the 13th century by monks travelling the Way of Saint James.
Check out village history on a guided tour, from the emblematic
pediment to the tombstones in the cemetery, the old laundry
to the 13th-century church with its square, 4-storey bell-tower.
The Maison du Patrimoine will tell you all about Ainhoa history.
Watch the semi-circular screen, to travel back in time to seek
Harri Xurri, the lucky stone, following the river Lapixuri. Hikers
will love the blazed loop trails.
www.ainhoa-tourisme.com
SARE
at the foot of the mountains La Rhune and Axuria mountains, is
invitingly peaceful. Its motto says it all: «In Sare, there’s plenty
of time», or as they say in Basque: «Saran Astia». It’s well worth taking the time to visit Sare properly, with its many medieval bridges and dozens of lintels, sculpted stones on façades,
its pediment, oratories and church. Sare is the Basque village
with the most religious edifices. Its medieval way is the starting
point for many hiking trails. The Smugglers route leads towards
the famous caves of Sare, and of course the Spanish border.
Gourmets will love the Musée du Gâteau Basque, and ewe’s milk
cheeses to be bought from the producers or at the Thursday
market.
www.sare.fr
LA-BASTIDE-CLAIRENCE
is, obviously, a bastide, or medieval fortified town. It is now wellknown for its arts and crafts: glass-blowers, weavers, designers
of jewellery and leather goods, sculptors of wood and stone,
painters, photographers, art framers, cabinetmakers, luthiers,
illuminators and miniaturists, and of course potters. Every
year in September, a Potters market is held, with around 50
potters selling their wares on the superb Place des Arceaux. In
the summer, farmers sell their produce at markets, it’s a great
opportunity to chat with them. La-Bastide-Clairence boasts
a church with wooden panelling, a recently restored trinquet
considered to be the oldest real tennis court worldwide still in
use. It dates from 1512.
www.labastideclairence.com
- 36 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
/ Basque
country
GETAWAYS
DISCOVERIES
5 unforgettable places of interest
in the Basque country
©Hendaye tourisme
1 // CHÂTEAU ABBADIA
2 // CITY OF THE OCEAN
•T
his incredible château-observatory in neo-Gothic style
perched above the Hendaye cliffs, defies the imagination.
It was built by architect Viollet-Leduc for the ethnologistgeographer and astronomer Antoine d’Abbadie, between
1864 and 1879. Each room reveals a facet of the personality
or life of this scientist with the travel itch and ardent defender
of Basque language and culture. Huge frescoes, evoking
Ethiopia, fantastic animals, a gigantic library, a chamber of
honour for Napoléon III and the astronomical observatory all
make it a unique and fascinating place.
• Its shape recalls the waves of the Basque coast. Its edutaining,
interactive exhibitions and events plunge you right into the
ocean, providing many an insight into its mysteries. You can
see Archie, the giant squid; you can find out what it’s like to
be on a sinking ship in a tempest; you can hear Christopher
Columbus’ secrets; you can learn how waves are formed,
about how tides work and the importance of the ocean for
life on earth.
IN HENDAYE
IN BIARRITZ
www.chateau-abbadia.fr
www.citedelocean.com
©B. Bloch
©J.J Brochard / CRTA
3 // SEA MUSEUM
4 // V
ILLA ARNAGA
•F
acing the Rocher de la Vierge, this Art
Deco building houses many treasures.
In one of the biggest aquariums in
France (1,500m3), you can see various
species of shark. The scenography
presents a voyage on the Gulf Stream
and over to the Caribbean and the
Indo-Pacific zone. the whales and seals
are very popular with visitors. You get
fantastic views of Biarritz, the ocean
and the Basque coast from the terrace.
• t he home of Edmond Rostand, who
penned «Cyrano de Bergerac», is
a prime example of neo-Basque
architecture. It is actually highly
original, with an immense hall in
English style with superb frescoes, a
Chinese room, an Art Nouveau boudoir
and a library on several levels. For
Edmond Rostand, the Villa Arnaga was
«a poem of stone and greenery», set
amid a French garden and an English
garden.
IN BIARRITZ
www.museedelamer.com
IN CAMBO-LES-BAINS
www.arnaga.com
©Levilain / CRTA
5 // THE ISTURITZ
AND OXOCELHAYA
CAVES
IN SAINT-MARTIN-D’ARBEROUE
•B
etween Lascaux and Altamira, the
Isturitz and Oxocelhaya caves are also
emblematic of the Prehistory as well
as featuring fantastic geology. The
45,000 coins on display in the two
rooms in Isturitz prove that people
had been living there for 80,000 years
before the Common Era. Oxocelhaya
features several rooms with majestic
concretions.
www.grottes-isturitz.com
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 37 -
/ Basque
country
GETAWAYS
IN RED AND WHITE
Beautiful, festive, tasty
Bayonne
DID YOU KNOW?
Bayonne, capital of the French Basque country, is worth
checking out whatever the season for its joie de vivre, the
atmosphere of its bustling little alleys, the splendour of its
streets and half-timbered houses on the banks of the Nive
and Adour rivers, its fortifications and cathedral. And
of course for its fêtes and gastronomy: Basque cuisine,
ham… and chocolate!
Bayonne has long enjoyed a reputation
for its chocolate in France. Cocoa beans
were introduced to Bayonne by Portuguese
Jews fleeing the Inquisition in the 15th
century. Seven excellent chocolatiers still
practise their art. The «Chocolate Days»
are organised every year on the Friday and
Saturday of Ascension weekend. This year
on 15 and 16 May.
www.bayonne-tourisme.com
BAYONNE AND THE
BASQUE TRADITION
CITY OF ART
AND HISTORY
With its houses featuring timber
painted red or green lining the Nive
and Adour rivers, Bayonne expresses its
Basque nature full on. The atmosphere
of the covered markets, pavement
cafés, the boutiques with their colourful
storefronts, pennants stretching across
busy streets: taking a stroll through
cheerful, vibrant Bayonne is a joyful
experience.
Bayonne earned the label “City of
art and history” in 2012. Its Gothic
cathedral is listed as a UNESCO World
Heritage monument. The city walls,
cloister, Château-Vieux and the Basque
museum, and the arcaded streets like
Rue Port Neuf, confer a rich and proud
heritage.
Blazed trails have been especially
designed to explore this heritage by
bike. Leave the car in the car park, take
the free shuttle to go to the centre, and
enjoy visiting the town on a bicycle
available on a free loan.
BAYONNE FESTIVALS
In 2015, they have been scheduled from
29 July to 2 August. The general rule is
simple: everyone wears white, with red
belts and scarves, to enjoy five days of all
sorts of practically non-stop festivities.
www.fetes.bayonne.fr
THE HAM FAIR
Organised every year for four days in
the Easter week since 1462, the Foire au
Jambon or Ham Fair celebrates the local
ham, which has a Protected Geographical
Indication (PGI) label. This year, from
2 to 5 April.
©B. Bloch
- 38 - www.tourism-aquitaine.com
Escape
Europe
to Aquitaine !
France
SOULAC
SUR-MER
NONTRON
Paris
Poitiers
>
Le Verdon
Parc naturel régional
Périgord - Limousin
BRANTÔME
PERIGUEUX
PAUILLAC
DORDOGNE
BLAYE
A10
LACANAU
GIRONDE
A89
LES EYZIES-DE-TAYAC-SIREUIL
Bergerac
LIBOURNE
Saint-Émilion
BORDEAUX
CAP
FERRET
Arcachon
Sarlat
la-Canéda
LANGON
BISCARROSSE
PLAGE
TIQUE
MARMANDE
LOT-ET-GARONNE
VILLENEUVE
SUR-LOT
AT L A
N
A62
Parc naturel régional
des Landes
de Gascogne
NÉRAC
OCÉ
AN
A65
A63
> Toulouse
LANDES
MONT
DE MARSAN
Dax
SOORTSHOSSEGOR
AGEN
AIRE-SUR-L’ADOUR
HAGETMAU
BAYONNE
BIARRITZ
ORTHEZ
Motorways
SAINT-JEAN-DE-LUZ
A63
Vélodyssée®
HENDAYE
SAINT-JEAN
PIED-DE-PORT
Airports
PYRÉNÉES
ATLANTIQUES
>
San Sebastian
PAU
OLORON
SAINTE-MARIE
ES
A64
> Lourdes
Nature parks
Vineyards
Parc national
des Pyrénées
PA
G
Ferry boat
N
E
Find out
more
Useful information
All the practical information
given on these pages is
available on the website of
Aquitaine Regional Tourist
Board:
COMITÉ RÉGIONAL DE
TOURISME D’AQUITAINE
•A
gence départementale
du tourisme de la Gironde
• Comité départemental
du tourisme de Lot-et-Garonne
Tel.: +33 (0)5 56 01 70 00
www.tourism-aquitaine.com
Tel.: +33 (0)5 56 52 61 40
www.tourisme-gironde.fr
Tel.: +33 (0)5 53 66 14 14
www.tourisme-lotetgaronne.com
www.tourism-aquitaine.com
COMITÉS DÉPARTEMENTAUX
DU TOURISME
• Comité départemental
du tourisme des Landes
• Comité départemental
du tourisme de Béarn-Pays basque
Tel.: +33 (0)5 58 06 89 89
www.tourismelandes.com
Tel.: +33 (0)5 59 30 01 30
www.tourisme64.com
It is updated on a daily basis.
You will also find other ideas
for excursions in the region.
•C
omité départemental
du tourisme de la Dordogne
Tel.: +33 (0)5 53 35 50 24
http://dordogne-perigordtourisme.fr/
www.tourism-aquitaine.com - 39 -
AQUITAINE? CHECK OUT THE PICTURES ON
R
.F
X
U
A
E
D
R
O
B
E
IN
A
IT
AQU
Wherever you are,
Aquitaine is never far!
TO FIND OUT MORE
You will find all the applies
and mobiles sites
of the Aquitaine region on
aquitaine-bordeaux.fr