 |
Gascony is a landscape of valleys and rolling hills, and from the southern hills you can enjoy views of the Pyrénées. To the extreme south, straddling the French-Spanish border is the Basque region, an area of tremendous character where the people have proudly retained their rich culture, cuisine and folklore. |
 |
The coasts of Gascony are characterised by huge dunes, magnificent sandy beaches and plenty of surf. South of the elegant and cultural city of Bordeaux, at the heart of the region renowned world-wide for its wine, lies the pine forest of Les Landes and the Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe. |
 |
Once an area of sand and marshland, Les Landes was planted more than a century ago to create Europe’s greatest forest and has become a wonderful haven for wildlife. Originally tapped for their resin, the pines of the Landes are today managed largely for their timber. |
 |
Both Gascony and neighbouring Royan are famous for shellfish and ‘magrets’ (grilled duck breast), as well as confits of duck. While the gentle climate makes this area ideal for producing Armagnac. Almost every village has a market and these provide some of the best places for purchasing fresh bread as well as delicious local produce. |