DISCOVERING
DISCOVERING NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE© Sarlat Tourisme© Chanet - CRT NA© Alban Gilbert - CRT NAOPTIONS3 TOP ACCOMODATION PICKS• Le Vieux Logis – Relais & Chateaux - 4*(24 rooms, Michelin-starred restaurant)www.vieux-logis.com• Hôtel de Bouilhac - 4*(10 rooms, gastronomic restaurant)www.hoteldebouilhac-montignaclascaux.frSarlat marketInternational Centreof Parietal ArtBeynac castle• Guest room “Balcon en forêt” in Beynacwww.ladordogne.infoSTARTING FROM SARLAT2 TO 5 DAYSThis route includes the famous prehistoricsites of the so-called Valley of Man, whichis listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,and which is famed for the cave art ofLascaux, known as the “Sistine Chapel” ofprehistory. Visitors can also explore walledtowns, medieval churches and castles,and picturesque villages, including Beynac,La Roque Gageac, and Marqueyssacwith its remarkable gardens. The region’sgastronomic pleasures are also to besavoured, through its markets, restaurantsand cooking courses.DAY 1 - Sarlat’s historic centreMorning: Explore Sarlat, capital of the BlackPérigord, on foot. Visit the markets whichreveal the gastronomic specialities ofPérigord, including truffles, foie gras, walnutoil, ceps, and duck.Afternoon: Discover Sarlat’s art and cultureof the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.Highlights include the House of Boétie,Lantern of the Dead, Cathedral SaintSacerdos, and the panoramic views fromthe glass elevator of the Church Sainte-Marie OR visit a goose farm OR visit theGouffre de Padirac.Evening: Enjoy a walk or cycle ride in the OldCity with its natural gas lighting.EXCURSION 1 (half-day or full day)The Valley Of ManLascaux and The International Centre for Cave ArtDon’t miss: Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, thepicturesque village where cro-magnonman was discovered; the Museum ofPrehistory and the International Poleof Prehistory; the Font de Gaume cave,Combarelles cave and Rouffignac cave tosee original and authentic engravings.Unique experiences: Thot Park – anintroduction to cave art, flint cuttingworkshop, and archaeological dig.EXCURSION 2 (half-day or full day)France’s most beautiful villagesThe Dordogne is home to 10 villages rankedas the most beautiful in France. Theseinclude Beynac, one of the most grandiosesites on the banks of the Dordogne, and LaRoque Gageac, from where it is possibleto take in many castles in one glance (seepage 16 for more details).Don’t miss: Limeuil, which dominates theconfluence of the Dordogne and the Vézère.Also Monpazier, Belvès, Cazenac, Domme,and Castelnaud la Chapelle.Unique experiences: Boat trips on theDordogne river, canoeing, pedestrian trails,biking and hot-air balloon rides.EXCURSION 3 (full day)Medieval towns and castlesDiscover some of the architectural treasuresof the region’s fortified medieval towns, inspectacular hillside and riverbank settings.Don’t miss: Villefranche-du-Périgord,Monpazier, Villeréal, Monflanquin, Domme,Eymet as well as the castles of Milandes,Castelnaud la Chapelle, Hautefort, and Biron.Unique experiences: Le Bastideum atMonpazier.EXCURSION 4 (full day)Turenne and Collonges-la-RougeTwo destinations which are classified as“most beautiful villages of France”. Turenneboasts a white fort with a limestone dungeon,while Collonges-la-Rouge is a sandstone citywith medieval streets.Don’t miss: In Collonges-la-Rouge, the visitof the Maison de la Sirène (Renaissance),the Chapelle des Pénitents and the castlesof Vassinhac and Maussac. In Turenne:Renaissance mansions and the imposingCaesar tower, a remnant of the 12th-Centuryfeudal castle. Also the castles of Linoire andLapérousse and the chapel of the Capucins.Unique experiences: The pottery of the GrèsRouges (Red sandstone).10 SMART GUIDE ROUTES www.nouvelle-aquitaine-tourisme.com
DISCOVERING NOUVELLE-AQUITAINESpicy facade at EspeletteOPTIONSCôte des Basques, Biarritz© B Chanet - CRT NA© G ArrietaSt-Jean-de-Luz harbour© Brochard - CRT NA3 TOP ACCOMODATION PICKS• Hôtel du Palais Palace 5* in Biarritz(147 rooms, 33 suites)www.hotel-du-palais.com• Hôtel Park Beaumont 5* in Pau(80 rooms)www.hotel-parc-beaumont.com• Le Château d’Urtubie(4 guest rooms)www.chateaudurtubie.netSTARTING FROM BIARRITZ2 TO 4 DAYSThe history and culture of the Pays Basqueis rooted in its boldness and creativity. Theregion draws its inspiration from its heritageand its contrasts, between the ocean and themountains. France’s cradle of surfing, a meetingplace for golfers and players of Cesta Punta, thedestination shines from its seaside resorts toits pretty villas and its colourful inland villages.Biarritz is the ideal starting point to discover thisworld-renowned paradise.DAY 1 - Biarritz, the most prominent seasideresort on the Basque coastMorning: Inspired by Empress Eugénie,the resort has long attracted the Europeanaristocracy. Its aura of elegance is now beingchallenged by the culture of surfing. Discoverthe legendary Hôtel du Palais, the elegant Art-Déco municipal casino and the famous GrandePlage. Stroll along the coast and discoverthe famous Belle Époque buildings. Visit theFishermen’s Port and the Rocher de la Vierge,with its panoramic view of the Basque coast.Afternoon: Visit Biarritz aquarium in front of thefamous Rocher de la Vierge. The Cité de l’Océanis dedicated to the study of the sea.Evening: to be spent in shops and art galleries,then sunset on the terrace of a café to watchthe surfers.EXCURSION 1 (half-day)Bayonne - AngletThe historic city of Bayonne, sheltered byVauban ramparts, is the heart of the livingBasque culture. Anglet, nicknamed “LittleCalifornia” with its bicycle path and numerousbeaches, is appreciated by nature lovers andsports enthusiasts.Don’t miss: In Bayonne: Saint André Cathedral,the Basque culture and History of BayonneMuseum, the Bonnat-Helleu Museum, the Atelierdu Chocolat, the Saint-Esprit district. Anglet ispopular with surfers, with its 11 beaches thatstretch over 4.5 km and the immense pineforests of Chiberta and Lazaret.Unique experiences: Taste the ham andchocolate specialties in the city’s shops and,every fourth Saturday of the month, listen toBasque songs in the Bayonne halls. Greatmoments of local culture: the trinquet Saint-André, Bayonne feast.EXCURSION 2 (half-day or full day)Basque villages and mountainsThis is the living heart of Basque traditions.Green hills, red and green half-timbered houses,pelota court. Discover one of the typical villagesof the Pays Basque, not far from the ocean andthe Pyrenees.Don’t miss: Espelette, Aïnhoa, Sare, Ascain,Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Bidarray, HasparrenUnique experiences: Climbing the Rhune in ascenic train.EXCURSION 3 (full day)Pau - JurançonThe capital of Béarn region, facing thePyrenees mountains. Birthplace of Henry IV,the most beloved of the 16th-Century Frenchkings. A city with English charm.Don’t miss: the castle of Henri IV, a walk alongthe Boulevard des Pyrénées, the Hédas district,the Fine Arts Museum, the Bernadotte Museum,the Jurançon vineyard.Unique experiences: Lovers of wild water sportscan go down the Oloron or Pau rivers by raftor kayak. Le Petit train d’Artouste, the highestrailway in Europe, an unforgettable experience2000m up in the Pyrenees National Park.EXCURSION 4 (half-day)Saint-Jean-de-LuzThe former pirate city boasts a beautifularchitectural heritage. A charming seaside townthat can be discovered on foot.Don’t miss: With the Rhune as a backdrop, theport, the neo-Basque villas on the waterfrontand the 17th-Century ship-owners’ houses. Visitthe Church of St. John the Baptist, the House ofthe Infanta, and the House of Louis XIV.Unique experiences: The Basque coast road,sea cruises, canoeing, paddle-boarding, surfing,golf, and thalassotherapy.www.nouvelle-aquitaine-tourisme.comSMART GUIDE ROUTES 11
