Car Hire in Aquitaine

The Aquitaine region of France is located in the South West of the country, and shares a border with Spain. The Pyrenees mountains make up much or the border, and the region also has a significant coastal line, with the Bay of Biscay a hugely popular tourist location. Hiring a car in the Aquitaine region gives tourists the perfect way to explore the region and whether you are driving through the mountains, visiting the wonderful chateau, or just going to the beach, hiring a car is a great way to get around.

The region is spread over 15 thousands square miles, and is one of the larger regions in the country. It’s capital is Bordeaux, and it is home to the second largest wine producing region in the world.

The coast of Aquitaine is particularly popular, with huge surfing competitions taking place in the region throughout the year, thanks to the waves produced by winds out in the Atlantic. In the summer Aquitaine is popular with tourists, who are keen to visit some of the best beaches in the country.

Places to visit when hiring a car in Aquitaine

Dordogne Castles

One of Aquitaine’s sub regions, Dordogne is known as one of the most picturesque areas in the country, and the Dordogne river runs through the region populated with over 1500 castles.

The middle aged Chateau de Beynac is one of the most popular castles in the region, and looks stunning on the limestone cliffs. The Chateau de Biron is another castle which is well worth a visit.

Caves of Lascaux

Discovered by four adventurous teenagers and their dog in 1940, the caves of Lascaux feature stunning pieces of artwork all over the walls, of the many cave calls in the series. Unfortunately, the caves were closed to the public in 1963, after the near 400,000 visitors a year breathed so much carbon dioxide that the paintings started to fade. They have since been restored, and replicated in Lascaux II, which is located just yards from the original and is open to visitors.

Bordeaux

The capital city of the region, Bordeaux is a beautiful port city, famous for its bridges, architecture and urban culture. As a city of art and history, the UNESCO world heritage guide calls the city one which features an ‘outstanding urban and architectural ensemble’ and is well worth a visit.

Grand Theatre

Located in Bordeaux, the Grand Theatre was built in the 1700s, and is a stunning huge theatre with art work and detailing all over the walls and ceiling inside. You can visit the theatre to see the national ballet, or the Bordeaux Opera on most week nights.

Wine Region

Aquitaine is home to the Bordeaux wine region, which features around 10,000 chateaux over nearly 300,000 acres of land. Producing over 700 million bottles of a wine every year, the region produces some of the most expensive and desirable wine in the world.

Chateau Lafite Rothschild

Owned by the Rothschild family, the Chateau is known as one of the first growth chateau, a ranking which puts it up there with the best wine producing estates in the world. If you want to buy some wine on your visit you had better save up as a case of wine from the 2005 vintage costs over £10,000.