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Located in the south-west of France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine offers a wealth of activities for every traveller wishing to stay there, as well as for permanent residents. From the majestic mountains of the Pyrenees to the fine sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast, via the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux and the historic towns, this region is an inexhaustible playground. Discover the must-do activities in Nouvelle-Aquitaine to make the most of this multi-faceted region. And for an unforgettable holiday, book a rental at one of the cheap campsites in France we offer!
The Futuroscope theme park, located in Poitiers, is a captivating destination for families and science enthusiasts. Its immersive attractions, based on future technologies, transport you into virtual worlds and astonishing sensory experiences. This exceptional park is one of the iconic activities in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Not only does it offer unique attractions, you can also meet the characters from your childhood – Sid from Ice Age or the Lapins Crétins. Kids and grown-ups alike will love a day at this Nouvelle-Aquitaine theme park!
Just a few kilometres from Poitiers, more must-do activities in Nouvelle-Aquitaine await you. Namely, a boat trip on the Marais Poitevin. Board a traditional or electric boat right in the heart of “Green Venice”. You’ll be able to admire lush green scenery as well as unique wildlife. Different routes are available, depending on how long a trip you’d like. This activity is ideal for families. Kids will love paddling along a stretch of freshwater.
How could we talk about things to do in Nouvelle-Aquitaine without mentioning La Rochelle and its wonders? This port city is famous for its impressive medieval towers. During your holiday in south-west France, be sure to plan a visit to each tower: the Tour de la Chaîne, the Tour Saint-Nicolas and the Tour de la Lanterne. After this visit, which offers a leap back in time, take a stroll through the town centre to discover shops, bars and restaurants. Finally, head to the Port des Minimes to enjoy an ice cream from one of the best ice cream parlours in France: Tonton Maboule!
The Dordogne is a département rich in exceptional landscapes, castles from another era, prehistoric caves and picturesque villages. During your holiday in south-west France, take the time to discover each natural region of the Dordogne: Périgord Noir, Pourpre, Vert and Blanc! Numerous historic sites also await you for an exceptional visit with the family and kids, as a couple, or with friends – notably the Lascaux caves and Castelnaud castle.
Who said a holiday always has to be spent far from the city? Not us! And with good reason! There are plenty of towns in France that offer an unforgettable stay with family or friends. That’s the case with Bordeaux, the capital of the Gironde. Its historic centre invites you on a peaceful stroll. Discover the Place de la Bourse, the Porte Cailhau and Bordeaux’s Saint-André Cathedral. You can also take the opportunity to sit down in one of the city’s many bars or restaurants during this trip. And why not sample one of its iconic wines?
The Arcachon Bay is a coastal haven with picturesque villages such as Arcachon and Andernos-les-Bains. Sample fresh oysters, explore the stilt huts in the middle of the bay and enjoy the beautiful seascapes. As you’ll discover, Arcachon Bay is one of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine activities not to be missed during your holiday. That’s because it offers privileged scenery and authentic villages. Enough to enjoy a peaceful family outing and recharge your batteries during this stay in south-west France. What’s more, it’s close to Bordeaux! So you can plan a day in Bordeaux before heading to the Arcachon Bay.
Planning a trip to Nouvelle-Aquitaine? Take the time to discover each iconic site in the region, such as the Dune du Pilat! The Dune du Pilat is a spectacular natural site. Located near Arcachon, it offers a panoramic view of the Arcachon Bay on one side and a pine forest on the other. Climbing to the top of the dune is an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike. Plan this exceptional visit in advance so you’re not caught off guard on the day – entry tickets, snacks…
The Landes is a département of vast pine forests and marshland. It’s a playground for hikers, with trails crossing pristine natural landscapes. The nature reserves, such as the Courant d’Huchet, are also worth the detour. As you’ll have gathered, among the things to do in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, you can’t miss a visit to the Landes! You’re sure to find the ideal hike to discover this lovely corner of France – easy, intermediate or difficult.
During your holiday, would you like to try some water activities in Nouvelle-Aquitaine? Good news, because the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département, with its beaches, lakes and rivers, is ideal for these water sports! You can go canoeing, rafting and even stand-up paddleboarding, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Fishing enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy in this lovely corner of France – between the sea and various freshwater stretches, there’s no shortage of fishing spots!
Planning a holiday in Nouvelle-Aquitaine also means treating yourself to calmer, more relaxing activities. Among the must-do outings during your stay, you could plan one or more beach days! And in the Basque Country, there’s plenty to choose from! This lovely corner of France offers you beaches as far as the eye can see in Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz or Hendaye. Enjoy the sun, warm sand and turquoise waters of the Atlantic.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a multi-faceted region, offering a variety of activities for every taste. Whether you’re an adventure lover, a history buff, a nature enthusiast or a foodie, this region has everything you need to be satisfied. Having gone through this list of must-do activities in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, you now have a glimpse of the richness of this region, ready to reveal its treasures and give you unforgettable memories. Don’t wait any longer to explore this lovely corner of France and immerse yourself in its beauty, culture and diversity.
