South West France
Between the Arcachon Basin and Biarritz there is an array of stunning locations that can be easily accessed along this coast, from quaint seaside villages to sophisticated beach resorts or inland towards the mountain peaks of the Basque country.
This vast bay fringed by the wooded dunes of the Cap Ferret peninsula has the beautiful Bird Island at its centre. Arcachon itself is a year round resort with its fine seafront and cosmopolitan shops whilst Biarritz boasts all the facilities of an international resort. This area has a lush countryside inland with sprawling pine forests and fine medieval architecture. The vast man made forest of Les Landes adds greatly to this corner of France.
Wines of the area compliment the local cuisine including eels, mussels and oysters from the sea and lamb and goats cheese from the countryside.
Campsites in this region
We recommend you visit
Dune Du Pyla
See the stunning views from Europes highest sand dune situated near the Arcachon basin.
Bordeaux
Best known for its wine production Bordeaux is the capital of the Aquitaine region. It has been a port since pre-roman times and is rich in history and culture with many châteaux, churches and museums.
Médoc Vineyards
This is the most important red wine producing area in the Bordeaux region. A mixture of gravel, sandy soils and limestone gives this wine a wonderful flavour. A tour of the Médoc vineyards is imperative for the wine lover.
Pessac-leognan Vineyards
Pessac-Léognan is a wine growing area in the region of Bordeaux and one of the appellation d’origine controlee (AOC). Unlike other appellations in the South West of France, Pessac-Léognan is as famous for both red and white wines.
Les Landes Forest
This lush man made pine forest is the ideal location to enjoy the great outdoors. Stroll along the signposted paths, cycle along the cycle paths and picnic in the shade. The forest was planted in the 19th century with pines and grasses to protect the coastal dunes.
Dax
People have visited this peaceful town since Roman times to avail of its thermal spa to soothe aches and pains.
Bayonne
This old, quaint town is the capital of the Basque country. Taste the local delicacies Bayonne ham and the spicy loukinkos sausage in one of the many superb restaurants lining the cobbles streets.
Biarritz
This dynamic resort began as a whaling port and is now a playground for the rich and famous. Renowned as a surfers paradise Biarritz has three go beaches and a causeway that leads to the Rocher de la Vierge from where there are stunning views of the Basque coastline. Numerous bars, restaurants and casinos offer lively entertainment by night.
Lourdes
Bernadette Soubirous a 14 year old girl has made this town a famous pilgrimage centre (1858). Lourdes now attracts over four million visitors annually, some hoping for a miracle cure.
St. Jean De Luz
A peaceful fishing village during winter months St. Jean de Luz transforms into a bustling resort in season. This town is well known for its summer folk festivals. Taste the local speciality Chipirones, a sizzling bowl of squid cooked in their own ink.
San Sebastian
Cross the border to Spain and visit the seaside resort of San Sebastian where many a bargain can be found. Dine in one of the many fine restaurants along the picturesque streets.
Parc National Des Pyrénées
This park extends 100km along the French/Spanish frontier and is best explored by foot. The area is crossed by a network of numbered paths each well sign posted. Information and maps are available from the Parc office at Cauterets. Experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. The Park is rich in flora and fauna because of its variations in climate and altitude.