Home to France's wine capital, charming gîtes and tourist free markets, the Aquitaine region is a must visit for travelers looking for good food, authentic experiences and a breath of fresh air. The region's relaxed ambiance and friendly, easy going locals make this unspoiled corner of South West France the perfect place for a break from the pressures of life.
French Cooking Adventure
Learn to cook like the French at The Gascon Kitchen at Camont, a rural culinary center housed in an 18th century farmhouse, surrounded by the fertile fields and orchards of Gascony. Based on cookbook author, cooking queen and founder Kate Hill’s own 20-year “apprenticeship” in Gascony, the program offers weekend and long term programs for culinary travelers and chefs alike. A definite farm to table operation, Hill even harvests honey from beehives in the Camont garden.
After you've learned to chop, dice and mince like a pro, relax at Le Relais de Roquefereau in Penne d’Agenais. Nathalie Guigné, an antique dealer and the child of Parisian art gallery owners, restored this hillside hunting lodge complete with a rustic chic decor, exposed stone and antique furnishings. From the plush linens to the guest house, Roquefereau is full of charm and elegance.
Market Town
The town of Villereal has kept its original 14th-century market hall in tact, packed with lively vendors and shoppers every Saturday for market day, maintaining a tradition that has continued for over 700 years. Filled with farm grown fruits and vegetables, hand woven baskets and eats cooked on the spot, you can easily spend the day wandering the market. Uncommercialized and understood, Villereal also has a myriad of back streets and local gems to explore like Damien Blanchard, a local bakery serving up fresh pastries.
The town is home to the Château du Rayet, an 18th-century manor that has been converted into a quaint bed and breakfast. Owner Anne Vanhellebus left Belgium and her job as a designer to turn this vast domain into a cozy nest to welcome visitors from all over the world. With two guest rooms and three spacious suites, Rayet's carefully curated decor is a reflection of its owner's art and design background.
Go Bordeaux
The picturesque medieval town of Saint-Emilion, reknowned for its red wines made from merlot grapes blended with cabernet franc and sometimes cabernet sauvignon, is located about 45 minutes east of of the city of Bordeaux. The oldest wine area of the region, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of the most robust wines in France, there are more than 1,500 chateaux and wine estates in the six appellations surrounding the town. Enjoy a tasting a Château Franc Mayne, a wine property and 4-star hotel in the heart of the vineyard.
The Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux is situated in the heart of Bordeaux's city center. The 150-room property is the first luxury hotel to open in the wine capital, complete with eight prestige suites, which offer guests a distinctly Bordelais feature--in-suite wine bars available for private sommelier service and a customized list of bottles to meet individual guest preferences. The Regent Bordeaux also offers Fashion Avenue, a 1,000-square-foot luxury gallery featuring Yves Saint Laurent, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Chopard among others. Interested in an exclusive private shopping experience? The hotel concierge can arrange for after-hours access to the boutiques.
Satisfy your foodie desires by sampling creative dishes -- like tomato ice cream -- at La Tupiña. Tupiña has been serving regional specialities based on local rustic ingredients for over 40 years. The fireplace is at the heart of the restaurant and with food prepared in front of you, your mouth will water before you even taste a bite.
With regional cuisine noted for its variety, some of the world’s most famous wines and the longest stretch of coastline in Europe, it's clear that you should head to Aquitaine on your next trip to France. I promise you won't regret it.
For more information on France and the Aquitaine region visit www.franceguide.com and www.tourisme-aquitaine.fr.
