Discover Aquitaine

The Aquitaine region of France is most famous ---traditional villages in this region, many set
and rightly so --- for it fabulous beaches andpicturesquely amongst acres of vineyards.
superb wine. It was named by the Romans whoBordeaux, nestled in the heart of the Gironde,
were extremely happy to discover so manywith a population of just over half a million
rivers flowing through the land. England, as well asinhabitants, is at the heart of south-west France.
the Romans, once ruled this under-rated area ofIt has what is considered to be the most
France. If you are searching for a property forimportant port in the whole of Europe. But it is
sale in south west france, then this region has gotprobably better known for its neoclassical
to be at the top of your list.architecture and spacious, well kept town centre.
Most regions of France enjoy good food and wineBordeaux also boasts wide boulevards as well as
as a part of daily life. This region benefits fromwell tended parks. An air of the 18th century
truly great food and wine. Bordeaux is a majorpervades the streets, a feeling which appears to
wine producing area, known the world over. Buthave been effortlessly cultivated.
did you know you can also find a natural inlandThe town was first settled in the third century
sea with the largest beach in the whole of EuropeBC by Romans. Between 1154 and 1450 the
here? It is this sea, Bassin d'Arcachon, whichEnglish took charge, and assisted with the
produces more than 80% of the country'sdevelopment of the wine industry. By far the
mussels.most popular and widely known of the many
You will probably be familiar with the regionswines produced in this area is the red wine known
within Aquitaine, such as Dordogne, Gironde andas Claret.
Lot-et-Garonne, but probably the most famousIf easy access from the UK is important to you,
place within this region is Bordeaux, which is atyou should be reassured that the region has an
the heart of the Gironde.extensive travel network. Bordeaux is now linked
Gironde is the largest of the 'departments' orby TGV to Paris. And airlines such as Air France
areas within Aquitaine. It has more than twoand British Airways have regular flights into
thousand mile of rivers and seventy miles of fineBordeaux from the UK.
coastline. The Gironde is home to more than oneIf you have been searching for a property for
million people. It was named after the estuarysale in south west france, you owe it to yourself
which was formed by two rivers, the Dordogneand your family to explore the delightful area of
and the Garonne. Summers here are hot, andAquitaine.
winters tend to be mild. There are a multitude of