If you’re looking for a destination that has a bit of everything, then Aquitaine should be top of your list. This Southwestern region of France caters to foodies with its gourmet food and wine scene, history nuts with its historical sites, sports enthusiasts with its sandboarding and cycling, surfers with its salty waves and stunning coastline, and above all, people who just want to soak up the warm temperatures, laidback lifestyle and traditional towns and villages.
With a variety of luxury villas in Aquitaine, as well as grand chateaux and elegant maisons. We guarantee you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for… and what's more, you’ll be perfectly situated to enjoy all this diverse region has to offer.
Discover the Oliver’s Travels way, where style and character define every handpicked villa in Aquitaine. Our destination experts curate unique homes in beautiful locations that are perfect for families and guaranteed to ‘wow’.
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Spread over approximately 16,000 sq. miles, Aquitaine is a large and varied region that boasts a wide range of sights. From the vibrant seaside towns that line the beautiful Atlantic Coast, to the Basque towns spread throughout the Pyrenees, and the fortified medieval towns of the Dordogne. The region enjoys remarkable cultural and natural diversity.
Villas in Aquitaine are perfect for a fun-filled family holiday, as it’s the ideal destination for families who want to combine relaxed beach days with a few adventure activities and a little sightseeing. While the beach is home to some of the best surf in Europe, the region’s rivers are also perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Hiking, cycling, and horse riding are all on the cards too, while the proximity of the Pyrenees means there’s mountaineering activities aplenty.
Aquitaine has always been an important agricultural region and food plays a crucial role in local culture. Visitors to the region are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out, and wine aficionados will love staying in the heart of Bordeaux’s iconic wine region.
In the Basque areas, foodies should sample piment d'Espelette, a local pepper that features heavily in the local cuisine. Down on the plains, wild mushrooms and truffles are a speciality, while the coast is all about fresh seafood.
If you want more information, you can also check the Aquitaine Travel Guide or get some inspiration about things to do in Aquitaine in our blog.
Aquitaine is home to countless examples of luxurious French architecture and grand chateaux, surrounded by picture-perfect countryside. This allows us to offer some spectacular villas for an unforgettable holiday.
Aquitaine is effortlessly charming, with perfectly preserved medieval villages, stunning landscapes, and great local produce, it’s a dreamy destination that you’ll struggle to leave. These are our favourite areas to stay in Aquitaine for a memorable holiday in this magical corner of France.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the architecture in Bordeaux is nothing short of extraordinary - lose yourself in the streets, sip some of its world-famous wines, experience the vibrant food scene, and be thoroughly charmed by this special city.
Another magical city to get lost in, St-Émilion is a Unesco-listed medieval village that looks like it's been plucked straight from a fairy tale. Indulge in locally made wine, tasty food in quaint French eateries and local markets.
The breathtaking coastline of Biarritz in France's Basque Country, offers an elegant lifestyle blended with relaxed surf culture, extravagant cuisine and rich history. Ideal for a romantic honeymoon and an exciting family villa holiday in the South of France.
While our Aquitaine villas with private pools are likely to keep the kids busy while you’re at home, we’re sure you’ll want to get out and about to discover what the region has to offer. Fortunately, Aquitaine is an incredibly family-friendly holiday destination.
If you’re looking for kid-friendly activities, you can’t go wrong with the Puy de Fou. Located in the heart of the Vendée region, it’s the second most popular theme park in France and hosts a dazzling array of shows and performances, as well as a few rides. Alternatively, Futuroscope is another kid-friendly theme park. Situated in Poitiers, it specialises in cinema, multimedia, and audio-visual attractions.
Aquitaine’s history is on proud display wherever you look. This makes it a great location for families who want to introduce a little culture into their holiday. Whether it’s watching re-enactments of medieval battles, visiting ancient cave painting, or exploring the ramparts of fortified towns, it’s a fantastic way of bringing history to life.
From the wild monkeys and apes of La Vallée des Singes to the gorgeous gardens of the Chateau de Marqueyssac, Aquitaine is a natural paradise that you’ll always enjoy exploring. Whether you’re drifting down the Dordogne in a family canoe or heading out on a day-long cycling excursion, the striking landscapes you encounter along the way make it a special holiday destination.
Discover more information about things to do with family in Aquitaine in our blog.
The enormous, sweeping beaches of the Atlantic Coast are home to some of the region’s most famous towns and popular holiday destinations. As Europe’s longest stretch of sandy coastline – it runs for 230 km – it’s always possible to find a quiet spot and there's more than enough space to spread out your beach towels.
While Biarritz was once a sleepy fishing village, it’s now a glamorous seaside resort and one of the most visited towns on the coast. With its striped beach huts and quaint harbour, the town manages to conjure a sense of nostalgia for coastal resorts of the past, while still remaining culturally relevant and decidedly modern. Like many border towns, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is rich with history and its beautiful beach is certainly worth a visit. Further north, the beaches get quieter and the waterfront towns less frequent.
Though a few of our villas in Aquitaine are near the beach, the size of the Aquitaine region means location is an important consideration if you’re hoping to make regular trips to the beach.
Plage de Moliets is a jaw-droppingly beautiful and completely unspoilt beach that’s located at the point where the Courant d'Huchet meets the sea. There’s nothing but soft, golden sand and lush forest for miles and even in the height of the summer season, the beach is never too crowded.
Europe’s single largest dune stretches for 2.7 km and is a must-visit natural wonder for visitors to the Aquitaine region. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and thick forest on the other, it’s a favourite with holidaymakers and locals alike.
A charming beachside town with a large, pristine beach that boasts plenty of room for everyone, even at the busiest of times. It’s also a perfect place for a sunset stroll, as it offers excellent views of the village and its impressive architecture.
A pretty beach situated close to several mouth-wateringly good seafood restaurants. By evening, the waterfront is bustling with people watching the spectacular sunset and enjoying a good meal. A guaranteed charmer - there’s even a lawn by the beach for those who don’t like sand.
A great surfing beach that’s a good option if you want to escape the summer crowds, it boasts easy access and a great choice of trendy beach bars and restaurants. It’s also situated close to the beautiful Lac d’Hourtin.
World-class surf, a water park, casino, fresh seafood and a white, sandy, and spotlessly clean beach, Plage Notre Dame has it all. One of Hossegor’s most famous beaches, it’s a legendary surf spot where you can kick back and watch some of the best surfers in Europe strut their stuff.
Grand Plage beach or nicknamed Empress Beach is the central beach in Biarritz and is a fantastic surf spot for those chasing the ultimate wave, a beautiful, calm, soft sandy bay and surrounded by quirky cafes, restaurants and boutique shops.
There’s no shortage of things to keep you busy on your holiday to the Aquitaine region of France. While the fact that most of our Aquitaine villas have pools – and it might make you less likely to want to venture out… the rewards for doing so are worth it.
One of the great joys of visiting Aquitaine is throwing yourself into the local culinary culture. As one of the world’s foremost wine-producing regions, a holiday to the south-west of France is an incredible opportunity to experience some of the most iconic and well-respected vineyards in Europe.
Aquitaine is a top holiday destination for anyone who enjoys getting out into the countryside and embracing nature. Renowned for its cycling trails, the area also boasts fantastic outdoor pursuits such as hiking, kayaking, and surfing opportunities.
Join the locals to watch a game of cesta punta. Also known as jai alai, it’s the Basque sport of choice in Aquitaine. Considered ‘the world’s fastest game’, the high-octane action doesn’t let up for a moment. More popular here than anywhere else in the world, cesta punta offers an excellent insight into the local culture.
The region’s engrossing history means that Aquitaine is home to some of the most interesting and picturesque settlements in all of France. Whether it’s the Bastide towns of the lowlands, the Basque villages of the Pyrenees, or the influential cities and towns of the coastal reaches, you’ll find that Aquitaine boasts numerous sites of considerable interest to holidaymakers.
Bordeaux is the most well-known city in the Aquitaine region and a popular attraction for international visitors. While the focus is often understandably centred on its famous vineyards, the city itself enthrals and delights for myriad of other reasons. As a thriving artistic and cultural hub, it benefits from high-quality museums and galleries, as well a number of enjoyable public spaces.
The area’s other major attraction is its abundance of stately chateaux and fortified residences. While there are so many that a tour of the region’s palaces and castles would tire out all but the most committed of French history buffs, it’s certainly worth making a trip to one or two of the most impressive. You can even stay in one of our chateaux.
Thanks to the central location of our villas in Aquitaine, the vast majority of these cities, villages are just a short drive from your accommodation. Discover our villas close to the best towns.
Angoulème boasts a fascinating old town that you can explore via guided tour. The tour of the city walls comes highly recommended. The town also hosts the International Comic Festival in January and the Circuit des Remparts annual classic car race in September.
For wine lovers and foodies alike, the Bordeaux region is a gastronomic wonderland. Of course, a vineyard tour and tasting session should be top of your list of things to do, but don’t miss the breath-taking views over Bordeaux from le Parc de l’Ermitage Sainte-Catherine, either.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saint Emilion is the epitome of a classic French medieval town. Visitors should make sure they try the world-famous Semillon wine, and climbing the Collegiate Church tower offers spectacular views of the village.
Stunning beaches, a thriving surf scene and a cultural hub, Biarritz is a holidaymaker’s paradise. From high-end restaurants to cheap pizza joints, spas and family parks, the city boasts something for everyone, and visitors are sure to fall head-over-heels for Biarritz’s charm.
With both the Pyrenees foothills and several beaches close by, this is an understandably popular holiday spot. A thriving fishing village, visitors should arrive early enough to sample the morning catch at its freshest. Visit the Church of Saint John the Baptist for an insight into traditional Basque architecture.
With world-class surf and year-round events and competitions, including the always popular Quicksilver Pro France, Hossegor is a sporting mecca. A buzzing French town with striking architecture and a focus on brilliant food, it’s a must-visit town for visitors to Aquitaine.
A well-kept secret, Bayonne is a calm and atmospheric city that sucks you in with its rich history and winding, cobbled streets. A foodie haven, Bayonne is particularly famous for its chocolate. Visit the L’atelier du Chocolat, where you can learn about the history of the chocolatier.
Bordeaux Airport is the main hub for flights coming into the region and several daily direct flights depart the UK for Bordeaux. From the airport, visitors can connect to other major towns and cities using the regions excellent public transportation links.
Though it’s possible to travel the region via public transport, we would highly recommend renting a car. Many of our Aquitaine villas are located in rural regions and a car is useful if you want the freedom to explore the surrounding area.
If rail travel is your thing, it’s also possible to arrive in Aquitaine by train. The Eurostar runs from London to Paris, where you’ll transfer and board a train to Bordeaux. Travelling throughout the region via train is possible but will place restrictions on which towns and villages you can visit.
The regional bus network is extensive, reliable, and affordable. However, exploring Aquitaine by bus can mean a considerable amount of your holiday is spent planning, transferring and waiting for buses. It is possible to arrive in the region via bus, with both Ouibus and Eurolines operating services from Paris.
Taxis are readily available in urban areas but are more difficult to come by in rural areas. If relying on taxi services to get you back home, it’s always a good idea to reserve your ride in advance.
Cycling is an increasingly popular means of transport in Aquitaine. La Rochelle and Bordeaux are regarded as two of the most cyclable towns in France and free rentals are available in both cities. The region is also home to a number of popular long-distance routes, most notably the Vélo Francette, which passes through the Thouet Valley, the Marais Poitevin and La Rochelle.
Taking the ferry from the UK to France is also a possibility if you want to bring your own car. Depending on your arrival time, this may mean an overnight stop somewhere in central France. Ferries from the UK to Normandy and Brittany are a popular choice as you’ll disembark further south and shorten the ensuing journey. Motorway connections to Aquitaine from all major ports are relatively quick and easy.
When driving in France, it’s a legal requirement to carry high visibility vests for all passengers, as well as a warning triangle, a spare bulb for your lights and a breathalyser kit.
