A First-Timer's Guide to New Aquitaine
New Aquitaine is southwest France at its most varied: the city and vineyards of Bordeaux, the long Atlantic beaches and pine forests of the coast, and the Basque Country rising toward the Pyrenees. For a first visit, the smartest approach is to pick one of those worlds as your base rather than trying to see the whole region at once.
It's a big, generous part of France, and it rewards slow travel. Here's what we suggest to guests planning their first stay in New Aquitaine, from where to base yourself to when to go and which homes suit each setting.
Where Is New Aquitaine?
New Aquitaine (Nouvelle-Aquitaine in French) covers much of southwestern France. It was formed in 2016 by joining the former regions of Aquitaine, Limousin and Poitou-Charentes, and Bordeaux is its capital.
Its western edge is a long Atlantic coastline that runs south to the Spanish border. Inland, the region takes in river valleys, farmland, forests and some of the world's best-known wine country. In the far south, the Basque Country meets the foothills of the Pyrenees.
That scale is the first thing to understand. The coast alone takes hours to drive from end to end, so a first trip works best when you focus on one or two areas.
The Three Best Bases for a First Visit
Most of our guests choose one of three settings. Each offers a very different kind of luxury villa holiday.
- Bordeaux and its vineyards. A UNESCO-listed historic city center, riverside architecture and easy access to famous wine areas such as the Médoc, Saint-Émilion and Pessac-Léognan.
- Arcachon Bay and Cap Ferret. A sheltered bay known for its oyster villages, sailing and the Dune du Pilat, with the Cap Ferret peninsula separating the bay from the open ocean.
- The Basque coast. Biarritz, St-Jean-de-Luz and a string of beaches backed by green hills, with the Pyrenees on the horizon and Spain close by.
Between Arcachon and the Basque Country lies the Landes, a vast pine forest behind long, straight beaches. It's well known for surfing, especially around Hossegor.
Bordeaux and Wine Country
Bordeaux is the natural starting point for anyone drawn by food and wine. The center is elegant and walkable, with grand stone facades along the Garonne. Beyond the city, the vineyards begin quickly, and a day among the châteaux is easy to arrange.
Staying in the city suits a shorter trip or a couple's break. For a longer stay, many guests pair a few days in Bordeaux with a week on the coast.
Arcachon Bay and Cap Ferret
Arcachon Bay feels quieter and more natural than most of France's coast. Oyster cabins, wooden boats and pine-covered dunes set the tone. On one side of the bay, the Dune du Pilat rises above the water. On the other, the Cap Ferret peninsula runs between the bay and the Atlantic, with calmer water on the bay side and ocean surf on the other.
The Basque Coast
The Basque Country has its own language, architecture and food traditions, and it feels distinct from the rest of France. Whitewashed houses with red or green shutters, a dramatic coastline and the mountains behind make it one of the most scenic parts of the region. Biarritz has long been a seaside resort, while St-Jean-de-Luz keeps a fishing-port character.
When to Visit New Aquitaine
New Aquitaine has a mild oceanic climate near the coast, with warm summers and cooler, wetter winters. Inland areas tend to be hotter in summer.
- Late June to mid-September is beach season. The Atlantic is cooler than the Mediterranean, but the long days and coastal light are the main draw.
- September and October are ideal for wine country, as the harvest season gets under way, and the coast is calmer once French school holidays end.
- Spring brings green landscapes and comfortable touring weather, though the sea is still cold.
- Winter is quiet and best suited to city stays in Bordeaux.
July and August are the busiest months on the coast, so the most popular homes are often reserved well ahead.
Getting There and Getting Around
Bordeaux-Mérignac and Biarritz are the region's main airports for our guests, and high-speed trains link Paris with Bordeaux. From there, a car is the easiest way to move between the coast, the vineyards and the villages.
According to our listings, Villa Pinetta at Cap Ferret is about 54 kilometers from Bordeaux Airport, while La Maison in Bordeaux is about 15 kilometers from it. On the Basque coast, Biarritz is about 12 kilometers from Villa Oceane.
Our Villas in New Aquitaine
Our homes here reflect the region's range, and each one is a villa for rent with a clear sense of place.
On the Atlantic Coast, Villa Pinetta is a gated, architect-designed home in the heart of Cap Ferret, a five-minute walk from local shops and the oyster villages of the Bassin d'Arcachon. Landscaped gardens and pine trees surround a heated pool, a pétanque court and a summer kitchen with barbecue and outdoor bar. There's even a surf rack, and an annex adds privacy for part of the group.
Further south, Villa Oceane is a traditional Basque farmhouse on a private three-acre estate near St-Jean-de-Luz. It looks toward the Pyrenees and the Atlantic, which is about 500 meters away, according to our listing. A large heated pool, wide lawns, terraces and open-air kitchen facilities make it a strong choice for extended families.
For a city stay, La Maison is a private home in one of central Bordeaux's elegant residential neighborhoods, with the city's historic streets a short stroll away. It has a hot tub and a wine cellar, and continental breakfast is included.
Pinetta and Oceane are both vacation rentals with pools, and all three come with our concierge and a meet-and-greet on arrival. You'll find more of our luxury holiday villas, from coastal homes to country estates, on our Atlantic Coast and New Aquitaine pages.
We've been arranging villa stays since 1979, and every home in our collection is personally inspected before it joins us. We check each villa again before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in New Aquitaine?
A week is a good minimum for a first visit. That gives you time to settle into one base, such as Cap Ferret or the Basque coast, and add a day or two in Bordeaux. Two weeks lets you split the stay between the coast and wine country.
Is New Aquitaine good for families?
Yes. The beaches, pine forests, bike paths and relaxed coastal towns suit families well. On the Atlantic, children should swim at lifeguarded beaches, since waves and currents can be strong.
Is Bordeaux in New Aquitaine?
Yes, Bordeaux is the region's capital and its largest city. It's the main gateway for the wine country and for Arcachon Bay and Cap Ferret.
Planning Your First Stay
The best first trip to New Aquitaine is a focused one: a coastal base among the pines or on the Basque shore, with Bordeaux and its vineyards close enough for a day or two. Choose the setting that fits your group, and the rest of the region will still be there for next time. When you're ready to start planning, explore our homes in New Aquitaine, and we'll help you find the right one.
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