| New Aquitaine ((oc)Nòva Aquitània) | |
 | |
| Information | |
| Country |  France |
|---|---|
| Regional capital | Bordeaux |
| Area | 84 061 km² |
| Population | 5 844 177 hab. (2013) |
| Density | 69,52 inhab./km² |
| Telephone prefix | 33 5 |
| Location | |
 44 ° 42 ′ 0 ″ N 0 ° 8 ′ 24 ″ W | |
| Official site | |
The New Aquitaine is a region of South West of France resulting from the merger of the former regions Aquitaine, Limousin and Poitou-Charentes. Its capital is Bordeaux. It also has several large agglomerations (Bayonne, Limoges, La Rochelle, Pau, Poitiers) as well as three important seaside resorts (Arcachon, Biarritz and Royan).
The leading region in terms of tourist employment, it benefits from the presence of a vast ocean frontage stretching from the Charente islands to the mouth of the Bidassoa, at the gates of theSpain, passing through the Gironde estuary (the largest wild estuary in Europe) and the Arcachon bay. Its beaches, exposed to the swell, are frequented each summer by millions of holidaymakers, and are also a hotspot for surfing, including some spots, on the Basque coast or on theIsland of Re, enjoy a solid reputation. The massif of Pyrenees, from the green Basque mountains to the peaks of Béarn, is a leading "nature" destination in all seasons, while in winter, ski resorts such as Gourette Where La Pierre-Saint-Martin are very busy.
The region also counts on the presence of several natural parks, the largest forest in Western Europe (Landes forest) and the highest dune in Europe (dune of Pilat). Some destinations, such as the Dordogne and Vézère valleys, with their prehistoric caves and castles, or the Pays Basque, are particularly popular with visitors.
Understand
Created by the territorial reform of 2014, the region was born on January 1, 2016. It takes more or less the borders of the former Roman province of Aquitaine resulting from the administrative reorganization under the principate of Augustus in the 1st century BC. Our era. These remained roughly those of Aquitaine during the creation of the Merovingian kingdoms (in the 7th century) then Carolingian (in the 9th century) of Aquitaine, then of the Duchy of Aquitaine of Aliénor (in the 12th century) and the principality of Aquitaine of the Black Prince (in the 14th century).
The largest region in France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is part of the southwestern quarter of France. It is one of the three constituent regions of the South of France and is culturally divided between regions of Oïl (Poitou, Aunis, Saintonge, partly Angoumois), regions of Oc (Guyenne, Gascogne, Limousin, Marche, Périgord, Béarn, partly Angoumois) and a Basque region (Pays Basque French or Iparralde).
The region enjoys a seafront on the Atlantic Ocean of nearly 720 kilometers, going from the Charente archipelago in the north (Ré, d'Oléron, Aix and Madame islands) to the Basque corniche in the south, passing through the mouth of the Gironde and the Arcachon basin. It relies on the presence of three important seaside resorts: Arcachon, Biarritz and Royan. Its southern part is marked by the presence of the Pyrenees massif, which forms the border with Spain. Several winter sports resorts are located there, including Gourette and La Pierre-Saint-Martin. To the east, the Limousin mountains, with their gently accentuated relief, form the first foothills of the Massif Central.
Structured around the valleys of the Garonne, Charente, Vienne and Adour, the region is famous for its art of living, its gastronomy, its renowned vineyards (wines of Bordeaux and of Bergerac, Jurançon, Haut-Poitou, Cognac and Armagnac eaux-de-vie), its festivals (festivals of Bayonne or from Dax, Francofolies of La Rochelle...) its historical heritage (prehistoric caves, castles, country houses, towns of art and history ...) or its spectacular natural and national parks. That of the Landes de Gascogne is set in the famous Landes forest, the largest in Europe, which extends over three departments (Gironde, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne). The Périgord-Limousin park extends over a hilly landscape, and that of Millevaches in Limousin, with its peat bogs and moors, is sometimes compared to "French Patagonia". In its northern part, near Niort, the Marais Poitevin, a veritable cathedral of greenery, is made up of numerous canals winding through the grove, earning it the nickname of “Green Venice”. Conversely, in its southern part, the Pyrenees national park boasts spectacular landscapes and rich wild flora and fauna.
Weather
The region benefits mainly from an oceanic climate, with slight variations depending on where you are.
- The Aquitaine oceanic climate (hot summers, mild winters) affects most of the region, from the Charentes to the Basque Country. It breaks down into several micro-climates, especially on the coast, where frosts are almost absent.
- To the north, Poitou has a Parisian oceanic climate (temperate summers, cool winters).
- The climate of Limousin and Périgord is a degraded oceanic climate, which varies according to the relief.
- Finally, the climate of Béarn is a mountain climate, with more distinct seasons. Pau, its capital, experiences a micro-climate due to the proximity of the Pyrenees, with hot summers and mild winters.
The sunshine is particularly generous, especially on the coast, and can reach 2250 h per year, which is comparable to a Mediterranean city like Perpignan. He reaches 1800 h / year to Poitiers, Bayonne and Pau, 1900 h / year to Limoges, 2000 h / year to Bordeaux and 2250 h / year to La Rochelle. (For comparison, the amount of sunshine is around 1600 h / year to Lille and Paris, 1900 h / year to Toulouse and 2600 h / year to Montpellier).
Rainfall is more marked in spring and winter, especially in the Basque Country and in the south of the Landes. We thus note on average 600 mm of precipitation in Poitiers (equivalent to Paris), 700 mm in La Rochelle and Limoges (equivalent to Toulouse), 900 mm in Bordeaux, 1 000 mm in Pau and 1 400 mm in Bayonne (more than Brest and his 1 200 mm). Summer droughts are not uncommon across the region. Temperatures can reach 40 ° C, especially in the Landes de Gascogne.
Regions
The main components of the region are, from north to south, Haut-Poitou, Marche, Limousin, Aunis, Saintonge, Angoumois, Périgord, Basse-Guyenne, Gascony, the Basque Country and the Béarn.
Administratively speaking, twelve departments make up the region:
 45 ° 0 ′ 0 ″ N 0 ° 24 ′ 0 ″ E Map of the regions of Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
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Cities
The North: Poitou and Charentes
- 1 Angouleme – Prefecture of the Charente, the so-called "balcony of the South-West", overlooks the Charente from its rocky outcrop. Its historic center is home to a Romanesque cathedral with a richly decorated facade, old patrician residences, the former castle of the Counts of Angoulême and its curious belfry, now the town hall, and is famous for its comic strip festival. From the promenade of the ancient ramparts, the view is over the first foothills of the Massif Central.
- 2 Cognac – Homeland of François I, the city retains a preserved historic center and a vast park on the banks of the Charente. The city is known for its spirits: cognac and pineau.
- 3 La Rochelle – Prefecture of Charente-Maritime, historic port on the Atlantic Ocean, the city retains many testimonies of its rich past: the medieval towers of its Old Port, the arcaded houses and its stocky and massive Saint-Louis cathedral, are just a few examples. Close toIsland of Re to which it is connected by a bridge, it hosts a famous aquarium.
- 4 Rochefort – New town from the 17th century designed under Louis XIV as the great maritime arsenal of the Ponant, retains its military character, with its streets intersecting at right angles and its famous Corderie Royale, unique in France. Place Colbert and its neoclassical-style Saint-Louis church is the center of the city.
- 5 Royan –
Capital of the Côte de Beauté, famous seaside resort, city of art and history and urban planning research laboratory, it was completely rebuilt in the 1950s in a tropicalist style based on concrete and shapes avant-garde. The Notre-Dame church, a veritable concrete cathedral, and the seafront are its flagships. Not far from there, the Medoc and theIsland of Oléron are very touristy. - 6 Saintes – Historical capital of Saintonge and first capital of Aquitaine, on the Charente, retains a rich monumental adornment and a protected historic center. Among its main monuments, St. Peter's Cathedral, St. Eutrope's Basilica, a World Heritage Site, the Ladies' Abbey, the Arch of Germanicus and the Roman Amphitheater. It is famous for its cavalcade, which brings together a large crowd in its streets every evening of December 31.
- 7 Niort – Prefecture of Deux-Sèvres, this picturesque town on the Sèvre Niortaise, at the gates of the Marais Poitevin, is established on several hills. Very green, it hosts monuments such as the Saint-André church, whose twin spiers are visible from afar, the Notre-Dame church or a keep built during the Plantagenêt period. Place de la Brêche, its historic heart, was completely redesigned in the early 2010s.
- 8 Poitiers – The capital of Vienne and the historic capital of Poitou, it keeps a medieval city center rich in mansions, the former palace of the Dukes of Aquitaine, the Church of Notre-Dame la Grande and the Saint Baptistery. -Jean, oldest Christian monument in the West.
East: Marche and Limousin
- 9 Limoges – Capital of Haute-Vienne and historic capital of Limousin, set on the first foothills of the Massif Central, it is crossed by the Vienne. It preserves a Gothic cathedral whose slender style evokes the buildings of the north of France, as well as several medieval churches and a historic center with picturesque alleys, often lined with half-timbered houses. The Benedictine station, built in the 19th century, borrows both Art Deco and Art Nouveau elements, with its curious dome and bell tower.
- 10 Uzerche – Built on a promontory overlooking a bend in the Vézère, Uzerche is the former capital of Bas-Limousin. The city, described as "Pearl of Limousin" by the writer Arthur Young, includes many old houses and an old abbey from the 12th century.
- 11 Turenne – Former capital of the viscount of the same name, this charming little town articulates its narrow streets around the remains of its castle.
- 12 Collonges-la-Rouge –
In the heart of the Midi Corrézien, Collonges-la-Rouge is famous for its red brick constructions, which give it its characteristic look. Numerous 15th and 16th century mansions line its picturesque streets, visited each year by many tourists. - 13 Gueret – In the heart of a peaceful, hilly and green countryside, Guéret has remained a city on a human scale. Although largely unknown, it still retains a remarkable heritage: old houses around the Grande-Rue and Place Bonnyaud, administrative center of the city (courthouse, town hall), or the Presidial Palace (17th century) or the Hôtel des Monetroux (14th century).
- 14 Brive-la-Gaillarde – Main town of Corrèze, Brive has a rehabilitated historic center rich in numerous monuments. Its Bourgeois district retains a number of medieval or Renaissance residences, along the lively shopping streets: Hôtel de Quinhart (16th century), Hôtel Labenche (museum of art and history) ... The Saint-Martin collegiate church, in Romanesque style, is built on a Merivingian crypt.
The Center: Bordelais and Périgord
- 15 Bordeaux – Prefecture of the Gironde and capital of the region, Bordeaux has always been a major political and administrative center. It is now the only metropolis in the region, bringing together nearly 1 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area. Its historic center, listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, includes many exceptional monuments, such as the Saint-André cathedral and the Saint-Seurin and Saint-Michel basilicas, including the steeple, 114 meters away, is one of the highest in France. She has a few superlatives for her: the Place des Quinconces is one of the largest in Europe, and the rue Sainte-Catherine, an important pedestrian and shopping artery of more than 1.2 kilometers, is one of the longest in Europe.
- 16 Arcachon – Main city of the basin of the same name, it is one of the main seaside resorts in the region. Founded in the 19th century by the Pereire brothers between dunes, marshes and pine forests, it consists of a spring town, a summer town, a fall town and a winter town. The Moorish park is a popular place to walk and the Sainte-Cécile observatory offers beautiful views of the resort.
- 17 Perigueux – Prefecture of the Dordogne and historic capital of Périgord, Périgueux is established on the banks of the Isle, in the heart of a hilly and forested region. Famous for its markets, it keeps a historic center grouped around its monumental Saint-Front cathedral, with an oriental feel. The Vésonne tower, dating from Roman times, and the old Saint-Etienne cathedral, damaged during the Wars of Religion, are among its other emblematic monuments.
- 18 Brantome-en-Perigord – To the north of Périgueux, this small town, called the "Venice of Périgord", stretches along the banks of the Dronne. Its town center, built on a small island, is punctuated by alleys lined with old houses. On the other side, the Saint-Pierre Abbey, with its characteristic bell tower, was founded by Charlemagne.
- 19 Bergerac – Located on the Dordogne, the town is at the center of a rich vineyard producing mainly red wines and sweet wines. The historic center is home to monuments such as the Récollets cloister (now the Maison des Vins de Bergerac), the Notre-Dame church, in neo-Gothic style, as well as numerous medieval houses.
- 20 Sarlat-la-Canéda – Capital of the Périgord Noir, on the edge of the Causses du Quercy, the medieval city of Sarlat is home to a rich historic center made up of alleys, small squares and picturesque alleys, lined with patrician houses such as the Maison de la Boëtie. Not far from there, the castles of Beynac and of Castelnaud face each other, each on their respective rocky outcrop. The region also counts on the presence of famous bastides: Domme, Lalinde, Beaumont Where Montpazier. Very close to Sarlat (but in the neighboring region ofOccitania), the Marian city of Rocamadour and the Padirac chasm are among the most spectacular sites in the South West.
- 21 Saint Emilion – This small medieval town built on several hills in the heart of the Libournais vineyards spreads out its blond stone houses along steep alleys, shady little squares and cobbled alleys. The historic center, in the shade of the powerful bell tower of the collegiate church, retains several mansions. Below, on the market square, the monolithic church is the largest in France. On the neighboring hills, the old Cordeliers church and its cloister have cellars and a terrace where you can taste wine, and the King's Tower, a former keep, offers a spectacular view of the city.
The South: Landes and Guyenne
- 22 Agen – Prefecture of Lot-et-Garonne, this city established in the heart of the Garonne valley, in the center of a market gardening region which does not only produce the famous prunes, has several interesting monuments, among which the Saint-Caprais cathedral and the Notre-Dame des Jacobins and Notre-Dame du Bourg churches, built in the Languedoc style.
- 23 Mont-de-Marsan – At the confluence of the Midou and the Twelve (which together form the Midouze) Mont-de-Marsan is the capital of the Landes department. It inherited from the Middle Ages many houses built along winding streets and ramparts. Its arenas make it a great bullfighting place, where bullfights and Landes races are practiced.
- 24 Dax – Dax, the main town in the south of the Landes, owes its fame in part to its spa. Its sources, enriched with mineral salts, are known to be curative in areas such as rheumatology and phlebology. The city center, partly pedestrianized, revolves around the classic-style Notre-Dame cathedral. In the Théodore-Denis park, you can see the remains of the Gallo-Roman ramparts.
- 25 Nerac – In the heart of Albret country, Nérac is a small town of character established in the Baïse valley. Its old town is made up of a tangle of small streets leading to the Gothic-style Pont Vieux, the castle or the churches of Saint-Nicolas and Notre-Dame. The promenade of the Garenne, very green with its oaks and its hundred-year-old elms, offers beautiful points of view.
The Pyrenees: Basque Country and Béarn
- 26 Bayonne – A secular city established at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers, Bayonne retains a rich historic center gathered around the Sainte-Marie cathedral. Many mansions and patrician houses punctuate its shaded alleys. Capital of the French Basque Country, but also of Gascon tradition, it is famous as much for its ham as for its chocolate, not to mention its bullfights and its famous festivals, which take place every summer and bring together between 1 and 1.5 million people.
- 27 Biarritz – Sister city of Bayonne andAnglet, which together form a single agglomeration, Biarritz has been one of the most important French seaside resorts since the 19th century. Vacation spot for crowned heads, it brings together many villas of various styles, and is famous for its rock of the Virgin, which has become its symbol. Its powerful rollers make it one of the surfing hotspots in the region.
- 28 Pau – Prefecture of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and historic capital of Béarn, Pau enjoys a privileged position in the Pyrenees, on the Gave de Pau. The city, which was the birthplace of Henri IV, is a famous health resort. Among the sites and monuments for which it is famous are the castle, camped on a promontory, and the Boulevard des Pyrénées, which offers a clear view of the peaks of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre or the Latte de Bazens, among others.
- 29 Saint Jean de Luz – Located on the Basque coast, opposite Ciboure, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is an active fishing port as well as a seaside resort. Its pedestrianized center contains traditional half-timbered houses, as well as a church with a rich Baroque altarpiece which saw the marriage of Louis XIV with the Infanta of Spain.
- 30 Hendaye – One of the southernmost towns in the region, Hendaye is a seaside resort on the Basque coast. It is separated from Spain and the city of Hondarribia by the Bidassoa estuary, which forms a small inland sea, the bay of Txingudi. Watched over by the summit of Mount Jaizkibel, this very green city, dotted with palm trees and tamarisks, is home to a beautiful sandy beach.
Other destinations
- 1 Lascaux cave – Nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory”, the original cave, dating from the Magdalenian (around 17,000 years old) was discovered in 1940. Two faithful reconstructions, Lascaux II and Lascaux III, were built in order to preserve the remarkable frescoes of the cave. original, depicting all kinds of animals living at that time: aurochs, cave bears, woolly rhinos and different species of felines.
- 2 Pays Basque – The north of the Basque Country falls within the limits of the region. Between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, this border area of Spain is organized around Bayonne. The Basque countryside, hilly and green, is home to many picturesque villages, such asEspelette, pepper capital, Ainhoa, or Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a small medieval town below the Col de Roncesvalles. Among the exceptional sites, the Basque corniche, with the towns of Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz or Hendaye, or the Kakuetta Gorge, figure prominently. The visit can be extended with an excursion to the Southern Basque Country, to Donostia-San Sebastián Where Bilbao, or in Navarre, towards Pamplona.
- 3 Bordeaux vineyard – Considered one of the best in the world, the Bordeaux vineyard is divided between different appellations (Bordeaux, Margaux, Saint-Junien, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Pauillac, Côtes-de-Blaye, Côtes-de-Bourg, etc.). Several routes leave from Bordeaux to the various castles, established in the Médoc, in the valleys of the Garonne and the Dordogne.
- 4 Cognac vineyard – Another vineyard with an international reputation, the Charente vineyard covers the departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime. It produces the famous cognac as well as the Pineau des Charentes. The main "big houses" of cognac are installed on the quays of Cognac and of Jarnac.
- 5 Arcachon bay – This small inland sea, between marshes, dunes and pine forest, has the town of Arcachon as its main agglomeration. Opposite it, the Cap Ferret peninsula, exposed to the swell, is a popular vacation spot. The dune of Pilat, the highest in Europe, continues to grow due to the addition of sand carried by the westerly winds: it now peaks at 110 meters. From the top, panoramic view of the Landes forest and the basin.
- 6 Landes of Gascony – This natural region, now partially covered by a vast pine forest, the Landes forest, the largest forest in Europe, covers three departments (Gironde, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne). Its coastline, bordered by dunes, is hemmed by a series of large lakes.
- 7 Gironde estuary – The largest wild estuary in Europe, it stretches from the gates of Bordeaux to the Arvert peninsula and the Pointe de Grave. On its banks, the citadel of Blaye is listed as a World Heritage Site; further downstream, near Royan, the bastide of Talmont-sur-Gironde, with its church on the cliff and its hollyhocks, is one of the hundred most beautiful villages in France.
- 8 La Palmyre Zoo – At the gates of Royan, it is one of the most important private zoos in Europe. Extending over 18 hectares, it features nearly 1,600 animals and welcomes around 700,000 visitors each year.
- 9 Cordouan Lighthouse – "King of lighthouses and lighthouse of kings", built from the 16th century, it is the oldest in France. Built in the open sea, at the entrance to the Gironde, between Médoc and the Arvert peninsula, it is accessible by boat from Royan and Verdon-sur-Mer.
- 10 Dordogne gorges – The gorges of the Dordogne, in Corrèze, between Bort-les-Orgues and Argentat, are one of the most spectacular sites in Limousin. Forming a vast canyon nearly 80 kilometers, they present panoramic points of view. From the belvedere of Bort-les-Orgues, the view extends to the Monts Dore and their highest point, the Puy de Sancy.
- 11 Charentais archipelago – The Charentais archipelago, in the north-west of the region, includes theIsland of Oléron, the'Island of Re and theAix island. In Oléron, the town of the Castle retains a citadel and, near the port, a predominantly cultural district, with multicolored houses, where many craftsmen work. In Ré, the port of Saint-Martin is the historic capital of the island. The island of Aix, closed to cars, can be traveled on foot, by bike or in a horse-drawn carriage.
- 12 Futuroscope – The Futuroscope park, at the gates of Poitiers, is dedicated to the technologies of the future. The 2nd largest amusement park in France in terms of attendance, it includes interactive attractions, scenic routes and 3D projections.
- 13 Aubisque route – The Aubisque route, which starts from the town ofWaters-Bonnes, provides spectacular views of the Pyrenean peaks. Passing through the small town of Aas and the ski resort of Gourette, it provides access to the Aubisque pass (1,709 meters), the Litor cirque and the Soulor pass (1,474 meters).
- 14 Walibi South-West Park – Walibi Sud-Ouest Park, nearAgen, is one of the main theme parks in the region. Extending over 30 hectares, it has about twenty attractions of all kinds (rides, roller coasters) and welcomes nearly 300,000 visitors annually.
- 15 Gartempe valley – Along this tributary of the Creuse stand out the towns of Montmorillon, famous for its historic center, its old bridge and its city of image and Saint-Savin, whose abbey, covered with medieval frescoes, is sometimes referred to as the "Sistine chapel of the French Middle Ages" and is a World Heritage Site. Not far from there, Angles-sur-Anglin is dominated by the ruins of its fortified castle.
- 16 Bearn – In the heart of the Pyrenees, this former sovereign state is organized around Pau. Among the main destinations in this region, Orthez preserves a medieval bridge, the Pont-Vieux, several mansions including the Maison de Jeanne d´Albret and the Hôtel de la Lune. The legendary bridge Sauveterre-de-Béarn, a small town on the borders of Béarn and Navarre, dates from the 12th century. This other example of a fortified bridge was partially washed away by a flood in the 18th century. The proximity of the Pyrenean peaks is also the pretext for beautiful excursions to the Pic du Midi d'Ossau (2,884 meters) or Palas peak (2,974 meters), the highest point in the region.
- 17 Guéret Mountains Animal Park – At the gates of Guéret, in the forest of Chabrières, this zoological park allows you to observe wolves in their natural environment. It receives around 40,000 visitors per year, and is one of the main tourist sites in the Creuse.
- 18 Valley of the Monkeys – Located in Romagne, in the south of Vienne, this zoological park presents many species of primates, evolving in semi-freedom on a territory of 16 hectares.
To go
By car
Several highways allow you to reach the region from Paris, Toulouse or theSpain.
From Paris, theA10 serves the towns of Poitiers, of Saintes or from Bordeaux, where it joins the city's ring-road (motorway A630).
From Toulouse, theA62 allows you to join Agen, Marmande, Langon and Bordeaux.
Since Irun, in Spain, theA63 leads to Bayonne, Dax and Bordeaux. The A64 connects Bayonne to Pau, and continues to Tarbes and Toulouse.
Further north, theA20, which connects Paris to Toulouse, opens up the Limousin region and passes in particular through Limoges, La Souterraine and Brive-la-Gaillarde. THE'A89, which connects Bordeaux to Lyon, through Libourne, Perigueux and Brive-la-Gaillarde.
By bus
The main towns in the region have bus stations that accommodate several bus companies. In 2016, Eurolines thus served Angoulême, Bayonne, Bordeaux, Brive-la-Gaillarde, Limoges, La Rochelle, Niort, Poitiers and Saintes. Ouibus serves Bordeaux, Brive-la-Gaillarde, Limoges and Poitiers. Flixbus serves Bayonne, Biarritz, Bordeaux, Brive-la-Gaillarde, La Rochelle and Limoges.
By train
The main station in the region is Bordeaux-Saint-Jean (11 million travelers per year). It accommodates TGVs from Paris-Montparnasse, Toulouse, Lille or Irun, as well as TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine (regional express trains) and Intercités which connect to other cities in the region.
The stations of Limoges-Bénédictin and Limoges-Montjovis, Bayonne, Poitiers, La Rochelle, Angoulême or Dax also accommodate TGV and TER.
By plane
Le principal aéroport de la région est situé en périphérie de Bordeaux. THE'aéroport international de Bordeaux-Mérignac, le 5ème de province en termes de fréquentation (6,8 millions de passagers par an en 2018), propose des lignes directes avec de nombreux pays, tels que le UK, l’Italy, the Belgium, the Canada, l’Germany, l’Spain ou les Netherlands, ainsi que plusieurs lignes intérieures avec les principales villes françaises.
Parmi les autres aéroports figurent, par ordre de fréquentation, l’aéroport de Biarritz-Bayonne-Anglet, qui dessert la côte basque, l’aéroport de Pau-Pyrénées, l’aéroport de Limoges-Bellegarde, l’aéroport de Bergerac-Dordogne-Périgord et l’aéroport de La Rochelle-Île de Ré.
To buy
Les souvenirs qu’il est possible de rapporter d’un séjour dans la région varient en fonction de l’endroit visité :
- Une (ou plusieurs) bouteille(s) de vin de Bordeaux, de Saint-Emilion ou de Bergerac, ou encore du cognac, de l’armagnac, du pineau des Charentes ou du floc de Gascogne. En Limousin, du panazo (sorte de pastis) ou de la liqueur de chataigne. Au Pays basque, du sagardo (littéralement « vin de pomme », sorte de cidre) ou du patxaran (apéritif anisé) de Navarre.
- Des pruneaux d’Agen marinés dans l’armagnac, servis traditionnellement au moment du digestif.
- Du sel ou de la fleur de sel de l’île de Ré, récolté à la main.
- Des macarons de Saint-Emilion, ou de Montmorillon.
- La porcelaine de Limoges, qui se décline aussi bien en services de table traditionnels ou en bijoux fantaisie.
- Des fromages locaux : fromages de chèvre du Poitou ou de brebis dans les Pyrénées (Ossau Iraty, Ardi Gasna).
- Des pâtisseries : broyé du Poitou, galette charentaise, canelés bordelais, pastis landais, gâteau basque fourré à la confiture de cerises noires d’Itxassou…
- Un béret basque (ou béarnais). Ce couvre-chef traditionnel, symbole de la France pour bien des étrangers, servait à l’origine aux bergers du sud de la région. On les fabrique encore de façon traditionnelle à Oloron-Sainte-Marie ou à Nay.
- Des espadrilles. Fabriquées traditionnellement à Mauléon-Licharre, elles sont portées en été, à la maison ou à la plage.
- Un makila. Cette canne d’origine basque, travaillée à la main, renferme en réalité une arme effilée.
Eat
Du fait de ses dimensions, cette vaste région ne présente pas de tradition gastronomique unifiée, mais une multiplicité de terroirs, que l’on peut regrouper en plusieurs ensembles :
Do
Sports
De par sa taille, la région permet de pratiquer de multiples activités sportives. Parmi les principales :
- Le surf, activité-phare sur le littoral du fait de la bonne exposition à la houle des côtes charentaises, girondines, landaises et basques. Les principaux spots sont, du nord au sud, l’île de Ré, la côte sauvage de la presqu’île d’Arvert, les plages de Lacanau, Hourtin, Carcans, Mimizan, et plus encore Biarritz et la corniche basque, où vient se former la célèbre vague de Belharra, qui peut atteindre 15 meters from above.
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- La région compte de nombreux sentiers de grande randonnée balisés. Le GR4, qui part de Royan en direction de la côte méditerranéenne, passe par les Charentes, le Périgord et le Limousin, avec notamment des étapes à Saintes, Cognac, Angouleme and Limoges. Le GR8 suit le littoral du nord au sud, en passant par Royan, Soulac-sur-Mer, Lacanau, Mimizan and Hendaye. Le GR48 passe par plusieurs villages du Limousin et du Poitou, tels qu’Aixe-sur-Vienne, Confolens, Saint-Savin and Angles-sur-l’Anglin. Le GR636, qui relie Monbazillac, en Dordogne, à Lacapelle-Biron, en Lot-et-Garonne, permet de voir plusieurs villages de caractère, dont la bastide de Monflanquin. Le GR10, qui traverse la chaîne des Pyrénées, part d’Hendaye, passe par la cité médiévale de Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, les villages typiques de Sare, Ainhoa et la campagne basque, avant de franchir plusieurs cols de près de 2,000 meters altitude. Enfin, la randonnée du pic du Midi d’Ossau (2 884 mètres), à réserver aux sportifs, permet d’appréhender un large panorama sur les Pyrénées.
- La pelote basque, originaire comme son nom l’indique du Pays basque, se pratique en fronton (en plein air) ou en trinquet (en espace couvert). Si chaque village ou presque des Pyrénées-Atlantiques possède son fronton, ce sport se pratique également ailleurs dans la région, dans les Landes, en Gironde, et dans quelques autres villes plus au nord (La Rochelle, Royan, Poitiers, Limoges, Brive-la-Gaillarde…)
- Les sports d’hiver se pratiquent presque exclusivement dans les stations des Pyrénées, telles que Gourette, Artouste-Fabrèges, Issarbe Where Le Somport-Candanchu. Il est cependant possible de skier, en fonction des conditions météorologiques, à Bonnefond and Saint-Sétier, sur le plateau de Millevache, en Corrèze (environ 850 à 950 mètres d’altitude).
Festivities
- La réputation des fêtes de Bayonne, créées en 1932, a dépassé depuis longtemps les seules frontières régionales. Inspirées par les fêtes de la San Fermin de Pamplona, elles ont lieu chaque année au mois de juillet, et sont l’occasion de corridas, courses landaises, jeux de force, bandas et concerts. Elles réunissent en moyenne 1 à 1 millions et demi de visiteurs.
- Les fêtes de Dax, qui se tiennent au mois d’août dans la principale ville du sud des Landes, rassemblent près de 800 000 « festayres » habillés selon la tradition de blanc et de rouge. Ces festivités sont, comme à Bayonne, prétexte à des corridas, concerts et animations folkloriques.
- Le festival de Confolens, dont la première édition date de 1957, se tient chaque été à Confolens, petite ville de l'Est de la Charente. Consacré au folklore mondial, il rassemble près de 100 000 visiteurs autour de « grands noms » de la chanson, essentiellement francophone, et de groupes issus des quatre coins du monde. Aux concerts succèdent des déambulations en costume traditionnel dans les rues de la ville, ainsi que différentes animations.
To speak
Le français, en tant que langue de la République, est parlé et compris partout. Les principales langues régionales sont le poitevin et le saintongeais, langues d’oïl parlées dans une partie des Charentes et du Poitou, l’occitan (dialectes gascon, languedocien, limousin et marchois) et le basque.
To learn
La région compte cinq universités (Bordeaux, Poitiers, Limoges, La Rochelle et Pau) réparties en plusieurs campus, ainsi que plusieurs instituts et grandes écoles.
La principale université de la région est celle de Bordeaux, qui compte environ 60 000 étudiants et 4000 enseignants-chercheurs. Fondée en 1441, elle compte plusieurs sites à Bordeaux et dans son agglomération (notamment sur le campus de Talence-Pessac-Gradignan, le plus grand d’Europe) ainsi qu’à Agen, Dax, Perigueux and Arcachon.L’université de Poitiers, qui accueille 24 000 étudiants, rayonne sur le nord de la région. Fondée en 1431, c’est l’une des plus anciennes de France. Elle compte trois campus dans l’agglomération et plusieurs sites à Angouleme, Niort and Royan, qui accueille le Centre audiovisuel pour l’étude des langues, où des étudiants du monde entier viennent s’initier au français.L’université de Limoges accueille 15 000 étudiants répartis sur les campus de Limoges, Guéret, Tulle and Brive-la-Gaillarde.L’université de La Rochelle, créée récemment (en 1993) accueille environ 8000 étudiants sur son campus des Minimes, en centre-ville. Pluridisciplinaire, elle est spécialisée dans le développement durable. L’université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, fondée en 1972, compte environ 12 000 étudiants, répartis sur plusieurs sites de la région (Pau, Bayonne, Anglet, Mont-de-Marsan) ainsi qu’à Tarbes, dans la région voisine d'Occitania.
Security
Sorties en montagne
Il est conseillé de consulter la météo avant toute sortie en haute montagne dans le massif des Pyrénées.
Baignade en mer
Dans la plupart des stations balnéaires de la région, les plages sont généralement surveillées pendant la saison estivale (de mi-juin à début septembre). Le pavillon hissé au poste de secours indique si la baignade est autorisée (pavillon vert), potentiellement dangereuse (pavillon orange ou jaune) ou interdite (pavillon rouge).
Les plages de la côte sauvage de la presqu’île d’Arvert et des côtes girondines et landaises ne sont pas toutes surveillées, ou seulement en certains endroits. Exposées directement à la houle, elles sont parfois sujettes à de puissants rouleaux ou à des courants qu’il ne faut pas sous-estimer. Les baïnes, cuvettes naturelles qui se forment parfois sur les plages, peuvent sembler tentantes mais sont en réalité extrêmement dangereuses, car elles peuvent se vider dans l’océan à tout moment, générant des courants particulièrement forts qui emportent au large les imprudents. Il ne faut alors pas tenter de lutter et se laisser porter, puis signaler sa présence aux sauveteurs ou aux autres baigneurs en faisant de grands gestes. Pour plus de renseignements, ne pas hésiter à se renseigner au poste de secours le plus proche.
Enfin, ne pas sous-estimer les ardeurs du soleil (plus violent qu’il n’y paraît) et ne pas chercher à bronzer sans crème adaptée à votre peau.
Baignade en lacs et rivières
Il existe de nombreux points de baignade dans la région. Tous ne disposent pas d’un périmètre de baignade surveillé. Dans ce cas, la baignade est aux risques et périls des usagers.
Respect
Les règles de savoir-vivre élémentaires suffisent à établir de bonnes relations avec les habitants. Comme beaucoup de gens du Sud de la France, les habitants de la région sont généralement généreux, spontanés et ouverts, mais fiers et parfois susceptibles : certains sujets, tels que le sport (rugby), la culture taurine (corridas) ou le nationalisme (notamment au Pays basque) doivent être abordés avec prudence. Il existe une sorte de « rivalité » séculaire entre Bordeaux et Toulouse, et plus généralement entre Aquitains et Languedociens, et ce sujet peut-être parfois délicat à aborder avec des personnes que l’on ne connaît pas bien, même sur le ton de la plaisanterie.
Around
- Loire Valley Center : au nord de la région, une terre de châteaux prestigieux, au fil de la Loire et de ses affluents.
- Pays de la Loire : une région tournée vers l’Atlantique, centrée sur Nantes and Angers.
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes : entre Massif Central et Alpes, une région centrée sur Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand, avec la vallée du Rhône pour dénominateur commun.
- Occitania : des contreforts sud du Massif Central à la Méditerranée et aux Pyrénées orientales, une région centrée sur Toulouse et Montpellier.
- Spain : la région est limitrophe, au sud, de la communauté autonome d’Euskadi (Pays basque espagnol), avec la célèbre ville de Donostia-San Sebastián and Bilbao, ainsi que de la communauté forale de Navarre, centrée sur Pamplona.
