Holiday homes in Aquitaine/Dordogne - private accommodation to rent

Aquitaine in the southwest boasts 180 miles of sandy beaches which stretch along the Atlantic coast. Stylish seaside resorts like Biarritz and Arcachon are scattered along the coast, which offers the best surfing conditions in Europe. The region’s prosperous capital, Bordeaux, is renowned for its wines, including Medoc and St Emilion. Specialities of the area include rich truffles and foie gras. There are also fine golf courses to be found in its environs. The French and the English quarrelled over the lush expanses of Aquitaine for centuries, and the region was under English rule for much of the Middle Ages, eventually returning to French control in 1472. In the south one can enjoy the stunning mountain landscape of the Pyrenees and the way of life is influenced by neighbouring Spain and the Basque Country in terms of language, culture and traditions.

To the north and inland lies the Dordogne, an area famous for its bastides, or fortified hilltop towns. Here one can find picturesque freshwater lakes bordered by the largest pine forest in Western Europe and hiking and kayaking are fun options. Sailing on the many lakes and sea and freshwater fishing are also very popular. Other attractions include the spa at Dax, numerous Romans Chapels, prehistoric sites in Prigord and Rouffignac and the replica cave paintings at Lascaux.