About


Southwestern France

Prehistoric caves.
Fortified castles and villages.
Important wine region.
Diverse landscape of Atlantic coastline, beaches, flat forest land, Pyrénées mountains, and the rolling hills and river valleys of the Dordogne.The region’s history began thousands of year’s ago when Cro-magnon man lived in the caves of the Périgord and left cave paintings in sites such as Lascaux and Les Eyzies. More recent remnants of Aquitaine’s history date from the time of Eléonore of Aquitaine, consort of Louis VII, King of France. When she married Henry Plantagenet, who became King of England in 1154, she began several centuries of conflict between the French and English for control of Aquitaine. Today, the fortified villages and castles built during this time offer charm to the winding countryside and provide interesting stops along the road.Aquitaine’s capital, Bordeaux is a thriving port city on the Garonne River with beautiful 18th-century mansions and architecture, including its Grand Theatre by architect Victor Louis, excellent shopping and numerous cultural events, such as the traditional May Music Festival.Bordeaux is particularly well known for its surrounding wine-growing region. The vineyards of Bordeaux with their Margaux, Médoc, Sauternes and St. Emilion wines are leaders in their fields in an area where many other excellent wines are produced. Most chateaux open their doors to allow visits to their cellars and wine tastings.The varied Aquitaine region includes not only the prehistoric caves, villages and rolling river valleys of the Dordogne and the Bordeaux vineyards, but also the rocky Pyrénées mountain chain, the Basque country with its beautiful beaches, excellent surfing and picturesque fishing villages, the flat forest land of the Landes and the medieval castles and villages in Lot-et-Garonne.

Key facts and figures from 1 March 2007

  • Over 3.1 million tourists
  • Average length of stay (all accommodation): 10 days
  • Representing almost 31 million nights’ accommodation
  • A direct turnover of at least 980 million euros
  • Over 6,000 permanent jobs in tourism (6900 in July & Aug.)
  • Tourism in the Dordogne represents over 31% of the local economy

More facts and figures.

  • 77% booked part of their vacation online. (airline, ferry, rental car etc)
  • 93% of visitors researched the area online before visiting.
  • 71 % of visitors booked accommodation online

5 years ago, these figures would have all been below 30%, and 10 years ago they would have all been below 3%, however, in 3 year time they will ALL be above 90%

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