The south-west of France is one of France's most popular destinations, with the mountainous territory of the Pyrenees, the watersport-led lifestyle of the coastal resorts, and the famous Dordogne countryside. This page shall take an in-depth look at what is about here, as well as in Limousin, the region just south of Centre and to the west of Auvergne.

Aquitaine is made up of the departments of Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne and Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

Dordogne is the inland part of this region, and has become one of the most well-known spots for British visitors, whether they are quitting the rat-race, buying a holiday home, or enjoying a holiday. The reason is clear: mile upon mile of unspoilt verdant countryside. There are also myriad castles (over 1000, it is believed). Amongst these is Château de Biron, with a range of architectural styles which reflect the different periods of development it has gone through. Its 14th century chapel is on two levels, the lower one existing for villagers, and the upper one for the lords who thought they should be based closer to heaven when it came time to pray. Château de Bourdeilles is actually two castles, one with a 13th century fortress section and a mighty octagonal keep, and the other 16th century with refined designs which abound. Château de Castelnaud has a Museum of Mediaeval Warfare inside it, which has a large collection of mediaeval armour, and is one of the most-visited castles in the area. The origins of Château de Commarque are largely unknown. It became buried in silt and dirt and a 13th century village which once surrounded it is being gradually uncovered and discovered. The listed historical monument of Château de Hautefort is notable for its finely-designed French gardens. Formerly a fortified castle, in the 17th century it underwent development into a Renaissance-style palace. In the middle of the last century, it was restored only to suffer a devastating fire upon completion. It was then re-restored! ...............READ MORE ABOUT AQUITAINE AND THE PYRENEES