Between the Atlantic Ocean, forests and lakes, a road-trip in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

The city of Bordeaux, nicknamed 'Port of the Moon', is said to be a mini Paris. But there's nothing like a trip to the region to realise just how different it is. To introduce it properly, let's start by saying that Bordeaux is the wine capital of the world. To live up to its nickname, you must visit the Cité du Vin, a one-of-a-kind site that celebrates the region's wine. It offers a wide range of activities, including wine-tasting workshops, temporary exhibitions and cultural events. In fact, it was ranked 7th among the cities with the best museums in the world by National Geographic.

This interactive museum will take you more than a day to discover all its exhibitions and other immersive and sensory experiences. So if you don't want to spend the whole day inside, choose just one tour. For example, a short lesson in Bordeaux wine-making know-how.

After this little warm-up, head for the Place de la Bourse to enjoy the architecture and its water mirror. This little stroll should whet your appetite. And just what you need, as this area is packed with traditional restaurants and bistros. And to keep with the wine theme of the day, the restaurant "Le Blind" takes you on a taste quest: the team serves the wine blind! It's up to you to find the grape variety, appellation or country of origin. Beware, if you don't find the right wine, you'll have to pay a penalty...

To avoid a headache, don't forget to stay hydrated and eat well! For a sweet break after a meal, there's nothing better than a pastry. Pierre Mathieu, a pastry chef from Bordeaux, knows how to please his customers. The Saint-Honoré and the Rohan, a combination of chocolate textures and a creamy vanilla centre, are a real treat for the taste buds.

There's more to Nouvelle-Aquitaine than Bordeaux. It is also, and above all, a region of outstanding natural beauty, such as the Arcachon Basin.

All around the Gironde estuary lie grandiose natural sites such as the Dune du Pilat, Europe's largest sand dune. You'll have to work your thighs to climb it, but the physical effort is rewarded once you've reached the top, with a splendid view over the basin.

Once you've had your fun on the descent, you'll find a number of reception and relaxation areas at the foot of the dune: picnic areas, water fountains, a dance hall, souvenir shops and toilets.

The Dune du Pilat is more than just a hill. With 60 million cubic metres of sand and a height of 110 metres, it's also a gigantic playground. From April to September, La Teste-de-Buch offers a host of activities perfect for a day out with family and friends. Spend the day doing treasure hunts, treasure trails, bike rides and guided walks. And for thrill-seekers, paragliding over the dune is an option. Thrills guaranteed.

⭐ In the evening, head to the Co(o)rniche for a platter of fresh oysters overlooking the sea and the setting sun. A real postcard.

After taking a deep breath of fresh air at the top of the Dune du Pilat, it's time to step back thousands of years into the past and visit the place where it all began (well, almost): the Lascaux caves. This prehistoric site is one of the most important decorated caves of the Palaeolithic period.

While the real cave is not accessible to visitors for conservation reasons, there is a perfect replica: Lascaux 4, built to allow tourists to fully immerse themselves in the original cave. A true twin to the original, the reproduction is located at the heart of the International Centre for Cave Art. The use of new image and virtual technologies is at the heart of this exceptional visit.

The Dordogne department can be explored underground, but it would be a shame not to make the most of your visit to the Périgord Noir without taking a bucolic trip along the river in a gabarre or canoe. These trips vary from 50 minutes to around 1? hours. There are a number of different formats to suit all tastes. For families, there are tours with activities for children: hire your own small boat and take advantage of the leisure centre (zip-line, pedalo and mini golf at your leisure). And for those who prefer peace and quiet, there are cruises to take you around the most beautiful landscapes and historic sites in the département.

After your trip, take the time to explore the places you've seen from the comfort of your gabarre and enjoy a picnic break along the river.

Choosing a gabarre trip on the Dordogne is the ideal way to get a glimpse of the department's most beautiful villages, many of which have been awarded the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" label. The department is brimming with authentic, perfectly preserved villages. Along the way, you're sure to recognise Beynac, with its houses built into the cliffs and its perched medieval castle. From the river, it's the perfect spot to photograph the site.

After this Périgord getaway, continue enjoying the great outdoors with a long walk in the Landes forest. You're in luck, as the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region boasts one of the largest and most beautiful forests in Europe.

🌲 The Landes forest covers almost a million hectares of land and is the largest forest in Western Europe. The nature park offers forest massifs stretching as far as Bisca Grands Lacs. Today, its landscape of maritime pines is emblematic of the region.

🥾 Our favourite family trail is the one at Sanguinet. A short 1? hour walk, easy for children and full of surprises. Over 6.6 kilometres, enjoy a variety of landscapes. From the region's emblematic pine trees, through the wild Sanguinet lake, to the harbour and beach. The path is shaded, making it easy to take short breaks.

🦋 And to make the most of nature all day long, there are plenty of activities on offer in the surrounding area. Between 2pm and 10pm, you can visit the butterfly farm in Sanguinet. A magical experience for all the family.

The curious can also visit the lake museum. You'll discover what's hidden in its depths...

🍴 Finally, what better way to round off a long day's hiking than to share a good meal with friends and family? With over 3,500 kilometres of paths, the forest has its fair share of restaurants. To make your decision, head to the Landes tourism website. You'll be able to choose from dozens of cosy establishments, perfect for spending a cosy evening enjoying typical regional dishes.

Our tour of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region ends in the far south-west of France, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, a department bordering Spain. Also known as the Basque Country, this region has a strong identity, and it takes two days, if not more, to discover the beauty of its villages and landscapes.

🏄‍♀️ The town of Biarritz is a must-see with its great beach and dynamic lifestyle. Ideal for surfing! Lessons last around an hour and a half. After this intense sports session, you may be tired. So why not spend an afternoon on the beach, soaking up the sun? Don't forget your sun cream!

But don't forget the charming villages like Espelette, with its typical houses, or Saint-Jean de Luz, with its many fish restaurants and Adam's macaroons. If you're passing through the Basque Country, it's unthinkable not to indulge in a surfing session on one of the department's beaches. The best known is Biarritz, just a stone's throw from the town centre.