5 things to do in New Aquitaine in autumn

...while the wolf is away! You don't need a good reason to take a walk in the forests of this region. You just have to be in awe and want to get some fresh air to put on your walking shoes and admire the shimmering autumn colours. The Landes forest is a great place to take in the sights. This forest covers an area of one million hectares, making it the largest man-made forest in Western Europe. Between land and sea, the landscapes and plant species are many and varied.

When you're out walking in the forest, it's not impossible to suddenly hear a roar and a thud in the distance. Don't panic, it's just the deer bellowing. This is a good time to observe the kings of the forest, as they gather in open areas. Concentrating on their quest for love, they are also less fearful. Go to the Landes or Périgord Noir to meet them.

With over 971 km of coastline, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine coastline is very attractive. But the ocean can be dangerous. Baïnes, natural pools, trap swimmers every year.

It's better to do something out of the water, such as fishing on foot. The whole family can take part in this maritime hunt. Wearing rubber boots and a bucket, you'll need to be vigilant to spot the molluscs hidden in the sand. At La Couarde-sur-Mer, in the wildest part of the Ile de Ré, you'll find delicious periwinkles and tasty oysters. A good start to a seafood platter.

Why not treat yourself to a relaxing break in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and take advantage of the thalassotherapy on offer? With its ocean views, the region boasts a number of establishments dedicated to health and well-being. For an afternoon or a whole week, you can put together your own programme. The Basque Country is renowned for its top-of-the-range establishments, while the town of Rochefort in Charente-Maritime has a spa centre that is very popular with spa-goers. Châtelaillon-Plage is another popular destination for wellness enthusiasts, with a large number of establishments specialising in relaxation and wellbeing.

Some people find it impossible to resist the call of the ocean. Whether it's summer, autumn or winter, you can't resist the waves, and there's only one thing you want to do: tame them. With a wetsuit and board under your arm, all that's left to do is jump into the water. But which spot should you choose? The beach at Biarritz, right in the centre of town, is a favourite with surfers, but there are other spots that lend themselves perfectly to surfing: along the Landes coast, at Hossegor in particular, or on the island of Ré.