DESTINATIONS Pilat Dune
DESTINATIONS Pilat Dune © Brochard - CRT NA Hermione © Nola THE ATLANTIC COAST, AN OCEAN OF ACTIVITIES! Discover the Atlantic Coast’s unforgettable beaches and panoramas from Hendaye to Marais Poitevin. It is the kingdom of water sports, cycling paths and lively seaside resorts. PAYS BASQUE, BETWEEN MOUNTAIN AND SEA In the south of the region, the Basque coast meanders like a geographic marker that separates the peaks of the Pyrenees and the infinite horizon of the Atlantic. Welcome to the paradise of surfers and lovers of sea spray and Basque gastronomy! A little further north, the fine sandy dunes stretch endlessly between the largest softwood forest in Europe and the silvery sheen of the ocean that gave the “Silver Coast” its name. THE LANDES, 100 KMS OF SANDY BEACHES Unspoilt beaches, lakes dotted along the coast and the huge Landes de Gascogne pine forest: a wonderful destination for lovers of cycling, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, golf and surf-casting (angling in the ocean waves). The Landes holds something special in store for every season. In autumn, treat yourself to a visit to Bas Armagnac to discover the secrets of how this eau de vie (spirits) is distilled and aged in oak. Also take time to visit Mont-de-Marsan, “capital of the Landes” and Gascon walled city, a peaceful town dotted with many sculptures. ARCACHON BAY, A LAGOON-LIKE INLAND SEA Between the large lakes of the Landes and Médoc, Arcachon Bay is a 1,500 hectare bay supplied with water from the ocean and from many waterways. An inland sea whose colours are lagoon-like, bordered by a crown of fine sand culminating at 104 metres: the amazing Pilat Dune! Listed as a Natural Marine Park since 2014, Arcachon Bay is renowned for its “island of birds” and fishermen’s cabins built on stilts. There are a number of charming seaside resorts along the rim of this exceptional site, including Arcachon, a city founded in the 19 th century with the development of “sea baths”, which at the time was considered a new “therapeutic” fashion. Still heading north, the Cordouan lighthouse, the last remaining offshore lighthouse still open to the public, guards the entrance to the Gironde estuary. MÉDOC ATLANTIQUE: THE MOST SPECTACULAR APERITIF IN THE WORLD! Whether with your toes in the water or at the top of the dunes, you’ll be intoxicated KEY ASSETS • 720 km of coastline in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. • Wellness at its top with a great choice of thermal stations and thalassotherapy centres. • An ideal playground for all water sports – surfing, kite surfing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, sand yachting… – and for fishing. TRANSPORTS Biarritz Pays Basque (BIQ) Bordeaux-Mérignac (BOD) La Rochelle-Île-de-Ré (LRH) Nantes Atlantique (NTE) Biarritz TGV Paris: 4hrs 10mins Arcachon Paris: 3hrs 10mins Royan Paris: 4hrs 10 mins Rochefort Paris: 3hrs MORE INFORMATION https://atlantikkustefrankreich.de www.biarritz-pays-basque.com www.landes-holidays.com www.bassin-arcachon.com www.medococean.co.uk www.atlantic-cognac.com www.rochefort-ocean.com www.royanatlantique.fr 12 SMART GUIDE Nouvelle-Aquitaine www.nouvelle-aquitaine-tourisme.com
DESTINATIONS by the sea air, enchanted by the sospecial fragrances of summer nights, and be highly impressed by the antics of the surfers, reluctant to return to shore. Not far from there, let yourself be charmed by the town of Royan – that can be reached by road, by train or by the car-ferry Le Verdon-Royan – a renowned seaside resort since the 19 th century, and wonderful Palmyre zoo. Gollandieres beach, Ile de Ré © M Anglada - CRT NA ROYAN SHINES ON THE BEAUTY COAST Royan is a bold 50s style architectural ensemble, dominated by the arrow on top of the Notre-Dame church and the beautiful boulevard Garnier, and also the long sandy beach that made the resort so popular. LET’S HEAD TO ROCHEFORT Travelling along the coast to La Rochelle, you can discover the oyster-farming villages of Marennes and Ile d’Oléron, the largest Atlantic island and nicknamed “the luminous”, and enjoy a seafood platter. Nor should you miss the city of Rochefort, home to the Hermione frigate which became famous thanks to La Fayette in the 18 th Century, during the American Independence era. Opt for the “sailor’s visit” led by a topman who tells of his journey, revealing the story of the frigate, along with daily life on board. EXPERIENCES Discover the oyster and its history. The oyster city of Marennes, a vast museum complex, covers 10 hectares, around an oyster farm teaching and five thematic cabins. Mysterra, nestled in the heart of the forest of Montendre, just minutes from the estuary of the Gironde, opened its doors in May 2018. This new park combines 11 hectares of woods at the edge of a lake with digital technologies to play and discover an environment of labyrinths. Located in the heart of Saint-Martinde-Ré (Ile de Ré), the splendid Relais & Châteaux Villa Clarisse offers charm and calm. In a soothing environment, discover the spa opening in 2019, inspired by the principles of Sylvotherapy, a gentle therapy based on trees. Grab your wicker basket before leaving the hotel and make your choice at the fish or covered market. Upon your return at the Villa Clarisse, the chef will cook a delicious meal following your suggestions and assembling your discoveries. LA ROCHELLE - ILE DE RE: AUTHENTICITY AND OCEAN WAY OF LIVING La Rochelle has always been turned towards the ocean. Vibrate to the sound of festivals, wander the typical streets, be lulled by the waves or stroll through the local markets: live the authenticity of the Atlantic Ocean. As you stroll along the Old Port, admire its two towers that testify to the ancient history of the city. They have seen the sails of many explorers disappear beyond the horizon. Nor should you miss its renowned Aquarium or the Francofolies, the musical event of the year. You cannot leave without tasting the local gastronomy and a fabulous seafood platter. Very environmentally minded, La Rochelle is also a pioneer in the development of self-service bicycles, the famous “Yélo” bikes. Not far from there, connected to La Rochelle through a 2,9 km bridge, Ile de KEY ASSETS • The rich architectural heritage of La Rochelle • The landscapes of Ile de Ré changing with the seasons, ensuring new discoveries for visitors all year round • A paradise for sports and leisure activities Ré offers 85 km2 of freedom and salty atmosphere. Ré “the white” – famous for its Alcea Rosea flowers, its low houses with green or blue shutters – owes its success to its wonderful “art de vivre”. Bicycles are a must here, if you wish to explore this pretty island with its dazzling blue skies and low, lime-washed houses, stretching for 30 km between the land, sea and sky. Lovely cycling paths enable visitors to discover ten charming villages, pine tree forests, salt marshes… The vast sea landscapes are just waiting to be explored, whether you want to discover their 3 thalassotherapy centers or enjoy a large choice of outside activities. From the preserved nature of Ile de Ré to its typical flavours, discover an authentic destination. TRANSPORTS Nantes Atlantique (NTE) La Rochelle-Île-de-Ré (LRH) La Rochelle Paris: 2hrs 25mins MORE INFORMATION www.larochelle-tourisme.com www.holidays-iledere.co.uk/ www.nouvelle-aquitaine-tourisme.com SMART GUIDE Nouvelle-Aquitaine 13
