Our Guide to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region

Discover Vineyard, the Ocean and Mountains in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

The Nouvelle-Aquitaine consists of the former French regions of Aquitaine, Charente and Limousin, which have merged into a new super-region. Think about it as ‘the Southwest by the Ocean’, bordered to the south by the Pyrénées mountains and the Atlantic coast to the west.

The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region comprises 12 departments, including the Gironde, Dordogne, Charente, Lot-et-Garonne, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques, each with its own traditions, culture, and history.  The capital city of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is Bordeaux; the other main cities in the region are Périgueux, Bergerac, Limoges, Angouleme, Agen and Pau.

Warm Climate & Long Seasons

This region generally experiences mild winters, four distinct seasons, and some dampness in certain areas influenced by the Gulf Stream, ocean, and southern mountains. However, it receives abundant sunshine during summer. With sunny summers and mild winters, it provides an ideal retreat for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Cultural & Historical Past

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a prime destination for Europeans and Americans seeking to relocate to France, boasting beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast and stunning peaks in the wide Pyrénées mountain range. The region features multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the prehistoric Lascaux caves, along with medieval castles and fortresses dotted across the landscape. Visitors have the opportunity to explore ancient Roman ruins, wander through charming medieval towns, and delve into the area's rich historical heritage.

Attractions & Activities

It is famous for the Pyrénées, its superb food, local wines and specialities, gentle pace of life, stone properties and manoirs, beaches perfect for surfers, rugby history, classic Tour de France climbs, golf courses and mountains for skiers or hikers, all accessible thanks to a choice of international airports (Bergerac, Bordeaux, Brive...) and train stations. Whether you want to surf waves, visit historic villages, or enjoy top-tier cuisine, this charming region offers something for everyone.

Outdoor Adventures

The meandering Dordogne River is a haven for sports and outdoor enthusiasts, surrounded by deep gorges and rapids that offer endless opportunities for hiking, kayaking, canoeing and playing golf. Along the river, quaint Perigourdine houses sit beneath golden cliffs, their steep roofs reflected in the flowing water.

La Roque-Gageac is a beautiful place to visit, thanks to its exotic palms and cacti that thrive on the gorge face. Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire provides many opportunities to explore the countryside. For instance, La Voie Verte, a former railway line converted into a greenway, passes through the town and is perfect for walking or cycling. Nouvelle-Aquitaine also extends across the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, where visitors can enjoy even more outdoor adventures; the possibilities are almost endless.

Classic Gastronomy

The region is renowned for its delicious lamb, sourced from hillside flocks in the Pyrénées, which is often used in stews made with seasonal produce such as wild mushrooms from Périgord and fresh vegetables from Landes, Gers and Lot-et-Garonne.

The Basque Country is renowned for its seafood, while the whole region has plenty of restaurants that serve fish from the Bay of Biscay, oysters from Arcachon, lobster in Capbreton, the famous foie gras, and locally made hard and soft ewe’s milk cheeses.

World Class Wines

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is both a vibrant tourist destination and a booming economic region. It is impossible to talk about this area—home to Bordeaux, Cognac, Pomerol, Saint-Émilion, and Margaux—without highlighting its renowned wine culture. The medieval village of Saint-Emilion, with its charming scenery, boasts a rich winemaking history.

The vineyards extending from Bordeaux along the Garonne River cultivate varieties like Medoc, Sauternes, and Bergerac. The region is also home to numerous independent growers and vast vineyards that produce and export exceptional wines and spirits worldwide. Learn how to pair them with your favourite cheeses.

Innovation & Technology

The region is a hub of innovation and technology, with many startups and research centres driving its lively economy. Merging traditional industries with modern innovation makes Nouvelle-Aquitaine a lively and thriving area to live and work. Review the facts below to better understand the regional economy.

A Relaxed Lifestyle

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is more than just a beautiful destination; it’s a region where rich past and beautiful landscapes come together to offer an unparalleled lifestyle.

Here, old market villages meet vibrant cities, and long sandy beaches line rolling vineyards. Whether you’re exploring old fortresses or indulging in local delicacies, every corner invites you to enjoy "la belle vie".

Key Facts about the Nouvelle-Aquitaine

• Capital city: Bordeaux
• Population: 6 million (9.2% of the French population)
• Area: 84,061 sq. km (32,456 sq. miles), representing 15.2% of France
• Density: 71 per sq. km (France is 123 per sq. km)

Essential Tourist Information

• Approximately 20 million tourists visit Nouvelle-Aquitaine yearly
• Km of coastline: Approximately 970 km of coastline
• Km of mountains and the highest peak: The Pyrénées Mountains span across the region, the highest peak is Pic du Midi d'Ossau (2,884 metres).
• Average sunshine hours/year: Around 2,000 sunshine hours per year
• Approx. châteaux in the region: Over 1,000 castles, including Château de Beynac
• Most Famous Landmark: Dune of Pilat (the tallest natural sand dune in Europe)
• Golf courses in the region: Over 50 golf courses

Travelling to Nouvelle-Aquitaine

The main cities are Bordeaux, Pau, Limoges, La Rochelle, Poitiers, Bayonne, Biarritz, and Angoulême. They can be accessed via the road network (motorways, national and departmental roads), the train network, or by air. Here's a list of the regions' airports and main train stations.

Airports Serving the Region

•   Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport
•   Biarritz Pays Basque Airport
•   Pau Pyrénées Airport
•   Limoges-Bellegarde Airport
•   La Rochelle-Île de Ré Airport
•   Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport
•   Poitiers-Biard Airport
•   Brive-Souillac Airport

Main Train Stations and TGV Links

•   Bordeaux-Saint-Jean
•   Pau
•   Limoges-Bénédictins
•   La Rochelle
•   Poitiers
•   Bayonne
•   Biarritz
•   Angoulême

Top Attractions in the Region

•   Bordeaux (wine tours, historic sites)
•   Biarritz (beaches, surfing)
•   Saint-Émilion (wine country)
•   Dordogne Valley (prehistoric sites, castles)
•   Arcachon Bay (Dune of Pilat, oyster farming)
•   Pyrénées Mountains (hiking, skiing)
•   Dune of Pilat (the tallest dune in Europe)

National Park

•   Pyrénées National Park (shared with Occitanie)

Two Regional Nature Parks

•   Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park
•   Millevaches en Limousin Regional Nature Park

Four UNESCO World Heritage Sites

•   Bordeaux, Port of the Moon
•   Saint-Émilion Jurisdiction
•   Prehistoric and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley
•   Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage Routes in France (shared with other regions)

Economic Overview of Nouvelle-Aquitaine

• Gross domestic product (GDP): was €180 billion (around $190 billion USD) in 2023, accounting for 7-8% of France's GDP.
• Economy: services (75%), industry (18%) and agriculture (7%)
• Economic Strength: The region is vital to France's economy, combining traditional industries such as agriculture and wine with modern sectors like aerospace and technology.
• Unemployment rate: 7.5% (rate for France = 7.2%)
• Universities and Grandes Écoles: in Bordeaux, Pau, Limoges, and La Rochelle
• Regional Specialities: Maize, sunflowers, dairy, foie gras, Bayonne Ham, Cognac and wine.

Property Prices in Nouvelle-Aquitaine 2026

• Houses - the average price per sq. metre: €2,104 (source Fnaim - April 2026)
• Apartments - average price per sq. metre: € 2,993 (source Fnaim - April 2026)
• Price trends - average property price change over the last 12 months: -1.8% (April 2025 - April 2026)

Nouvelle-Aquitaine blends tradition and modernity, offering a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s an ideal destination for those craving charm, culture, sports, entertainment, delicious cuisine, wines, and the welcoming warmth of southwest France.

To learn more interesting facts and numbers about the region, take a look at our infographic. Click on the links on this page to discover a specific department and browse our properties for sale in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.