Regions of France

Biarritz & the Côte Basque Just a stone’s throw from Spain’s border lies a picture-postcard region that offers a true change of scenery: the French Basque Country. The area has earned international acclaim, yet it is small enough to visit iover a weekend! Few destinations offer the possibility of hiking in the mountains in the morning and enjoying beautiful beaches in the afternoon. From prestigious Biarritz on the seaside to the untamed province of Soule located in the western Pyrenees, the Basque Country is the perfect place for nature lovers. Make time to visit Pau, the capital of the Béarn region, for the most inspiring views of the Pyrenees as well as its famous medieval castle where King Henry IV was born on 13 December 1553. Dordogne (The Périgord) Périgord is undoubtedly one of the French departments with the highest concentration of national treasures : Castles, Abbeys,“Bastides”, Priories, Archeological and Troglodytes sites, Caves and Caverns, Gardens, Museum and Theme Parks. As France’s third largest department it is also famous for its fine wines and culinary delights such as black truffles, Confit de Canard and Foie Gras. According to the famous gastronomer and culinary critic Curnonsky (1872-1956) "Perigord is one of the regions of our country where we eat the best, and for centuries". The rich and billowing landscape is bisected by three main rivers, the Dordogne, the Dronne and the Vézère, each a magnet for water activities. With its warm summers and mild winters it is no wonder that the region has always attracted large numbers of visitors from the UK and is home to a wide selection of quality accommodations. La Rochelle & the Île de Ré Tucked on the top of the region’s Atlantic Coast you will discover the beautiful port city of La Rochelle with its iconic, twin harbour towers. With easy and regular direct flight connections from the UK, this gastronomic centre makes for a fabulous short break destination throughout the year. In summer it is particularly popular with Parisians who flock to the coast, many heading to the nearby Île de Ré, a picturesque island connected to the mainland by a toll bridge. The island is famous for its oyster beds and long,sandy beaches. Visit the main town of St Martin de Ré to sample the finest seafood from a tantalising choice of quayside restaurants. The flat island is also ideal for leisurely cycling. Angoulême 35 minutes from Bordeaux by train, the historical town of Angoulême is these days renowned as the International Comic Strip Capital, thanks to its famous festival, Comic Strip Museum and cartoon-covered walls. Another major event in the city’s calendar takes place in Mid-September when a three-day classic car festival sees afficionados from all around the world, congregate for races and processions below the ancient ramparts of the city. The rocky Côte Basque in dramatic sunset light near Biarritz Château de Puymartin, Marquay, Dordogne La Rochelle Comic book street art in Angouleme 6