About the Aquitaine Region of France

Aquitaine is the region which contains the departments of South West France including the Gironde, Dordogne and Lot et Garonne. We have chosen specifically to build our portfolio of properties in the area that is known here as the 'Êntre deux Mers' (between two seas), aptly named as it is lies between two of France's great rivers, the Garonne and the Dordogne. The regions capital is Bordeaux and is one of the worlds great wine-growing regions. The area is typically characterised by châteaux, vines and rolling countryside rich in agriculture and Bastide Towns steeped in history.

Like most of France, Aquitaine has a temperate, Atlantic-influenced climate. Rainfall is below the nationwide average with summer temperatures averaging over 25°C. The winters are generally mild with an average temperature of 10°C and the occasional frost. There are of course continental extremes where one can experience severe frosts in the winter and in contrast blasts of Saharan heat of 35°+ in the summer.

The day-to-day life of the locals is still based around agriculture and the pace of life is slow. Food and mealtimes are a sacred time of the day and long lunches are still the norm. Children are still free to play outside without the constant gaze of parents and the crime rate is refreshingly low.

A selection of well known towns and villages in our region:

Bordeaux

The capital of the Aquitaine region and the centre of the world-renowned wine-growing area. It has excellent transport links thanks to the international airport and high speed railway system. Bordeaux is currently undergoing a major investment and renovation programme including cleaning up the quayside to make a fashionable restaurant and bar district. A new tram system is nearing completion reducing congestion and leaving the centre of the city pedestrianised and easy to navigate. The magnificent neo-classical architecture is being restored to its former splendour.

Our recommended place for lunch: Café Régent, Place Gambetta. Superb fashionable bistro in the centre. A must on a Sunday after the Antiques fair at St. Michel!

St. Émilion

Renowned for its world class wines this medieval village is now a World Heritage Site. The town lies approximately 40 kilometres east of Bordeaux perched on a rocky escarpment overlooking the valley of the Dordogne. It is an excellent place to visit with narrow cobbled streets, superb restaurants serving local cuisine and lots of places to try the local produce.

Our recommended place for lunch: L'Envers du Décor, Rue du Clocher. Very popular bistro with excellent Plat du Jour, vintage wine by the glass and a delightful garden.

Bergerac

Large town on the Dordogne river-bank. Now with daily flights from London Stansted and Southampton. In addition to its wines, Bergerac is an important tobacco growing centre and in the old town you can visit both the tobacco and wine museums. There is an excellent choice of open-air eateries in the old town.

Our recommended place for lunch: Moulin de Malfourat, Monbazillac. Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant five minutes south of Bergerac.

Duras

Is a pleasant hilltop town on the borders of the Lot et Garonne and the Gironde with an impressive Château looking over the valley of the Dropt. The town particularly comes alive at market day on a Monday and during the summer months when there are frequent events such as the wine fair, antique fairs and night markets.

Monségur

Monségur was founded in 1265 by Eleanor of Provence, Queen of England, and wife of Henry III Plantagenet. Monségur is the only high bastide in the Gironde, located on a limestone spur, which overlooks the Dropt river valley. It has kept the layout designed by its surveyors in the 13th. century. It is organized around the central square bordered by covered arches. The highlight of this lovely town is its Jazz Festival in early July, when the town comes to life with non-stop music for 3 days and a wealth of food and wine stalls.