BONJOUR FROM Southern France!
I recently had the chance to go back to the remarkable city of Bordeaux and the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and I completely fell in love with the area all over again. The last time I visited Bordeaux was more than 15 years ago, and the changes since then absolutely blew me away. With Bordeaux as its vibrant capital, this region blends everything I adore about France — sunlit vineyards, medieval towns full of charm, dreamy castles, canal cruises, and of course, unforgettable food and wine. Stretching from the mountains to the coast, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is vast and diverse, offering a different rhythm and flavor at every turn.
Bordeaux itself feels both renewed and timeless — cosmopolitan yet approachable, steeped in history yet buzzing with new life and international energy. Set along the river and celebrated worldwide for its wine, it’s also a place where local culture thrives in everyday life.
Whether you’re drawn by the vineyards, the history, or the landscapes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine has a way of wrapping you up in its richness and leaving you wanting more.
NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE
• Périgueux & Périgord: Discover the heart of the Dordogne, where Roman ruins meet Renaissance mansions. Wander Périgueux’s old town and savor the region’s famed truffles and foie gras.
• Sarlat-la-Canéda: Step into one of France’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns. Its golden-stone buildings, lively markets, and winding lanes transport you straight back in time.
• Bergerac: Explore the land of Cyrano, where half-timbered houses line the Dordogne River. This wine capital is perfect for tastings of rich reds and sweet Monbazillac.
• Rocamadour: Clinging dramatically to a cliffside, this pilgrimage village is a true marvel. Visit the sanctuary, climb the Grand Staircase, and take in sweeping views of the Alzou canyon.
• The Dordogne Valley: Cruise the river by traditional gabarre boat, visit storybook villages like La Roque-Gageac, and admire hilltop castles overlooking lush countryside.
• Beynac-et-Cazenac: Explore one of France’s most beautiful villages, crowned by its fortress-like château. Its cobbled streets and river views are unforgettable.
• Cognac: Tour world-famous cellars and learn the art of distillation in the birthplace of this iconic spirit. Tastings here blend heritage and savoir-faire.
• Armagnac: Discover France’s oldest brandy in Gascony. Visit small, family-run estates for a more rustic — and deeply authentic — tasting experience.
Do Not miss these flavors!
The regional cuisine you must try: Cassoulet: A hearty stew of white beans, duck confit, and sausage — the soul food of southern France. Roquefort Cheese: Produced in the caves of Aveyron. Pair with a glass of sweet wine for a perfect contrast. Aligot: A creamy blend of mashed potatoes and melted cheese. (mmmmmm) Tapenade & Brandade de Nîmes: Savory olive paste and cod purée spreads that pair perfectly with rustic bread.
BORDEAUX
World-Famous Wines, Stunning Architecture & Riverfront Charm Must-Do Activities:
- Wine Tours & Tastings: Visit prestigious estates in the Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Graves, and Pomerol. Sample bold reds and refined whites on guided tours or self-paced tastings.
- La Cité du Vin: Bordeaux’s wine museum is a futuristic, immersive journey through the global history and science of wine.
- Place de la Bourse & Miroir d’Eau: Iconic 18th-century architecture mirrored in the world’s largest reflecting pool.
- Saint-Émilion: Explore this medieval village with underground churches, cobbled lanes, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
- River Cruise on the Garonne: Take a sunset boat ride past Bordeaux’s stunning skyline.
- Bassin des Lumières: Former WWII submarine base transformed into the world’s largest digital art center, where monumental projections of masterpieces reflect off vast concrete walls and water for an immersive, multisensory experience.
The regional cuisine and beverages you must try:
• Foie Gras du Périgord: Silky, rich, and world-renowned — best enjoyed simply with toast or alongside a glass of sweet Monbazillac.
• Magret de Canard: Duck breast seared to perfection, a signature dish of the southwest.
• Truffles from Périgord: Earthy, aromatic, and luxurious — shaved over pasta, eggs, or potatoes.
• Oysters from Arcachon Bay: Freshly harvested and best savored seaside with a splash of lemon and a glass of crisp white Bordeaux.
• Cannelés de Bordeaux: Small caramelized cakes with a custardy center — the perfect sweet bite with coffee or dessert wine.
• Cognac & Armagnac: Iconic regional brandies, each with its own character — smooth, warming, and a true taste of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
• Bordeaux Wines: From bold Médoc reds to elegant Saint-Émilion and Graves whites, this is the beating heart of French wine culture.
• Bergerac & Monbazillac Wines: Neighboring appellations producing balanced reds and lusciously sweet whites that pair beautifully with the region’s cuisine.
Here’s a seasonal travel guide for Nouvelle-Aquitaine in table form, highlighting weather, atmosphere, and the best times for visitors:
| Season | Weather | Atmosphere & Highlights | Best For |
| Spring (March – May) | Mild to warm (54–72°F). Blossoming vineyards, fewer crowds. | Countryside comes alive with greenery; markets fill with fresh produce; ideal for wine tastings and Dordogne explorations. | Sightseeing without crowds, wine tours, walking and cycling, truffle markets (early spring). |
| Summer (June – August) | Warm to hot (68–90°F). Coastal breezes near the Atlantic. | Peak season: lively festivals, busy beaches (Arcachon, Biarritz), bustling villages. Dordogne Valley & Bordeaux vineyards at their most vibrant. | Beach holidays, river cruises, outdoor dining, festivals, vineyard tours. |
| Autumn (September – November) | Pleasant (59–77°F) cooling to crisp later. | Harvest season: grape picking, wine festivals, golden foliage in the Dordogne, truffle season begins. Fewer tourists after October. | Wine lovers, foodies (truffles, foie gras, chestnuts), scenic drives through vineyards. |
| Winter (December – February) | Cool to cold (41–54°F). Rarely severe, some rain. | Quietest season; Christmas markets in Bordeaux; cozy dining with hearty regional dishes. Skiing possible in the Pyrenees (southern edge of region). | Relaxed city breaks (Bordeaux, Cognac), cultural visits, food and brandy tastings, festive atmosphere. |
Amazing day trips FROM BORDEAUX
Saint-Émilion, Travel time: -40 min by train or car, UNESCO-listed medieval town, world-famous red wines, underground church, wine tasting in ancient châteaux.Fun extra: Rent e-bikes and cycle through the vineyards.
Arcachon & Dune du Pilat,Travel time: ~1h15 by train or car, Beautiful beach town + Europe’s tallest sand dune. Climb the dune for epic Atlantic views. Fun extra: Eat oysters at Cap Ferret or take a boat tour of Arcachon Bay.
Landes de Gascogne Natural Park,Travel time: ~1h30, Canoeing, hiking, birdwatching in a tranquil pine forest. Great for nature lovers.
Blaye & Citadel, Travel time: ~1h by car/ferry, Vauban fortifications (UNESCO), scenic estuary views, local wine producers. Fun extra: Take the ferry across the Gironde estuary to Médoc.
From Vineyards to Waves: Fun Facts About the Region
- Largest Region in France – Covering over 32,432 square miles (about the size of Austria), Nouvelle-Aquitaine stretches from the Atlantic coast to the Pyrenees mountains.
- Wine Capital of the World – Bordeaux alone produces over 700 million bottles of wine a year, making it one of the most famous wine regions globally.
- Truffle Heaven – The Périgord area is famous for its black truffles, considered among the finest in the world.
- Surfing Mecca – The beaches of Biarritz and Hossegor attract surfers from all over Europe thanks to their world-class Atlantic waves.
- Historic Villages – The Dordogne Valley is dotted with over 100 medieval villages and hilltop castles, some dating back to the 12th century.
- Cognac & Armagnac – These iconic French brandies are made in this region, with traditions that go back centuries.
- Canelé Craze – The tiny caramelized custard pastries of Bordeaux, called canelés, have a distinctive flavor and are a culinary icon.
- UNESCO Sites – The region boasts several, including the historic center of Bordeaux and the prehistoric caves of Lascaux.
- Diverse Landscapes – From pine forests in the Landes to the vineyards of Bordeaux and the rolling hills of Périgord, it’s a region of extreme diversity.
- International Festivals – From music and film festivals in Biarritz to wine harvest celebrations across Bordeaux and Bergerac, there’s always a lively event to enjoy.
- Students Abound– Bordeaux is a vibrant student city with over 100,000 students. It gives the city a lively, youthful vibe despite its old architecture.
- Clean Teeth– Toothpaste was invented here (sort of) A 19th-century chemist from Bordeaux developed an early form of tooth powder, scented with mint and sold in local apothecaries.
From the sun-drenched vineyards of Bordeaux to the cliffside villages of Rocamadour, the medieval streets of Sarlat, and the windswept beaches of Arcachon Bay, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a region that captivates every kind of traveler. Whether you’re savoring a silky foie gras, exploring a centuries-old château, or wandering along the Dordogne River, each experience reveals a new layer of history, culture, and natural beauty.
This corner of southwestern France blends the timeless with the modern — cosmopolitan cities, charming villages, and landscapes that shift from mountains to coast. It’s a region that invites you to slow down, taste deeply, and soak in the moments. No matter your interests — wine, food, history, or outdoor adventure — Nouvelle-Aquitaine leaves a lasting impression and promises memories that will stay with you long after you leave.
