• Facts and history
• Transport and accommodation

• Sights and events
• Law and economy

Deservedly famous for its wines and Armagnac, the southern part of the region comprises the Atlantic beaches and pine forests of the Landes stretching from Bordeaux to Biarritz. The town of Agen, the prune capital of Fra*nce on the banks of the Garonne, was judged to be the happiest city in the country. Historically Aquitaine for centuries had close ties with Great Britain through commerce, marriage and conquest but after the death of Henry II of England it was gradually brought under the control of the French monarchy.
Bordeaux, Aquitaine's capital, is a port on the estuary of the Garonne in south-west France, 100km from the sea. Chef-lieu of the region of Aquitaine. Beautifully situated, it has claret-producing vineyards to the east and miles of beaches and pine forests to the south. With almost three-quarters of a million inhabitants it is France's fourth largest city. Its mayor, Chaban-Delmas was prime minister under De Gaulle and this was not unhelpful in reviving a declining town with various projects such as a new arts centre.
One of the best known regions of France, Aquitaine is situated in the south west. This is an area long favoured by overseas buyers because of its wonderful climate, beautiful countryside and interesting architecture.

Each of the departments have different things to offer, from Dordogne, with its famous river and houses with 'umbrella roofs', to unspoilt Lot et Garonne with its bustling small city of Agen and its abundance or orchards, through to Pyrenees Atlantiques with its access to the mountains and Atlantic coast.

It would be hard not to find what you are looking for in this region of France. A varied landscape, a mild climate, beautiful houses and a huge range of leisure activities ranging from ski-ing and surfing through to bustling markets, street musicians and prehistoric caves.