1. Bordeaux
Built on a bend in the wide Garonne river, Bordeaux has been a major port since Roman times and is synonymous with fine wines. The city has many elegant buildings including a long sweep of elegant facades along the waterfront, the huge Place de Quinconces and the imposing Place de la Bourse. The city is best explored on foot – window shopping along the many pedestrianised streets or strolling along the waterfront taking in the imposing vista.
2. Arcachon
The Aquitaine coast is a long, straight stretch of wide sandy beaches backed by pine forests, with one major exception – Arcachon Bay. The lagoon creates a large indentation in the coastline and is an important wildlife haven, home to famous oyster beds as well as some sheltered beaches. The stylish resort of Arcachon has a distinct ‘fin de siecle’ atmosphere with many large fine villas overlooking the lagoon.
3. Bayonne
Bayonne is the capital of the French Basque region with its skyline dominated by the twin-spired Gothic cathedral. The pedestrianised streets around the cathedral can be easily explored on foot, including the arcaded Rue du Pont Neuf.
4. Biarritz
A former playground for the European rich in the 19th century, Biarritz remains a chic holiday resort today. A wide sweep of sandy bay is situated between a headland dominated by a lighthouse and a natural harbour amidst a rocky promontory.
5. St Jean de Luz
St Jean de Luz is a popular seaside resort and fishing port with a natural harbour. This enchanting town, with its lively indoor market, main square on the harbour side and safe sandy beach is dominated by the imposing La Rhune mountain, complete with its own funicular railway.
6. Dax
Thanks to its hot springs Dax is a renowned thermal spa. Mud from the local river also offers a soothing tonic. So, it is not unknown to glimpse someone taking the waters wandering around town in a bathrobe with a mud pack on their face!
7. Mont de Marsan
A major bullfighting centre, Mont de Marsan attracts many of the great bull fighters of France and Spain during the summer season. The less bloodthirsty and equally popular local variant is the Course Landaise, where the aim is to vault over the horns and back of a charging beast.
8. St Jean Pied de Port
For a taste of the Basque region head to the pretty riverside town of St Jean Pied de Port. It lies at the foot of the Roncesvalles Pass, an historic route through to Spain, and is surrounded by verdant hills best viewed from the ramparts of the old town.
9. Paulliac
Paulliac lies at the heart of the Medoc wine region and is surrounded by some of the most renowned wine-producing chateaux in the world including Mouton-Rothschild, Lafite-Rothschild and Latour. The small town enjoys a lovely setting on the banks of the wide Gironde estuary north-west of Bordeaux.
10. Dune du Pilat
The immense Dune du Pilat is the largest sand dune in Europe, nearly 3km long and over 100m high. Situated on the southern shores of Arcachon Bay, a climb to the top of the dune offers panoramic views over the lagoon and along the coastline.