Tour guides France > Nouvelle-Aquitaine

5 ideas for guided tours in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

• The Pilat Dune

  

  Not far from the Arcachon Bay, the Dune du Pilat rises like a massive wall of sand facing the ocean. Climbing to the top takes some effort, but the view — stretching from pine forests to the endless horizon of the sea — stays with you long after. The sand shifts under your feet, and the wind is always reshaping the ridges.

  To the north, Arcachon beats to the rhythm of its piers and Belle Époque villas. Farther out, the Banc d’Arguin spreads its shifting sandbars, a sanctuary for seabirds. And to the south, the Landes coast unrolls its immense, straight, almost wild beaches.

  Each visit to the Dune du Pilat feels different, depending on the time of day, the light, the tide. In the morning, the colors are soft and muted. At dusk, the sand glows orange and the ocean darkens.

  It’s best to come barefoot, or with shoes easy to slip off. Most people run down the dune on the way back, like children playing, before stepping back under the shade of the pines. The image of the Dune du Pilat lingers as you drive away.

• City of La Rochelle

  

  On the Atlantic coast, La Rochelle keeps the look of an old maritime city, with its towers standing guard at the harbor entrance. The pale façades, arcades sheltering passersby, and the constant movement of boats are reminders that the sea has shaped its history. You wander without a plan, through narrow streets, markets, and lively terraces.

  Just steps away, La Rochelle’s aquarium draws visitors of all ages — a vast, modern space bathed in blue light. Farther south, the long beaches of Châtelaillon-Plage open onto a wide horizon, perfect for windblown walks. And if you take the boat, Île de Ré appears, with its cycling paths and green-shuttered villages.

  The town itself has a rhythm all its own — lively yet unhurried. In the morning, the market overflows with fresh fish, oysters, and local products. By afternoon, the shadow of the towers stretches across the old harbor, sails return quietly, and the air still carries its salty scent.

• Sarlat-la-Canéda

  

  In the heart of the Périgord Noir, Sarlat-la-Canéda appears as a remarkably well-preserved medieval town. Its cobblestone streets, lined with golden façades and grand townhouses, create a setting where every stone seems to hold a fragment of history. At every turn, the smell of the market or a dish of truffles reminds you that gastronomy is as much a part of this place as its architecture.

  The town’s origins date back to Roman times, but it was the Middle Ages that gave it its current character. Narrow lanes, churches, and honey-colored stone houses form an ensemble that keeps its unique charm. Walking through it is a slow experience, moving between cool shadows and sudden shafts of light.

  Sarlat-la-Canéda comes even more alive on Saturday mornings, when the market takes over the squares. Foie gras, cheeses, wines, mushrooms — every stall carries on the Périgord’s reputation for fine food. The restaurants follow the same thread, each with its own twist, yet always true to a simple, generous cuisine.

  Street musicians and artists tucked into quiet corners add to the atmosphere. Beyond the town walls, more discoveries await: the Lascaux caves, the Vézère Valley, and the medieval villages scattered across the countryside. It’s a region that leaves its mark, as much through what you see as what you taste.

• Montagnon Lake

  

  In the Béarn Pyrenees, Lake Montagnon surprises with its heart-shaped outline, perched high among the steep slopes. The hike to reach it takes effort — and sometimes patience — but the view at the top quickly erases the fatigue. The dark water mirrors the clouds, while jagged ridges cut into the horizon.

  The trail winds through forests and summer pastures, passing a few shepherds’ huts. Farther down, Oloron-Sainte-Marie keeps the charm of a valley town, with its bridges and houses clustered along the Gave River. Continuing west, the peaks gradually give way to the rolling hills of Béarn, covered with vineyards and quiet villages.

  Here, the mountains are never static. The light shifts from hour to hour, the wind sometimes lifts the mist to reveal the still waters of the lake. You’re left with a simple yet powerful image of a piece of nature revealing itself without embellishment.

• Biarritz beaches

  

  In Biarritz, the ocean sets the tone. The Atlantic waves, the long stretch of pale sand, the promenade where surfers and families cross paths — everything reminds you this is a city turned toward the sea. It’s impossible to remain indifferent, the contrast between the raw power of the water and the relaxed café terraces stays with you.

  A few beaches to know, each with its own vibe:

  – La Grande Plage: Two kilometers of sand right in the city center, easy to reach and lively as soon as the weather warms up. Children play safely behind the seawall, and beach bars are always close by to extend the day.
  – Côte des Basques Beach: The surfers’ hangout, backed by cliffs and offering a steady swell. Even without a board, you’ll want to linger just to watch the waves roll in.
  – Miramar Beach: Tucked against the rocks, this quieter spot draws those seeking a slower pace. Families appreciate its sheltered setting.
  – Marbella Beach: Wedged between two cliffs and accessible only at low tide, it keeps a hint of secrecy. Less crowded, wilder in feel.
  – Milady Beach: West of town toward Anglet, this wide, family-friendly beach opens onto the horizon with the Basque mountains faintly visible in the distance.