Reasons to love Nouvelle-Aquitaine

From Charentes in the North to the Basque Coast in the South, the 270km-long coastline boasts an easy-going lifestyle and is famous for surfing. Sunshine levels are high, and it is sometimes nicknamed Europe's California. 

Beyond its famous sandy beaches, Nouvelle-Aquitaine showcases a varied and unique natural heritage such as the Marais Poitevin with its network of canals, earning it the name of 'Green Venice'. 

The built heritage of the region is also exceptional, featuring some of the most beautiful villages of France and bigger cities were past and present meet. Also, the region hosts many castles and architectural oddities. 

Bordeaux, famous for its wine, is the biggest and most attractive city in the region. The Fondation du Patrimoine works at preserving the built heritage in this city and in many other parts of the region.

Limoges, the third biggest city in the region, is the capital of fire arts, be it stained glass or ceramics. The porcelain artworks from Limoges are known worldwide. 

Fairies are an important part of the region's intangible heritage. A central figure in this mythology is Mélusine, a flying serpent woman reputed to have built many castles in Poitou and Charentes in the North of the region.

The extreme South of the region is home to the Basque Country, known for historic towns and prestige resorts, like Biarritz, and preserving its unique culture and language, Euskara. It is also home to Béarn, famous for preserving its traditions, including that of the famous bérêts hats. 

A region can also be discovered through its gastronomy - this is definitely true of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Beyond its famous oysters, the region is also proud of other local delicacies such as the Espelette chili pepper used by chefs all over the world. 

Discover more typical regional crafts, more architecture, more food and more legends from Nouvelle-Aquitaine, thanks to Fondation du Patrimoine.