Some regions of France get more than their fair share of the spotlight. Provence, the Dordogne and the Cote d'Azur, to name a few. One region that really deserves to have its name in lights is Aquitaine in the south west. The name may be less familiar, but it's where you'll find sensational beaches, superb seafood, the city of Bordeaux and the magical island of Ile de Ré. 
Recommended tour operator: Simpson Travel
Simpson Travel says
The Aquitaine region encompasses all that is seductive about a holiday in France. Bordering Spain’s Basque country to the south and including Bordeaux to the north, it offers miles of long sandy beaches, spectacular seafood, scented pine forests and historic towns.
Our dedicated team of Aquitaine specialists have curated a stunning collection of luxury villas along the Aquitaine coast and on the fashionable island of Ile de Ré. The properties sleep up to 12 people, most have a heated private pool and many are within an easy walk of the beach.
Hossegor and the Landes Coast is laced with picturesque lakes, cycle routes and dunes framed by some of France’s best surfing beaches. Hossegor itself has something of a southern California vibe which is a hit with surf-mad teens, whilst the more laid-back Capbreton oozes charm and has a stellar beach.
Further down the coast lie Biarritz and the Basque Country, a heady mix of Belle Epoque glamour and verdant Basque countryside. Our characterful farmhouses and contemporary villas are ideally located within easy striking distance of Biarritz and close to the fishing villages of Guéthary and Bidart.
It’s hard to avoid superlatives when it comes to the Ile de Ré – the epitome of barefoot chic. We think it’s as close as you can get to a truly carefree, car-free holiday in France with its warm micro-climate, miles of beaches, cycle tracks, pine forest and fantastic restaurants. We have some smaller boltholes here, perfect for romantic getaways, as well as family houses.
We have also partnered with two hotels – perfect gems for some understated pampering. Hôtel La Villa l’Arche is a glorious 12-room clifftop property in the village of Bidart whilst Les Vignes de la Chapelle is similarly intimate, located in a sleepy village on the Ile de Ré.
The Aquitaine coast is the perfect choice for families and groups of friends wanting to get together for a relaxed beach holiday. Getting there is easy: choose from a choice of ferry crossings – to St Malo, Caen, Santander and Bilbao; or flights to Bordeaux, Bergerac, Biarritz and Bilbao; there are also easy rail connections via Paris.
Explore our hand-picked selection of luxury villas in Aquitaine and the Ile de Ré. See the review of Simpson Travel.
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