Holiday Homes to Rent in Aquitaine

Welcome to our selection of holiday homes to rent in Aquitaine, France.

The region of Aquitaine, in the south-west of France, stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Dordogne Valley and from the Basque country to the Bergerace wine region. Whether you're interested in water sports, sunbathing, history, good food and wine or culture, the area will have something for you. The main city of Bordeaux, with its historic centre and all the amenities of a large town, is an ideal place from which to explore the rest of Aquitaine.

The medieval streets of old Bordeaux, on the banks of the River Garonne, are definitely worth exploring. You will also find plenty of shops selling souvenirs and local produce, including some of the region's world-famous red wine. There are several pedestrian areas in both the old and new parts of the town, a number of historical and cultural museums and the Palais Rohan, Bordeaux's impressive 18th century town hall, with a large open square in front. Parts have now been converted into an art gallery; good to visit not just for the exhibits, but also to see the interior of this interesting piece of architecture.

The beaches in the Aquitaine region are not your average seaside resorts. The beaches are more likely to be large, open areas of sand dunes, than pretty seaside towns with promenades. The Atlantic Ocean in this area is ideal for water sports such as wind surfing and sailing and there is even a surfing centre at Lacanau in the north of Aquitaine. Arcachon is the most traditional resort in the region, with a sandy beach, promenade and hotels. Further south, you will find yourself in the Basque country, which continues down to the Spanish border and beyond. The sophisticated resort of Biarritz is popular in the summer and the winter, as visitors are close to the skiing slopes of the Pyrenees. In warmer weather, you can enjoy hiking or biking in the mountains too.

The most westerly parts of the beautiful Dordogne Valley are found in the Aquitaine region. There are several medieval towns on hilltops, offering great views over the surrounding countryside; towns like Sarlat and Domme. Nearby is the Vezere Valley which is known as a major centre for prehistoric sites, including the famous Lascaux cave. Many of the caves that have paintings inside are no longer open to the public for preservation reasons, but there are still plenty of interesting locations to visit. If you prefer something a little less energetic or educational, you can always visit one of the dozens of vineyards in this part of France and sample their produce.

Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Aquitaine? Then below is a selection of gites in Aquitaine and villas in Aquitaine that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.