Walking
Without doubt, some of the best walking country in the whole of France can be found in southern Aquitaine. The majestic Pyrenee mountain chain offers some breathtaking high, and lower-level, routes, with the classic Grande Randonee 10 running the entire length of its spine. Linking the lush Atlantic seaboard to the arid Mediterranean, the feat of conquering this route is rarely achieved in one go; however, many sections can be incorporated into manageable circular walks. One of the most spectacular of these – starting from the hamlet of Larreau – crosses the magnificent Olhadubi Gorges via the Holzarte footbridge, suspended high above the canyon, and is not for the fainthearted.
A branch of the famous St James pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain also runs through Aquitaine, crossing the border via Saint Jean Pied de Port and the Roncesvalles pass. Aside from these major routes, details of more local walks can be obtained from tourist offices in each resort. In the Biarritz and Bayonne district, for example, a series of routes has been devised taking in the attractive coastline and interior.

Cycling
France’s longest way-marked cycle trail, la Velodyssee, starts in Brittany and runs for 1,200 kilometres down the Atlantic coast, passing through Aquitaine on its way to Hendaye and the Spanish border. Information on shorter suggested circuits taking in sites of interest is usually available from local tourist offices; for example one route through the vast pine forest of Les Landes visits a number of large inland lakes like l’Etang de Soustans and the 57-kilometre Voie Verte Roger Lapebie, along the route of a former railway line, is recommended in the Bordeaux area. Cycle hire is available in most tourist centres in the region.

Water sports
Taking advantage of the big Atlantic rollers, many of Aquitaine’s coastal resorts are ideally placed to offer a selection of water-based activities such as wind and kite-surfing, with Biarritz claiming to be the surf-boarding capital of Europe. Water-based activities are also on offer on the calmer waters of the many inland lakes and rivers in the region, with canoeing, kayaking, sailing and rafting all available. In some resorts, water/jet-skiing and scuba diving are possible.

Adventurous activities
From the Aerodrome de Villemarie in La Teste-de-Buch, accompanied parachute jumps can be booked and paragliding over the stunning Basque countryside is offered at Urrugne. There is quad-biking at Cap Breton and at Biscarosse the wooded Aventure Parc offers bungey-jumping and high ropes.