Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Administrative region in southwestern France
Description
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is an administrative region in southwestern France stretching from the Spanish border to the Loire Valley and covering twelve departments with varied terrain. It runs from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Massif Central in the east, linking coastal strips, plains, vineyards, and mountain ranges in a single administrative area.
History
The region was formed on January 1, 2016, by merging three former regions: Aquitaine, Poitou-Charentes, and Limousin. This reorganization was part of a nationwide reform that aimed to create larger administrative units and streamline regional governance.
Culture
Each department keeps its own customs, from Basque festivals in the Pyrenees to oyster markets on the coast and grape harvest celebrations in wine country. Weekly markets under stone arcades, pelota courts in mountain villages, and small harbors along the Atlantic shore shape how people spend their days.
Practical
High-speed trains link Paris to Bordeaux, and from there regional trains and buses reach the remaining departments. Most larger towns sit along the Atlantic coast or near rivers, while the interior is made up of smaller communities.
Did you know?
This area produces roughly one quarter of French agricultural output, including wine from the Bordeaux area, cognac from Charente, walnuts from Périgord, and oysters from Marennes-Oléron. Several products carry protected designations that have regulated growing and processing methods according to traditional practices for decades.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (metropolitan France).
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region contains historic and natural sites often overlooked by traditional tourist routes. The area features military castles such as Bonaguil with its seven 13th-century towers, underground churches carved into limestone in Saint-Émilion and Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, as well as...
The Atlantic coast of New Aquitaine stretches for hundreds of kilometers and offers beaches for many different activities. Surfers find good conditions at places like Hossegor and Lacanau, while families prefer flat, wide beaches with solid facilities. The beaches alternate with pine forests and...
Lascaux
140.4 km
Fort Boyard
138.9 km
Puy du Fou
230.9 km
Dune of Pilat
55.8 km
Halles de Niort
166.4 km
Canal du Midi
209.8 km
Futuroscope
217.3 km
Lighthouse at the End of the World
152.5 km
Château de Montrond
318.4 km
Cité de Carcassonne
297.4 km
Château Lafite Rothschild
46.1 km
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
197.8 km
Midi-Pyrénées
213.2 km
Île de Ré bridge
157.5 km
Château d'Yquem
38 km
Padirac Cave
184.2 km
Albi Cathedral
239.1 km
Château Margaux
24.4 km
Abbey Church of Saint Foy
237.2 km
Château Mouton Rothschild
44.9 km
Cordouan Lighthouse
95.7 km
Marais Poitevin
167.1 km
La Rochelle submarine base
155.4 km
Pic du Midi de Bigorre
219 km
Landes forest
72.7 km
Château Cheval Blanc
32.5 km
Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers
255.9 km
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes