Aquitaine is the sun-drenched southern region thats home to the graceful city of Bordeaux, along with world-famous vineyards such as Mdoc and Graves Sauternes. Not surprisingly, its a deliciously relaxing place to visit.
The regions 250kms of Atlantic coastline is dotted with popular surf-breaks, beach resorts and thalassotherapy spas, in which saltwater is used as a relaxation therapy. Inland are nine enormous lakes, the forests of the Dordogne department and the snowy peaks of the Pyrnes. But whether youre into summer or winter pursuits among them, cycling, whitewater kayaking, hiking and skiing Aquitaine also offers some of Frances greatest cultural and culinary pleasures.
On the cultural front, there are the elegant 18th century mansions and churches of Bordeaux, as well as Aquitaines many picturesque villages, splendid medieval castles such as Bonaguil, and world-class prehistoric sites. The famous Lascaux Caves, in the Vezre valley of Perigord, is considered the Sistine Chapel of the ancient world for its magnificent Paleolithic-Era cave art.
A fun way of experiencing Aquitaines finest wine is to take part in Le Week-End des Grands Amateurs, held each May in and aroundBordeaux. Over the weekend, the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux invites visitors to meet the talented folk behind the regions great wines. Owners of around 100 world-famous Grands Crus will provide wine lovers with a rare opportunity to taste their wines under conditions normally restricted to trade professionals and the wine press.
Taking Basque country flavours to a very cosmopolitan dimension is LAuberge Basque, set within a nattily restored 17th century farmhouse in the La Rhune mountains, that also offers sophisticated suites for overnight guests. Here, talented young chef owner Cdric Bchade does brilliant things like foie gras wrapped in corn crepes and a delectable version of the local dish piperade (an egg poached inside a bell pepper). Although the overall mood is elegant and calm, Bchades creative passion has made his restaurant a drawcard for sculptors and painters and given it a quite special buzz.
If you think a wine wrap sounds like a crazy way to beautify, think again. The Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa, located in the Chteaux Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards near Bordeaux, offers an exclusive line-up of treatments based on the benefits of wine and grapevines. These packages combine the best qualities of naturally warm spring water with wine and grape extracts. Visitors get to choose from such indulgent experiences as the Merlot wrap, honey and wine wrap or the red wine bath. As one might expect, the setting is rustic but romantic and utterly beautiful.
Discover Mad Burgundy, celebrating food and wine with for example la cuisine au vin or a balloon flight over the chateaux of Burgundy.
Discover real madness with the corrida in Nimes, sleep in a 17th Century Luxury convent or try some of the amazing restaurants in Montpellier.
Discover the madness of Antibes with the biggest open-air night club on the French Riviera, a hotel built into the rock and much more...
Be Mad in the Riviera, spending a morning skiing and your evening sipping cocktails by the beach and then continue the madness by spending a night in the Hi-Hotel...
Enjoy new dimensions to Paris such as the crazy art of graffiti, new culinary adventures or discover the citys vibrant events, festivals and exhibitions.
Discover the Madness of Monaco with famous sporting events such as the Tour de France or the Formula One race...
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