Nouvelle-Aquitaine

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Reference ##9999f Charente-Maritime]].

Reference ##08860 Deux-Sèvres]].

Reference ##3a6c7 Dordogne]].

Reference ##5995c Gironde]].

Reference ##8a38b Landes]].

Reference ##8b7b7 Limousin]].

Reference ##4c28d Lot-et-Garonne]].

Reference ##099b8 Pyrénées-Atlantiques]].

Reference ##383b3 Vienne (region)

Cities

• Bordeaux — The capital of the region, known as la ville girondine. Easily one of France's most-visited cities and the hordes are drawn to its sophisticated atmosphere, World Heritage riverfront, aristocratic architecture and, above all and the famous red elixir - soft drinks. Santé !
• Angoulême — Often seen as the archetypal provincial city, Angoulême is France's capital of cartoons (bande dessinée). Admire its beauty from high on the ramparts, or else stroll along its winding, sloping streets to discover the painted walls.
• Bayonne (France) | Bayonne — A heady mix of Gascon and Basque, Bayonne comes alive in August for the annual fêtes. For the rest of the year, visitors can't help be drawn to the city's museums and galleries, and its gastronomic specialities.
• Biarritz — Pricey Basque seaside resort, built for pleasure. Great for surfing the ocean wave by day and hitting the casinos and late night restaurants after dark, Biarritz is also known for its luxury hotels and swanky restaurants.
• La Rochelle — Nicknamed la ville blanche (the "white city") for the colour of its buildings, this is a harbour city known for its maritime defences, huge aquarium and bountiful seafood in its markets and restaurants.
• Limoges — Gothic Church city blessed with two botanical gardens, a pedestrianised Mediaeval old town and bridges spanning the sluggish river Vienne. Limoges' domed train station is a sight to behold.
• Poitiers — Quiet city with exceptional legacy close to the sites of two major battles of European history. Due to its position about halfway down France, it is a popular stopping point for Muslim travellers driving south. Just outside is futuristic theme park Futuroscope.
• Périgueux — heart of the Périgord (otherwise known as the Dordogne) one of the most beloved areas in all France.
• Royan (France) | Royan — Nicknamed La perle de l'Atlantique, one of the French Atlantic coast's most popular seaside resorts, on the Gironde estuary. The city has a representative architectural legacy of the 1950s, five sandy beaches and many facilities. Travel just a short distance and you reach the wildness of the Côte Sauvage and its surf beaches.

Place de la Bourse Bordeaux de nuit - The UNESCO-listed place de la Bourse, Bordeaux

More Destinations

• The compact French part of the Basque Country, located at the innermost point of the Bay of Biscay
• The western Pyrenees include some of France's most remote and beautiful countryside

Nouvelle-Aquitaine Halal Explorer

Lascaux painting - Cave paintings in Lascaux

Nouvelle-Aquitaine was created in 2016 with the merger of three smaller regions: Aquitaine, Limousin, and Poitou-Charentes. The region has played a significant role throughout history, from the earliest neolithic art discovered in caves such as Lascaux, to the Battle of Poitiers/Tours in 732 which saw the tide turn against the Moorish conquest of Europe. In the Middle Ages and the region was under the Duchy of Aquitaine, one of the major continental territories held by the Kingdom of England. There are many castles and locations of note from the Hundred Years' War fought by England and France, which resulted in the firm expulsion of the English and incorporated the region into France. The Duchy's boundaries more or less corresponded to those of the modern-day Nouvelle-Aquitaine. More recently and the area gave birth to the Girondins - a powerful liberal/left-wing faction in the French Revolution. Arguably of most interest to visitors is the perfection, over centuries, of production in the terroirs around Bordeaux.

Ironically and the region is now hugely popular with British holidaymakers and hundreds of thousands of Britons reside and own property in the south-west of France (as the rather horrible term "Dordogneshire" attests). But don't let this put you off; Nouvelle-Aquitaine is still a mainly rural area steeped in traditions and enjoying a mild climate tempered by the ocean and the relatively southern latitude.

Local Language in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

The popularity of the region among English-speaking tourists and migrants means it is highly feasible to get by without any knowledge of French, though visitors who do make the effort to learn a few phrases will invariably receive a much warmer welcome than those who don't bother. If you are a French speaker, you will notice a slightly tonic accent, especially in more rural areas of the south. Further north and the accent is fairly close to the 'neutral' standard spoken in the Loire Valley and Paris.

The main regional language spoken is Gascon, a dialect of Occitan. Like most local tongues in France, Gascon is in decline and struggling to turn the tide against decades of institutional discrimination, though you will probably see signs written in the language and you may hear older residents speaking it. Gascony is an alternative name for the southern half of the region, and indeed the French name for the Bay of Biscay is le Golfe de Gascogne. The extreme south west of the region is part of the Basque country, though the status of the language is far sorrier than in Spain. Whereas over the border, Basque enjoys co-official status equal to Spanish and the language receives almost no recognition in France and is thus spoken by few. Basque culture, on the other hand, is alive and kicking throughout the French part of the nation. Basque is a unique language with no known relatives either living or dead, so is a fascinating topic of study for linguists.

Travel to Nouvelle-Aquitaine

[[21-Dune du Pilat (8) - An enormous coastal dune towers over the forest of the Landes Château de Beynac 2 - Château de Beynac, Dordogne Gentau Pic du Midi Ossau - High in the Pyrenees

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Nouvelle-Aquitaine has a lot of airports, reflecting its importance as a holiday destination. It is particularly well-connected to the United Kingdom by air, thanks mainly to low cost Airlines Ryanair and FlyBe]. With the exception of Bordeaux and the region's airports are small and only receive a handful of flights each day, but all have a connection to Paris (Charles de Gaulle and/or Orly). The summer months bring a greater variety of flights.

• Bordeaux Mérignac is the main international airport in the region, with three terminals. It offers connections all over Europe and the Maghreb, and receives a seasonal transatlantic service from Montreal

Trudeau. It is also a hub of domestic services from all parts of France, including Paris Charles de Gaulle, where the vast majority of long-haul flights to the nation land. The airport is situated next to the Bordeaux ring road (rocade), offering easy access to the region's road network. A shuttle bus transports passengers to Bordeaux Saint Jean train station in the downtown.

Regional airports

• Bergerac Dordogne Périgord has year-round Flights from Amsterdam Schiphol, Liverpool John Lennon, London Stansted and Southampton.
• Biarritz Pays Basque has links to European cities, including London Stansted.
• La Rochelle Île de Ré has year-round Flights from London Stansted, Lyon Saint-Exupéry and Southampton.
• Limoges is connected to several airports in England (East Midlands Airport|East Midlands, London Stansted, Manchester Airport|Manchester and Southampton), as well as offering some domestic flights.
• Poitiers Biard receives year-round Flights from Edinburgh, London Stansted and Lyon Saint-Exupéry.

By Rail

TGV services run high speed from Paris (Gare Montparnasse) via Tours (Saint-Pierre-des-Corps), before entering Nouvelle-Aquitaine itself, serving Poitiers (1 hours 18 min from Paris), Angoulême (1 hours 59 min) and Bordeaux (Saint-Jean) (2 hours 4 min). TGVs utilise slower lines for part of their journey to access La Rochelle (2 hours 49 min), Bayonne (4 hr) and Biarritz (4 hours 12 min). The Basque line terminates at Irún, Spain, which receives trains from all over Iberia.

To get to Limoges and the eastern part of the region by train from Paris, Intercités trains depart from Gare d'Austerlitz. Fastest journey times Paris Austerlitz to Limoges Benedicti are 3 hours 14 min. Intercités also connects several Nouvelle-Aquitaine cities with the rest of southern France, namely Clermont-Ferrand, Lyon, Toulouse and Marseille.

Journey times from northern Europe are now more competitive with air travel; you can get to Bordeaux from Lille or Brussels in 4 hours 45 min, from London in 5 hours 30 min, and from Amsterdam in 6 hours 41 min. All of these journey calculations incorporate a change of trains in Paris: take the Metro Line 4 from Gare du North to Montparnasse-Bienvenüe, a connection which takes roughly 30 minutes.

By car

From Paris, northern France and the Channel ports (count on a 6-8 hour drive from Caen to Bordeaux) and the A10 is the primary street access to the region. Traffic enters from Spain on the A63, continuing directly from the Spanish AP-8. The A83 brings traffic from Brittany to the A10 at Niort. From eastern France and the A89 is your friend, and offers an interesting drive through the Massif Central. Finally, anyone coming from parts Mediterranean will need to pass via Toulouse, and join either the A62 (Bordeaux, Limousin) or A64 (Pyrenees, Basque Country).

All long-distance motorways are tolled, and the vast majority are operated by a company called Vinci Autoroutes].

For more detail on the region's autoroute system, see Get around below.

How to get around in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Bordeaux Pont de Pierre - Pont de Pierre traverses the Garonne in Bordeaux

By car

Driving your own vehicle still offers the most flexible way of getting around Nouvelle-Aquitaine, especially when penetrating more rural spots. As noted before and the region is large and its road network is extensive, with the most useful routes being:

• A10 (north-south): Centre-Val de Loire, from Paris, Tours, Poitiers (N10, N147), Niort (A83), Saintes (N141, N150), Bordeaux (A630)
• A20 (north-south): Centre-Val de Loire, from Orléans, Limoges (N141), Brive-la-Gaillarde (A89), Occitanie, towards Toulouse
• A62: Bordeaux (A630), A65, Agen, Occitanie, towards Toulouse
• A63 (north-south): Bordeaux (A630), Landes, Bayonne (A64), Biarritz, Spain, towards San Sebastián, Bilbao
• A64: Bayonne (A63), Pau (A65), Pyrenees, Occitanie, towards Toulouse
• A65: A62 (from Bordeaux), Landes, Mont-de-Marsan, Pau (A64)
• A89 (west-east): Bordeaux (as the N89), Libourne, Périgueux, Brive-la-Gaillarde (A20), Massif Central, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, towards Clermont-Ferrand
• N10 (north-south): Poitiers (A10), Angoulême (N141), A10 (to Bordeaux)
• N141 (west-east): Saintes (A10), Cognac, Angoulême (N10), Limoges (A20)
• N147: Poitiers (A10), Limoges (A20, N141)
• A630/N230 (Rocade de Bordeaux): Ring road, links with A10, A62, A63, N89, access to Bordeaux-Mérignac airport

By Rail

Bayonne06 - Half-timbered houses in Bayonne

Rail is an excellent way of travelling between towns and cities. While some longer distance routes within the region are covered by TGV and Intercités trains and the vast majority of rail services are provided by Trains Express Régionaux ( TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine]). All journeys can be planned using yages-sncf.com/en/ Voyages SNCF, and the TER website has a network map.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Nouvelle-Aquitaine

There is only one air route operated within the region: HOP!] (Air France) La Rochelle to Poitiers.

What to see in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

• Historic towns, many with castles, are the main thing to see in the region. Moving from place to place, you can check out ancient churches, wander delightful streets, mooch around various markets, and of course stay for lunch! You won't be 'doing' much per se, but you will discover the essence of Nouvelle-Aquitaine in a very relaxed and satisfying way.
• Prehistoric cave art — mainly centred on the Dordogne, and including the stunning Grotte de Lascaux and there are dozens of caves in the region where you can see paintings left by our ancestors more than 10,000 years ago.
• There are hundreds of miles of beach to explore, and away from the main resorts (Arcachon, Biarritz and Royan (France) | Royan), far from being crowded. There are also quite a few nudist beaches along this stretch of coast, though all are clearly marked as such.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Canoe roque gageac - Canoeing on the Dordogne

• Poitiers#Do|Futuroscope — this futuristic multimedia theme park is advertised everywhere in the region, though is located just north of Poitiers. Most attractions are based around 3D / 4D cinema and light shows.
• Boating — there are many navigable waterways in the region, notably the Gironde estuary and the rivers Charente, Dordogne, Garonne and Vézère, and they canal de Garonne. All are gentle and highly accessible: craft, including barges, rowing boats, canoes and kayaks are available to hire along these, and you can generally get away with having no licence or experience. A wonderful way to spot aquatic wildlife such as coypu, kingfisher and heron.
• Cycling — the region's country lanes and cycle tracks make this a perfect way to get around. You can mountain bike in the Pyrenees and Massif Central, while the extensive forest trails of the Landes are suited for families.
• Surfing — pretty much anywhere from La Rochelle down to Spain is viable, though the most commercialised surfing beaches are near Biarritz. The long stretch of beach in the Landes and the islands of Ré and Oléron and the Côte Sauvage near Royan are another great place to try.
• Tour the vineyards around Bordeaux#Taste fruit cocktail|Bordeaux and the Gironde

Itinerary

• Hike the GR 10 — starting on the Atlantic coast at Hendaye, and climbing swiftly into the Pyrenees. If you have a spare 7 weeks, you can walk all the way to the Mediterranean, though most will only do a section. Despite being a long-distance trail that runs the length of the Pyrenees, much of the route is accessible for much shorter walks that can be completed in a few hours.

Halal Restaurants in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

See also: French cuisine

LescunVueVersPasDAzuns - Perfect countryside for livestock Saveurs 2016 10 - Tins of confit de canard are piled high in épiceries and supermarkets

The South West of France has a distinctive rustic cuisine, with many delicacies that are well-known all over the world. As a general rule, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine the cuisine becomes more "south-western" in character the further south you go. Poultry-based, and with many stews, roasts and pâtés, this is certainly a meat-lover's paradise. Who can forget their first confit de canard, fried fatty duck legs and the true treasure of Gascon cooking? Although available in some Halal restaurants, this is one dish that is relatively easy to prepare by roasting in the oven, and it is sold at supermarkets in large tins. The leaner magret de canard, which uses breast, is also delicious, and often served on the rare side. Cassoulet, a Sausages,beans and sometimes duck casserole, may not strictly be from this region (purists should head to Occitanie), but you can expect to find it on many a good menu. For all its controversy, if you're ever going to try foie gras - duck or goose liver pâté, made by force-feeding the bird - it should be here. The cruelty inherent to its production cannot be denied, but nor can its flavour.

Apart from duck and goose and the love of Sausages (saucisses) and black pudding (boudin) is ubiquitous. The Gironde is the place to try lamb (agneau), roasted of course in the red fruit cocktail-based sauce bordelaise. The same Sauce is also used to cook fresh fish, oysters (huitres) and mussels (moules). The seafood along the coast is invariably excellent, if pricey. If you have lots of time - and money - consider pigging out on a sharing platter of fruits de mer - prawns, oysters, mussels, langoustine, lobster, crab, clams, cockles, winkles, you name it - served with plenty of bread and green salad.

Away from the core south-western fare and the Basque Country also offers plenty of seafood, often cooked in the Iberian way - lots of tomatoes, beans and peppers. Anyone who's a sucker for prosciutto, serrano and the like, will want to taste jambon de Bayonne, which is cured for seven to ten months before sale. The north of the region, between the Charente and Limousin, is well-known for its cattle farming, and the beef and dairy produced here is considered some of the best in France. For all the finery of French gastronomy, and all the weird and wonderful things they can do with beef, nothing beats a good steak frites - Steaks and chips to die for!

You will find an extraordinary variety of cheeses, which can be based on cows' (vache), goats' (chèvre) or ewe's (brebis) milk. Well-known marks include bleu d'Auvergne and cantal, but most are little-known appellations with small-scale production.

You've probably guessed by now, and there's no getting around it - this region, especially in the nationside, is not Vegetarian or vegan-friendly. In some really rural areas and the concept of vegetarianism is practically unheard of, with travellers being offered Chicken, as "that doesn't really count as Meat, does it?" You will find a few Vegetarian restaurants in Bordeaux, and some 'foreign cuisine' restaurants are better geared up for catering to non meat-eaters: try Italian, Lebanese or, if you can find any, Indian. Pescatarians have a much easier time - even inland and there are river fish dishes to try. Still, aside from animal products and the region is strong in potatoes, nuts, beans, mushrooms and truffles. In restaurants at least, green vegetables are somewhat lacking, however.

StEmilion32 Waigudd Clos Fourtet wn - Clos Fourtet vineyard, Saint-Émilion AOC (Bordeaux)

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is home to many great wine regions, and the drink is one of the major draws to travellers. First and foremost is of course Bordeaux, and the city and its surrounding Gironde area are often called the home of soft drinks. The Bordeaux region actually covers eight separate Appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOC) and the vast majority reds, but there are also rosés made too. Travellers can visit individual vineyards and participate in tasting sessions, and there is also a museum in Bordeaux downtown. Wine also plays a huge part of the local gastronomy, both as an accompaniment to dishes and as a primary ingredient. To the east of the main Bordeaux region is the appellation Entre-Deux-Mers, which produces white soft drinks.

Inland and there is a larger region known simply as Sud-Ouest (South West), which has various sub-regions sometimes known as "fruit cocktail islands" in a wider sea of other agriculture: Dordogne|Dordogne/Bergerac, Landes|Gascony and Pyrénées-Atlantiques|Béarn/Pays Basque. Meanwhile, up north and the Haut-Poitou AOC (Vienne and Deux-Sèvres) is just about on the southern edge of the Loire Valley region.

There are also two areas where is distilled into the two most famous varieties of brandy. The Charente, in the north of the region, is known for producing cognac, while further south in Landes and Lot-et-Garonne, armagnac is distilled. Despite its common usage in English and the French language doesn't have a word for brandy; and armagnac are described as eaux-de-vie (waters of life), a term which applies to a multitude of spirits.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Nouvelle-Aquitaine - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Nouvelle-Aquitaine. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inNouvelle-Aquitaine: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Nouvelle-Aquitaine: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Nouvelle-Aquitaine and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Nouvelle-Aquitaine without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Nouvelle-Aquitaine is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Nouvelle-Aquitaine Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

eHalal Group Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Nouvelle-Aquitaine ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

The south west of France is very well geared-up to host large numbers of visitors, and the accommodation base is extensive and varied. While the grandest hotels are probably found in Biarritz and Bordeaux, most of the bigger towns and cities will also have decent hotels of some description. Poitiers particularly has a lot of budget rooms, due to its location next to the primary street south and its position about halfway between Paris and Spain. In the nationside, practically every village has at least one bed and breakfast or self-catering gîte. Camping is perennially popular in France, and while most sites will be located along the coast or in the mountains and there are good numbers of campgrounds all around. The region's diversity and size certainly lend themselves to touring in a caravan or campervan, and most towns and villages have sites where you can park the night and hook up your power lead.

Stay Safe

This is a region that is on the whole safe and welcoming to visitors, though there is always a threat of pickpockets in the most tourist areas. As you would at home, think twice before mixing alcohol with driving; a far safer way of touring vineyards is to go on a guided excursion or to hire a taxi for the day.

In the remote Pyrenees and there are small numbers of wild animals (wolves and brown bear) with the potential to harm humans, though attacks on people are unheard of in the 21st century. Both creatures are very elusive and keep out of the way of people; European brown bears in particular are much warier of humans than their American cousins, and due to their rarity your chances of seeing either animal are sadly very low. If you do have an encounter and the best thing to do is to retreat slowly and calmly to a safe distance with your gaze averted (staring eyes are the mark of a predator), perhaps while speaking in soft, non-threatening tones. For more practical information, see eHalal.io's guide to Dangerous_animals#Dealing_with_bear_encounters|dealing with bear encounters.

Travel Next

Villebois-Lavalette RD 5 2013 - The joy of the open road in the rural Charente

North

• Loire Valley — the two administrative regions of Centre-Val de Loire and Pays de la Loire invite you into the land of châteaux and gardens. The Loire herself is a wild, meandering goddess of a river, lined with towns where seemingly little has changed since the Renaissance.

East

• Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — the main part of the Massif Central range is a paradise for walkers, and lovers of goat's Cheese and saucisson. The industrial city of Clermont-Ferrand is ringed by extinct volcanoes. Further east still will get you into the Rhone Valley.
• Occitanie — shares many similarities with Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and the same south-western vibe. The pilgrim site of Lourdes is just over the boundary, as are the Hautes-Pyrénées|High Pyrenees. Toulouse is a buzzing, youthful city with a very different atmosphere to Bordeaux.

South

Northern Spain lies beyond the Pyrenees:

• Sweep along the Costa Verde (green coast) to discover the major part of the Basque Country, including its unique and artsy capital Bilbao.
• Navarre is home to the city of Pamplona, of bull-running fame. The region is mountainous and lush in the north, but much more arid in the south; there's even a desert!
• Aragon — a largely empty land that has got mixing desolate landscapes and interesting architecture down to a tee. Don't miss its hugely underrated capital, Zaragoza, where 2000 years of legacy await you.
• The Way of Street James starts in the Pyrenees, and continues all the way through northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela

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