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Aquitaine

Pictured Above: Rocher de la Vierge in the south of the Grande Plage in Biarritz.

Situated along the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees mountains, the Aquitaine landscape is as brilliant and diverse as its heritage, with sandy beaches, plentiful vineyards, rolling mountains, and tranquil countrysides. The Bordeaux wine region, which produces some of the most well-known red wine in the world, attracts gourmets in search of the perfect pairings of wine and cuisine. Due to its proximity to Spain, Spanish influence can be seen in sporting events, like bull fighting, the cuisine, and the architecture. With a mild climate and plenty of sunshine year round, Aquitaine is not only perfect for the grapes that grow in the region, but also for the person looking to enjoy the great outdoors and the plentiful seashore.

Highlights
Départements: Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

Capital: Bordeaux

Régional Culinary Specialties:
Foie Gras (fattened goose liver), Pepper dishes, ham dishes, confit de canard (leg of duck), salade landaise (salad with duck meat and gizzards), cannel (a type of French pastry), and macaroons.

Regional Wine:
Pomerol, Saint-Emilion, Graves and the Médoc wine are produced in Bordeaux.

Good to Know:
- Many Bordeaux vineyards offer the opportunity to get to know their wines by taking part in picking the grapes or by becoming a vine-grower for a day