Best things to do in Aquitaine and the Basque country

The must-see in Aquitaine Basque Country :

Dune de Pilat – Arcachon Bay is home to the tallest sand dune in Europe which is 106 metres high and 3 kilometres long. Climb to the top, take a picnic and drink in the view of the ocean, the Banc d’Arguin nature park and the Cap Ferret headland. Then walk along it and stroll (or roll!) down it. A simple and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Rhune mountain – An ancient sacred site on the border of France and Spain. The fabulous views from the summit make this mountain a popular hike, but there’s also a vintage train that will chug you up to the top with less effort. Don’t forget your camera!

Prehistoric caves - The Isturitz and Oxocelhaya caves in Saint-Martin-d’Arberoue are part of a 600-metre underground archaeology site. Isturitz has cave paintings and Oxocelhaya is a shrine of minerals and formations. You can also visit the Sare caves which are carved into Atxurio mountain in Anglet and have a tunnel almost a kilometre long of sound and light features which explain the local rock formations and the evolution of Man

Surfing – Biarritz and Anglet are well-known in surfing circles as being one of the best spots in Europe. A pleasant climate, huge spring tidal waves and a good variety of consistent waves make it a great year-round surf destination.

Cité du Vin in Bordeaux – Nothing says France more than wine, and this riverside wine centre is as fun and hands-on for the uninitiated as it is for seasoned wine buffs. It hosts temporary exhibitions and tasting sessions and has a panoramic restaurant overlooking the harbour.

Gorges de Kakuetta – This natural waterfall in St Engrace near the Spanish border is a fabulous place to visit. Walk along the safe two-kilometre path along the canyon at your own pace and marvel at the sight and sound of the twenty-metre waterfall.