Visit Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Your peregrinations in the heart of this vast urban gem will be facilitated by ultra-modern public transport infrastructures. Admire the dimensions of the Place des Quinconces, probe your reflection in the water mirrors and stroll along the Port de la Lune, whose beauty is the pride of the locals. Take a stroll through the old town and its Golden Triangle of museums and hidden treasures, then cross the stone bridge over the Garonne River for a breathtaking view of the port. And if you're not satisfied, the Gare Saint-Jean is an excellent base from which to explore the Gironde department, famous for its exceptional landscapes, sandy beaches and world-famous vineyards.

La Rochelle, a leading nautical city, continues to turn its attention to the ocean, with the gradual expansion of its marina in recent years. Hop on a bike, the locals' preferred means of transport, and discover this city with an architectural heritage as remarkable as it is diverse. Start with the old fortified port and its imposing towers (a listed site in France since 1933), witness to a long history with the Atlantic, then stroll through the arcaded streets where you can step back in time, past magnificent aristocratic hotels and rich museums. Finally, if you're in the area in mid-July, don't miss the famous Francofolies festival, which features a host of artists of all musical genres.

With its ramparts overlooking the Charente River, Angoulême is the most southerly of the region's major cities. Discover its pleasant streets of white limestone houses covered with pink tiles, which can be explored on foot along the ancient squares. If there's one place not to miss, it's the Cité de la bande dessinée et de l'image, whose two sites, on either side of the Charente, are linked by a footbridge adorned with a statue of Corto Maltese. Angoulême, recognized as a "creative city" by UNESCO, is the undisputed capital of the ^9th art.

Often mentioned in history books, the dramatic scene of great battles, the city of Poitiers boasts an exceptional medieval heritage that carries Romanesque art in majesty. Take a long stroll through its old quarters, wide pedestrian zones and church-lined alleyways that invite you tò stroll. The more ambitious among you can embark on the Chemin des Crêtes, a four-kilometer trail that skirts beautiful private gardens and the banks of the River Clain. From the heights of the city, you can then see that the town at your feet has become a hub of modern creativity thanks to its abundant student population and its Futuroscope, an amusement park that spans the ages.

With its medieval alleyways and Gothic and Renaissance mansions, Sarlat-la-Canéda attracts crowds to the heart of the Périgord Noir, where the old town, with its ochre and blond tones, has been preserved since 1964.

Sarlat also comes alive every summer with its Theatre Games Festival. A true emblem of the region, Sarlat is also the ideal starting point for nature excursions along the Dordogne. But before you set off, don't forget to visit the market stalls, where you'll be able to put together fabulous picnics featuring delicious local specialities such as truffles and foie gras.

Classified as one of France's most beautiful villages, this jewel, surrounded by forests and close to the Spanish border, is a delightful place for its typical, well-preserved Basque architecture. From the Porte Saint-Jacques, you can reach the fortified citadel before stopping off at the Bishops' Prison. Further down, the Church of Notre-Dame, the second most important Gothic building in the French Basque Country, stands alongside traditional Basque houses.

Once you've left the village, you'll be tempted to take a country walk along the River Nive, from where you can admire the lush green landscapes that open up to the Pyrenees along the GR10 or GR65 footpaths. Canyoning on the River Nive and caving excursions are sure to please even the most adventurous.