A short guide to southwest France, the Atlantic coast regions

Southwest France in brief:
The Atlantic coast and its hinterland

The west coast of France is a popular tourist region. From the mouth of the Loire as far as the Spanish border, France's Atlantic coastline is characterised by long expanses of sandy beaches, offshore fishing, and a broad band of very flat land, some of it marshy. In several parts, notably around Saint Jean de Monts and les Sables d'Olonne, the coastline is quite heavily built up with sea front development; but in other parts, notably away from the towns, there are long sections of unspoiled coastline. The ports of La Rochelle and Rochefortare very attractive, as well as being popular with yachtsmen. South of the Gironde, the coast offers miles and miles of sandy beaches.
Inland from the coast, the region is very pleasant; the Charente Maritime region is often called the "green Venice", on account of its extensive network of drainage canals and waterways. This is a region where the pace of life is slow, like the water in the rivers that flow through it. Rowing boats can be hired in many places.
North west of Bordeaux lies the Saintonge, the home of Cognac and the aperitif wine "Pineau". This generally flat agricultural region is famous for its historic churches, many of which have exquisite mediaeval carvings. South west of the historic city of Bordeaux lie "les Landes", the largest continuously forested area in Western Europe; and of course, in the Aquitaine region around Bordeaux lie miles and miles of famous vineyards, producing a wide range of wines that include some of the best and most expensive in the world.
Inland from Bordeaux lies the Dordogne "department", rising from the coastal plain in the west towards the Massif Central in the east. The Dordogne , centered round the town of Perigueux, is famous for its farmland and fine cuisine. Its pretty villages and towns have long attracted holidaymakers and retirees from Britain, to such an extent that there are now villages with their own cricket club and pub "à l'anglaise", not to mention a range of craftsmen and artists who have fled the hassle and the colder climate further north.
The climate on France's Atlantic coast is generally mild to warm; and although rain cannot be excluded even in summer, the clouds often pass over the coastal region, before breaking over the hills further inland.

Main cities:

Nantes, St Nazaire, Niort, La Rochelle, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Périgueux

Going further:

Accommodation:

Votre bannière ici?
Contact: info "at" about-france.com