South West Coast and Vineyards

From the regal and fashionable seaside resort of Biarritz, the endless beaches of the Côte d’Argent, sweeping north, hold irresistible appeal for holidays by the sea. Surfers flock here to ride the Atlantic breakers on France’s ‘California coast’ while families enjoy carefree days on sandy shores. Vast pine forests back the beaches, towering dunes rise into an incredible desert-scape near Arcachon and inland lagoons promise all kinds of watersports in scenic surroundings for walking and cycling.

Of course, this corner of France, is also wine country. The historic city of Bordeaux is surrounded by 1000 square kilometres of carefully tended vineyards with over 5000 wine châteaux scattered throughout the precious landscape.

The Pyrénées Atlantique provides a mountainous backdrop in the south, climbing to a dramatic natural border with Spain and with sheer cliffs plunging to the sea on the coast. The ancient riverside city of Bayonne is the capital of the French Pays Basque and there is a distinctive character to the tall, half-timbered houses and traditional coloured shutters in red and green.

Of the local specialities, the smoked Bayonne ham has a distinctly Spanish flavour.

Highlights

• Bordeaux Wines – enjoy the full bodied St. Emillion, lighter Médoc reds, dry-white Entredux-mers, sweet Sauternes and make an appointment for tastings at prestigious Pauillac châteaux including Lafitte Rothchild, Mouton Rothchild and Margaux.
• Arcachon – savour plump local oysters from the Bassin d’Arcachon and climb the Dune du Pilat, the highest in Europe, for panoramic views of a vast sandscape and the coast.
• Biarritz and Bayonne – follow in the footsteps of Royalty to stroll by the Grand Plage and along the picturesque promenade to the Roche de la Vierge in elegant Biarritz and explore the medieval old city of Bayonne with its rich Basque heritage.
• Pelote Basque – watch the world’s fastest handball game, with weekly matches in Biarritz and Bayonne or even book a lesson to have a go yourself.
• Leisure – learn to surf on the superb beaches or go sailing and windsurfing on inland lakes and find excellent golf courses in scenic settings.

Biarritz

Your nearest airports - Bordeaux, Biarritz, Pau.