Your Essential Guide to Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Sophisticated and charming, Bordeaux is the epitome of class. The ‘Pearl of Aquitaine' is the region’s biggest city, sitting along the banks of the River Garonne and boasting a lively cultural scene. Known as the ‘world’s capital of wine’, it’s studded with châteaux and vineyards and hosts Vinexpo, a leading wine fair. But the wine isn’t its only centrepiece. Bordeaux has over 362 historical monuments, and its harbour was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007.

Some of the best sites in Bordeaux include the following:

• The Vieux Bordeaux
• The Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux
• The Jardin Public

DFDS PICK: River Garonne Cruise with Glass of Wine

La Rochelle, known as the Ville Blanche (White City), is a quaint seaport on the Bay of Biscay, connected to the Île de Ré through a bridge. It boasts a fascinating maritime history, having been one of France’s major ports between the 14th and 17th centuries. In the Middle Ages, it was influential in the fishing, trading and yachting industries, and this is also reflected in its architecture. La Rochelle boasts beautiful limestone facades, half-timbered houses, gargoyles and several lighthouses.

Some of its must-see attractions include:

• Musée Maritime de La Rochelle
• La Rochelle Aquarium
• The Lantern Tower of La Rochelle

DFDS PICK: 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise

Sandwiched between the Périgord-Limousin and the Millevaches en Limousin regional parks, Limoges has no shortage of impressive scenery. It sits on the first western foothills of the Massif Central along the banks of the River Vienne and dates back to 10 BC. The city is famous for its hard-paste porcelain (china), and it has been France’s top producer and exporter for over 200 years. It has beautiful medieval buildings, vast green spaces and a vibrant nightlife.

These are some of Limoges’ best sites to visit:

• Limoges Fine Arts Museum
• Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Limoges
• Jardin botanique de l'Evêché

DFDS PICK: Musee National Adrien Dubouche Ticket

Lying along the banks of the River Clain in west-central France, Poitiers is among the best towns in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The Pictones, a Celtic tribe, founded it before Roman times, and it became prominent as the former capital of Poitou. It was known as the ‘town of the 100 bell towers’, with a unique Romanesque heritage and over 80 listed monuments. Unwind in one of the green spaces away from the city’s bustle, like the Garden of the Senses and La Petite Villette Garden.

Other highlights include:

• Église Notre-Dame la Grande
• Parc Floral La Roseraie
• Baptistère Saint-Jean

DFDS PICK: Modern Poitiers - from Old Regime to Napoleon III and WW2

Seaside lover? Nothing beats Biarritz’s vibrant atmosphere. This popular seaside resort on the Bay of Biscay is Nouvelle Aquitaine’s crowning jewel. It rose to fame during the mid-19th century when Napoleon II and his wife Eugénie resided there. Today, it’s famous for its luxurious hotels, casinos, and lively surfing culture, making it a go-to destination for those looking for a touch of indulgence and thrill. Europe’s ‘surf capital’ offers diverse landscapes, from long, sandy beaches and the Pyrenees mountains to the Basque Country’s rolling hills.

Some of Biarritz’s best things to do include the following:

• Sainte-Eugénie Church of Biarritz
• Biarritz Aquarium
• Rocher de la Vierge

DFDS PICK: Biarritz 1.5-Hour Group Surf Lesson

Nestled along the banks of the River Charente in the homonymous department, Cognac is famous around the world for its iconic double-distilled brandy. The city was founded in the 9th century when King Francis I granted it the right to join the salt trade. This helped Cognac develop into a leading centre for the production of wine and brandy. The old town takes you back to medieval times, with cobbled alleys and half-timbered houses, while the new part reflects the city’s 19th-century wealth.

Some of Cognac’s best attractions include:

• Royal Castle of Cognac
• Cognac MEUKOW
• Eglise Saint Léger

DFDS PICK: Cognac Masterclass & Tasting

Saint-Émilion is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s no wonder why. This charming medieval city at the crossroads of Bordeaux, Saintonge and Périgord is surrounded by expansive vineyards. Its long wine-making history, Romanesque architecture and ruins have earned Saint-Émilion its World Heritage status. Another highlight is its macarons, the recipe for which has been passed down by generations of Ursuline nuns. A delight for the palate!

Some of the city’s top-rated attractions include:

• Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion
• Château Cantenac
• Château Ambe Tour Pourret

DFDS PICK: Grand Cru Classé Guided Winery Visit & Picnic

Bayonne is a picturesque waterside city found at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers in the Basque Country. Thanks to its location between rivers and near the road network connecting Europe to the Iberian Peninsula, it was a strategic fortress in medieval times. Today, Bayonne has colourful half-timbered houses, quaint waterfront restaurants and a plethora of exciting attractions.

Some of the best things to do here include:

• Cathédrale Sainte-Marie
• Musée Basque et de l'Histoire de Bayonne
• Bayonne Botanical Garden

DFDS PICK: Bayonne Traditional Food Tour