News from Aquitaine - Summer 2013 by CRTAquitaine

summer 2013

[ ACCOMMODATION] Bordeaux: « City B&Bs » special feature 1

Accommodation

• The 22Bordeaux • Huttopia • The Manoir des Cèdres • La Co(o)rniche • The château de l’Isle • The château de Cambes • Best Western - Le Grand Hôtel, Bayonne • The château de Porthos

Wine tourism

• The grands crus get a facelift • La Libertie • The château de Commarque • The château de Cérons

River tourism

• Follow « Gens d’Estuaire » • A new cruise ship • Bordeaux and cruise operators

Tour packages

• Weightless with an astronaut • the Périgord on horseback • The tour de l’Ossau • The underground site of La Verna • Travelling in a van • The 2013 Michelin guide winners

Transport

• The new air routes • The Gironde seen from the sky • New sales handbook

Villa Cosy: 3 unique atmospheres for a luxury guest house Fitted out by design and architecture enthusiasts, Villa Cosy welcomes you a stone’s throw from the Place Gambetta, for a leisure or business stay in a luxurious and contemporary atmosphere. Decorated with care in a very trendy spirit and equipped with the latest technologies (flat screen TV, air conditioning, WiFi), the « New York » (32 m2), « Driftwood » (35 m2) and « Andy Warhol » (40 m2) rooms all offer quality bedding, a beautiful bathroom and luxury designer furniture. The villa can also be privatized, allowing guests to enjoy the culinary talents of Francis Garcia, former Michelin starred chef of some of the gourmet addresses in the capital of Gironde (Le Clavel, Le Chapon Fin, L’Olivier), who will be pleased to cook for a table of 6 or more guests.

Rates: €140 to €160, depending on the room (sliding scale depending on the length of stay) tourist tax not included. Villa Cosy 137-139 rue Georges Bonnac - 33000 Bordeaux Tel.: +33 / (0) 556 724 262 Mob.: +33 / (0) 613 705 601 Email: fg@villa-cosy.com www.villa-cosy.com

« Au cœur de Bordeaux », simply put Aude and Sébastien await you «Au cœur de Bordeaux» in this 19th century building located in the historic centre near the cathedral and close to Mériadeck’s business district. Furnished with antiques and objects gleaned over the last ten years in faraway places, their 5 bright rooms (including two suites) are

decorated in a baroque style with maximum comfort (WiFi, mini-bar, flat screen TV, quality bedding, cotton linen, etc.). After sightseeing or your business appointments, a trip to the cellar will allow you to enjoy your wine for the evening while Sébastien cooks a gourmet meal with local produce from the same day’s market (minimum 4 people). Tarifs adapted to singles, couples or families (€70 to €140) as well as to the daily allowances of business clients (€70 to €100). The « Au cœur de Bordeaux » Bed and Breakfast 28 Rue Boulan - 33000 Bordeaux Tel.: +33 / (0) 556 524 358 Mob.: +33 / (0) 689 658 421 Email: contact@aucoeurdebordeaux.fr www.aucoeurdebordeaux.fr 1

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The 22 Bordeaux: a combination of a bed and breakfast and a cooking school Myriam, passionate about cooking, which she taught for ten years, has just opened her guest house in a late 18th century home, located in the Saint-Seurin district, 10 minutes from the Place des Grands Hommes and the city’s chic boutiques. Under the name of « Pari Gourmand », she offers, for groups of 6 to 8 people maximum, the teaching of family recipes reworked for today’s tastes to an audience of beginners or those who are experienced. During your stay you will stay in 4 elegant rooms with evocative names of the

« portes de Bordeaux » (gates of Bordeaux). And if you don’t have the time to learn the

secrets of her cuisine during this first trip, you can always sign up for one of her « gourmet tours », or take a moment to enjoy her breakfasts on the terrace, opposite the heated pool. Rates: €60 to €135 per room (breakfast included - tourist tax not included) 22Bordeaux 22, rue Georges Mandel - 33000 Bordeaux Contact: Mrs Myriam-Claire Escario Tel.: + 33 / (0) 675 643 511 www.22bordeaux.com

Other accommodation in Aquitaine

It’s in the heart of the Lanmary forest, 9 km north-east of Périgueux, in the municipality of Antonne-et-Trigonant, that the company Huttopia S.A, specialised in upscale ecological outdoor hospitality, is going to open its 7th site this summer and its 1st forest camp, created in partnership with the ONF. Wood cabins, cahuttes on stilts, Canadian or open-field for everyone who pitches their tent (or one that can be hired at the reception...), you can choose from 140 sites that are perfectly integrated into the

landscape for a return to basics and a quiet holiday, in a campsite in complete harmony with nature. No large pool or spa or air conditioned rental accommodation, no large, hosted evenings with various shows, no cars in the aisles, television in the accommodation or WiFi access on the site (except the life centre). In exchange, a new environment-friendly holiday experience, to break from your daily routine and camp on the forest scale, exploring its territory, learning about the

Huttopia: opening of a high-end eco-campsite on the outskirts of Périgueux

fauna and flora while enjoying all the services and amenities offered by an upscale campsite Rates: in high season, a cabin on existing sites lets for €100 to €175 per night. Huttopia booking center: Tel.: + 33 / (0) 437 642 235 Email: info@huttopia.com www.huttopia.com

The Manoir des Cèdres: an authentic manor in Périgord Noir

Ideally located on the Sarlat-Périgueux axis, just a few kilometres from Rouffignac Cave and near Lascaux II, the Manoir des cèdres

is an ideal base from which you can visit the incomparable tourist sights of the Dordogne. In the middle of a beautiful park with ancient cedar trees, this hotel *** has 23 rooms decorated with care and equipped with all modern comforts, spread between the house and nearby outbuildings. The main building also offers family rooms (sleeping up to 5). In this house - hotel, your children will be busy between the pool, the playground and the multimedia room. Anne and her team are waiting for you and will advise you on ways to discover the region. As for golfers, they will

enjoy the nearby Golf de la Marterie and its 18-hole course and benefit from preferential rates at the hotel. Rates: In the outbuildings, 14 classic rooms from €65 per night. In the main house, there are 9 «Grand Charm» rooms (including two adjoining suites) from €90 per night. Manoir des Cèdres « Tourtel » 24580 - Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac Tel.: + 33 / (0) 553 030 160 www.manoirdescedres.com

Motivated by the success of its jewel perched on the dune near Arcachon, La Co(o)rniche, a 5-star hotel redesigned by Philippe Starck has been expanded according to the wish of its manager William Téchoueyres. This has been done with the installation that is currently in progress, of 9 wood cabins on the dune, inspired by cabins in the oyster-farming village of l’Herbe, on the Peninsula. Each cabin contains two 45m2 2

bedrooms. They allow the hotel to increase its capacity by 18 suites (currently 11 rooms). Construction was overseen by the designer Starck himself and fitting out of the interior will be completed in June, for an official opening on 12 July. La Co(o)rniche 46 avenue Louis Gaume - 33115 Pyla-sur-Mer Tel.: + 33 / (0) 556 227 211

La Co(o)rniche: 18 additional rooms for the mythical Pyla-sur-Mer hotel

Email: contact@lacoorniche-pyla.com servicegroupes@lacoorniche-pyla.com www.lacoorniche-pyla.com

SUMMER 2013

In a 6-hectare park planted with hundred-year oaks, this 18th century home, ideally located in the Medoc area 30 km from Bordeaux and 30 minutes from the Atlantic beaches, will charm you with its unique architecture, green environment and good size swimming pool. On the first floor, 4 recently renovated guest rooms await you with contemporary decoration and regional period furniture. In addition, bikes are available for rides in the

forest or in the vineyards. For horse-riding enthusiasts, the owners of the castle also welcome riders and their mounts. Gallop on the beaches, visit the grands crus of the Médoc on horseback or rest in the shade of the mulberry tree on the terrace: the choice is in your hands. Rates: €95 to €130 per room (breakfast included tourist tax not included).

Château de l’Isle: a Bed & Breakfast between grands crus and ocean beaches

Château de l’Isle (rated 4 épis by the Gîtes de France) 22 rue de l’Isle - 33480 Castelnau-de-Médoc Tel.: +33 / (0) 556 797 096 http://chateau-de-lisle.fr/

Charming Bed and Breakfast at the Château de Cambes 6 km from Agen city centre, this amazing house, which dates back to the 14th century, is an excellent starting point for a peaceful stay, where the pool, park and walks in the woods will brighten your days. Five rooms await you, each personalized with a musical or unusual theme. All have a view over a 5-hectare park adorned with majestic cedars of Lebanon and towering magnolias. Depending on the season, breakfast will be served in the dining room, the orangery or on the terrace. The sauna, fitness room, spa bath and massage table will participate in your well-being. The library, pianos, bicycles, Ping-Pong table, board

games and golf accessories, will allow you enjoy, on-site, multiple recreational and cultural activities. WiFi available in the establishment.

Prices: €145 for one night for two people with breakfast included. Extra bed with breakfast, per person, per night: 30€ Week (7 nights): 920€ Possibility of «table d’hôtes» and room hire for your birthday meals or family events (maximum 30 people). Château de Cambes 47480 Pont-du-Casse Tel.: +33 /(0)553 953 873 Mob.: +33 / (0) 647 998 859 Email: contact@chateau-de-cambes.com www.chateau-de-cambes.com

Best Western - Le Grand Hôtel: 4-star comfort in the heart of Bayonne

In the historic centre of Bayonne, Best Western Le Grand Hôtel offers its guests the opportunity to enjoy a privileged location to discover the local culture and cuisine.

Built in a former Carmelite convent dating from the 19th century, this hotel offers 57 air-conditioned and comfortably furnished rooms, in an ideal location for business and tourist trips. The English-style lounge bar will allow you to relax and the team offers a warm and attentive welcome. The surrounding areas, the city with ancient houses, surrounded by seven prestigious golf courses between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic coast, offer the events of a city embellished by its gardens, and its rivers, the Nive and the Adour: shows, museums

and ancient streets, reflecting the charm of a genuine Basque city and home to original shops. Rates: Double room: €83 to €180 Single room: €77 to €164 Breakfast: 13€ Best Western Le Grand Hôtel (4 stars) 21 Rue Thiers - 64100 Bayonne Tel.: +33 / (0) 559 596 200 Email: infos@bw-legrandhotel.com Worldspan: 93280 / Sabre: 24948 / Amadeus: BIQ280 /Galileo: 12251

Le Château de Porthos in Barétous (64) In the heart of the village of Lanne-enBarétous on the road to the ski resort of La Pierre-St-Martin, come to discover the castle that provided shelter at the end of Porthos’ life, famed musketeer of the King. Michele Cluzant-Lahert welcomes you and offers 4 guest rooms accented with original woodwork the evocative names of Miladys, Athos, Porthos and Aramis. This historic home from the early 17th century, fully renovated by an enthusiast of history and old buildings, is an ideal place for a stay in the Pyrénées Atlantiques. Its spacious terraces open out across views of the Barétous valley’s

mountains, not far from the big Pyrenean passes, while an outdoor spa allows you to relax before starting a game of pool in the former kitchens in the castle’s basement.

Using the vegetables and herbs from the castle’s garden, Michele takes to the kitchen so you can discover, at her «table d’hôtes», the Béarnaise cuisine to which she holds the secret (by reservation). Rates: Room for 2 people from €75 Porthos room for 3/4 people from €125 Table d’hôtes: €25 (adult), minimum 4 people Château de Porthos Le Bourg - 64570 Lanne-en-Baretous Email: chateaudeporthos@hotmail.fr Tel.: + 33 / (0) 559 346 674 Mob.: + 33 / (0) 640 965 043 Contact: Mrs Michèle Cluzant-Laher 3

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[ WINE TOURISM ] The grands crus get a facelift

Château La Dominique

Depuis la fin des années 1980 les grands crus ont fait peau neuve et ont créé de nouveaux chais en choisissant des architectes de renom. Si Lafite Rothschild fut l’un des précurseurs dans le Médoc en inaugurant en 1987 son chai circulaire conçu par Ricardo Bofill, les signatures illustres se multiplient aujourd’hui, pour le plus grand plaisir des visiteurs. In Saint-Emilion, like in the Médoc. After the wine and spirit store-cathedral built at the Château Faugères by Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel’s great liner at Château La Dominique, Christian de Portzamparc’s undulating hill at the Château Le Cheval Blanc or the more discreet but equally impressive sea barrels designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte inside the Cos d’Estournel, new projects are expected to see the light of day soon. In 2013, the Château Pavie (1st Grand Cru Ranked « A » from Saint-Emilion) is expected to present its new wine and spirit store, which has been entrusted to Alberto Pinto. The structure, all in stone and glass, is part of an oeno-tourism approach desired by the owners and will be organised around an imposing entrance hall. Wine quality associated with better public reception. In the Medoc, the designer of the Louvre Pyramid, the architect Ieoh Ming Pei, is in charge of the renovation of the Château Lynch-Bages’ facilities, while Norman Foster has been given the challenge of creating the new wine and spirit store and the underground wine library of the prestigious Château Margaux, without altering the historic building

dating 1810 that has been protected since 1946. The renovation aims, above all, to improve the production of white wine by dreaming up a new fermenting room, but, for the famous architect (Millau Viaduct, British Museum, etc.) it is also about ensuring better public reception with attractive and functional reception and tasting rooms. Work began in spring 2013, for an opening scheduled in 2018. Starck also in the Graves. In the heart of the Graves vineyards (PessacLéognan), Philippe Starck, a regular in the region (renovation of the La Co(o)rniche hotel-restaurant in Pyla-sur-Mer) and the Bordeaux architect Luc Arsène-Henry are focusing on the construction of an aging cellar, a new fermenting room and reception areas for the Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion. More than an improvement to the property and vineyards, Patrice Pichet, the owner, wants to combine design and quality of the fermenting room, as well as create « a readily accessible location for the people of Bordeaux » and to be able to reveal to them, in an educational way, the world of wine. The project will take shape late 2014, early 2015.

Château Pavie - 33330 Saint-Emilion Contact: Mr and Mrs Gérard Perse Tours:Tours by appointment only, reserved for professionals. Tel: + 33 / (0) 557 554 343 Email: contact@vignoblesperse.com www.chateau-pavie.com Château Lynch-Bages 33250 Pauillac Tel: + 33 / (0) 556 732 400 www.lynchbages.com Château Margaux 33460 Margaux Tel: + 33 / (0) 557 888 383 www.chateau-margaux.com Château les Carmes Haut-Brion 20 rue des Carmes - 33000 Bordeaux Tel: +33 (0)5 56 93 23 40 Fax: +33 (0)5 56 93 10 71 Email : chateau@les-carmes-haut-brion.com www.les-carmes-haut-brion.com

La Libertie: a charming house in the heart of the Pécharmant vineyard, honoured by the Michelin Guide 2013 After a 20 year career at the top of the Swedish hospitality and catering industry, Christina and Johan Osterlund took a new turn and bought, in Campsegret, not far from Bergerac (20 minutes from the airport), a 19th century stone house to accommodate 5 guest rooms in the heart of the Pécharmant vineyards. Set in a large shaded and flowered garden, La Libertie, has 5 non-smoking rooms that were completely renovated in 2010, each with a different decor, a private bathroom

by Figaro Magazine among the top 200 B&Bs in France, now, it is entering into the Michelin guide.

and individual access to the garden and pool. Awarded, from its first year, 4 ears by the Clévacances label and cited the following year

Rates: from €80 (double room for two people, breakfast included) - Tourist tax €0.22/person/ night La Libertie - 24140 Campsegret Contact: Mr Johan Osterlund Tel.: + 33 / (0) 553 616 645 Email: info@lalibertie.com www.lalibertie.com

Share in the everyday lives of the owners of the Château de Commarque in Sauternais A kilometre from the village of Sauternes, on the far western side of the vineyard, 3 large bedrooms, with period furnishings, private bathrooms and free WiFi await you for a stay giving you a change of scenery in the Mauriac region. In a 19th century building, a home of winemakers who also raise Bazas beef and train, on the estate, 25 thoroughbred horses, 4

you will experience the everyday life of the Walton family and discover the unusual lives of these owners living in the Gironde.You can also enjoy the outdoor pool and the castle’s park and explore the “Route des Vins de Bordeaux en Graves et Sauternes” [Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes]. Rates: €90 - Tourist tax not included Extra bed: 10€.

Château de Commarque Contact: Mrs Nathalie Walton 33210 Sauternes Tel.: +33 / (0) 556 762 473 Mob: +33 7 (0) 689 159 596

SUMMER 2013

Château de Cérons, a journey of character in the heart of a confidential appellation Built on a terrace overlooking the Garonne River and surrounded by tall stone walls, the Château de Cérons, a historical monument, is located 30 minutes from Bordeaux in the heart of the village of the same name. On the « Route des Vins de Bordeaux en Graves et Sauternes » [Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes], Xavier and Caroline Perromat, at the head of 26 hectares of planted vines, open the doors of their property for a historical and architectural œno-tourism tour. After a reception in the courtyard of their beautiful Charterhouse and a few words of history, you will discover the 18th century

barrel wine and spirit store and the cooper’s shop preserved in their original state, then they offer wine enthusiasts a tasting of the château’s trilogy, which comes in three colours. The Château de Cérons has indeed the privilege of producing sweet wines with golden tones, as well as red and white Graves. A temporary shop makes it possible to acquire a few bottles from one of Bordeaux’s most confidential AOC. In the surrounding area, the 12th century church opposite the castle and the village laundry complete the visit, as a hike along one of the two circuits that leave from the domain.

Château de Cérons Tel.: + 33 / (0) 556 270 113 www.chateaudecerons.com Email: perromat@chateaudecerons.com Tours and tasting by reservation (agency fee)

[ RIVER TOURISM ] Follow « Gens d’Estuaire » Sauternais for a wine tasting, to visit a shipyard or a military fort, etc. The Gens d’Estuaire team is full of original ideas to surprise you. Departures are from Bordeaux, Blaye (right bank) and Pauillac (left bank) on one of Gens d’Estuaire’s three boats. One of their most recurring proposals is a wine grower aperitif, departing from Bordeaux on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, 7.00 pm to 8.45 pm. On the agenda, a wine grower will have you taste two wines while the boat goes along, from one bridge to the next, the façades of the Port de la Lune [Port of the Moon]. Rates: from €18 for the wine grower aperitif to €149 for the «sweet Sauternes» cruise; €25-45 for most cruise-tours. Discounts for children under 12 years old. The details of all proposals, dates, times and locations can be found on their website.

Gens d’estuaire 12 rue Charlevoix de Villers - 33300 Bordeaux Tel.: +33 / (0) 556 392 766 Mob.: + 33 / (0) 637 077 377 Email: contact@gensdestuaire.fr www.gensdestuaire.fr

A new bridge and 43 boats are expected in Bordeaux in 2013 Three days of festival preceded, last March, the opening of the new bridge in Bordeaux, the fifth to unite both sides of the river since the construction of the Pont de Pierre built by Napoleon 1st between 1810 and 1822. It was definitely worth it because 10 years after the Pont Mitterrand, Pont Jacques-ChabanDelmas now offers the capital of

Gironde a new tourist attraction that could become a symbol of the city, which is already registered for its many attractions on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Besides its very modern aspect, the largest drawbridge in Europe, designed by the engineer Michel Virlogeux, designer of the Pont de Normandie and the Millau Viaduct, rises to 77 meters, thus offering a spectacular

We have repeatedly presented the charms of the Gironde estuary, its places of natural or cultural visits, moments of celebration, its photogenic sunsets, its sweets, etc. With Gens d’Estuaire, a receptive agency composed of professionals who are passionate about the largest estuary in Europe, you are invited to discover this exceptional destination during cultural, oenological and thematic cruises. For a day, a half-day, in the evening, with or without a meal, to celebrate a personal event or to organise conferences, business lunches, gala dinners or incentive days for your customers, there are no less than 25 proposals from May to October. Attend a festive evening on a barge, enjoy the privacy of an island for meetings, discover the grape harvests (vines are planted on island Margaux!) or make a stopover in the

view of the region that is likely to become one of the city’s most popular vantage points. It was a regular in the port de la Lune, the majestic three-masted «Belem», that was the first boat to cross under the bridge, and 43 other ships, including 26 liners are expected in 2013, confirming the attractiveness of Bordeaux the cruise market.

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Cyrano de Bergerac: a second ship departing from Bordeaux for Croisieurope The Gironde is one of Croisieurope’s flagship destinations,a European leader in river cruises. After the « Princesse d’Aquitaine » (138 passengers), which offers cruises of 5, 7 or 8 days from Bordeaux, a new boat, the « Cyrano de Bergerac » (176 passengers) has joined the cruise fleet and schedule,

from this summer, a 5-day/4-night route in the Bordeaux region. From €555 with full board (list price), this brand new 110 metre ship will leave the port de la lune on May 20 for Pauillac, Le Médoc, Blaye, Cadillac and Saint-Emilion. www.croisieurope.com

[ TOUR PACKAGES ] Weightless with an astronaut: a dream that is now possible, departing from Bordeaux-Merignac The A300 Zero-G Airbus of Novespace, a subsidiary of CNES, took off Friday, 15 March from Bordeaux-Merignac, with its first paying passengers in Europe on board for a journey of weightless discovery. In two-hours of flight, the first 40 passengers, supervised by the astronaut and president of Novaspace, Jean-François Clervoy, were offered 15 22-second parabolic

flights, 2 minutes apart to escape the Earth’s gravity. The 2013/2014 campaign will consist of 6 flights, i.e. 240 seats. Organised over a day for 5,980 euros per person, the first two missions were full in a few days. The third flight is scheduled in October from BordeauxMerignac.

List price: € 5,980, including taxes. Information and reservations: www.AirZeroG.fr Tel.: + 33 / (0) 158 612 727

Sleep in an 18th century manor and discover the Périgord on horseback A charming 4 épis guesthouse, the Château du Rayet is an 18th century manor of Italian architecture, surrounded by a moat of water. It will be your home for this week of riding in the Haut-Agenais-Périgord valley. For 5 days, with an average of five hours a day in the saddle,

you can discover the village of Monflanquin erected in 1256 and that of Villeréal, built in 1267 by Alphonse de Poitiers. Between old stones, lunch on the lake’s shoes and country landscapes, you will pass through the typical villages of Montaut and Saint-Etienne-deVilleréal and can admire the imposing Château de Biron. Today a historical monument, it is an outstanding architectural structure because of its multiple reworkings from the 12th to 17th centuries. It served as a backdrop to several films, including « La Fille de d’Artagnan » with Sophie Marceau and even « Visitors II ». During your trip, breakfasts and dinners will be held in the castle at their « table d’hôtes », and picnics will be sent to the meeting

locations for the lunches. This trip will also be an opportunity to enjoy the castle (2 large rooms and 3 suites) and its extended estate with its fishpond, woods, park and pool. Nearby cities: 31 km from Bergerac, 43 km from Sarlat, 28 km from Villeneuve-sur-Lot. Bordeaux-Merignac Airport 119.18 km. Chambre d’hôtes Château du Rayet 47210 Le Rayet - Villereal - Le tour de l’Ossau Information and reservations: Mrs Anne Van Hullebus Tel.: + 33 / (0) 553 367 663 Email: chateaudurayet@wanadoo.fr www.chateaudurayet.fr

The Laruns Office of Tourism offers circuit in the Pyrénées at the foot of the prestigious Pic du Midi d’Ossau, a remnant of an ancient volcano, which dominates the Béarn valleys and is the range’s iconic summit. This guided hike (6 days/5 nights with full board), in loops without porting, from hut to hut, promises to be full of discoveries and encounters since the mountain is alive with vibrant pastoralism and fauna that is among the richest in the range. 4 to 6 hours of walking per day, 4 nights in guarded mountain huts and one night in a 6

hotel **. Evening meals are held in the huts with a picnic lunch and Béarnaise meal at the end of the stay. DATES 24 to 28 June 2013 8 to 12 July 2013 26 to 30 August 2013 9 to 13 September 2013 2013 rates: €499 per person This price includes: accommodation with full board (picnic lunches) and supervision by a mountain guide.

The tour de l’Ossau, around a world in 5 days

Contact and booking: Laruns Office of Tourism Tel.: + 33 / (0) 559 054 894 Email: production@ossau-tourisme.com www.ossau-pyrenees.com

SUMMER 2013

60 years ago... La Verna, between Béarn and the Basque Country Throughout 2013, we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the discovery of the underground site of La Verna in SainteEngrâce. Open to the public since summer 2010, the tour makes it possible to walk in the footsteps of the pioneers of the gulf of La-Pierre-Saint-Martin and to discover one of the largest underground rooms in the world (250 meters in diameter - 190 meters high - 5 hectares in size). World-renowned site and potholing mecca, La Verna is now accessible to all, and has won the Accessibility trophy in 2013 in the « Tourism and Disability » category. It welcomes individuals, groups and schools year round, by reservation, and a programme of specific activities will be offered until October 2013.

Night tour, underground bivouac, meditation session, learn about the Vernaen company of a famous storyteller, all-terrain rally on the footsteps of Sauveur Bouchet, etc. Many ideas for visits await you. To all this is added four major exhibitions, contests and drawings, plus a special programme of activities on 13 August 2013 to celebrate the anniversary of this unconventional geological site, which dates, back 200,000 years. Contact and booking: SAS La Verna Pierre Saint-Martin Espace d’accueil Arrakotchepia 64560 Sainte-Engrace Tel.: + 33 / (0) 975 177 566 Mob.: + 33 / (0) 637 882 905 Email: contact@laverna.fr www.laverna.fr

Itinerant accommodation: travelling in a van from the 70s Departing from Biarritz in the manner of legendary American and Californian road trips, Campy Camper gives you the opportunity to

realise your dreams of escape by crossing the roads of Aquitaine in a fitted out van inspired by the Volkswagens of the 70s. From €59 per day (list price - unlimited mileage and comprehensive insurance included), the Campy offers a compromise between holiday accommodation and car hire to explore at will the thousand and one facets of our region. Each van has a convertible table/bed for three people, a kitchenette with a sink,

stove, refrigerator and several cupboards. The company also offers packages and optional services according to the profile and needs of travellers. A new concept that is particularly suitable for enthusiasts who come to surf our 250 kilometres of ocean coastline, Campy Camper also offers an alternative for travellers who want to control their budget while remaining free to move. Campy Camper 99 rue Pierre de Chevigné ( former Rue Simonet ) - 64200 Biarritz Tel.: + 33 / (0) 533 471 741 Email: contact@campycamper.com www.campycamper.com

FOOD: the 2013 Michelin guide winners

Chef ’s special by Nicolas Magie, on board the « Saint-James » in Bouliac

The 104th edition of the famous red guide has honoured the Basque country with 5 new restaurants that have earned their first star this year. In Biarritz, Fabian Feldmann, who just opened his own restaurant (L’Impertinent) was rewarded, as well as Alexander Bousquet (L’Atelier) and Christophe Grosjean (Château de Brindos). The wine bar at the Maison Eguiazabalà Hendaye, with its famous cellar (over 3000 references) and Zoko Moko in Saint-Jean-de-Luz also joined the list of the region’s great gastronomic restaurants. The Relais de la Poste, in Magescq (40), meanwhile retains its two stars, as well as the Château

Cordeillan-Bages in Pauillac (33), Michel Trama in Puymirol (47) and the Hostellerie de Plaisance in Saint-Emilion (33). In total, 47 of Aquitaine’s restaurants are winners this year while Michel Guerard’s restaurant, Les Prés d’Eugénie in Eugénie-lesBains, (40) has retained, since 1977, its three stars. Finally, six restaurants were distinguished by a Bib Gourmand: Le Clos Basque in Biarritz (64), L’Air de Famille in Bordeaux, L’Amphitryon in Dax (40), Le Gantxo in Guiche (64), Arcé in Saint-Etienne-de-Baïgorry (64) and Ttotta in Saint-Etienne-de-Baïgorry (64).

NEWS from AQUITAINE pro.tourisme-aquitaine.fr

TRANSPORT

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Bergerac-Düsseldorf with Ryanair

3 new routes departing from Bordeaux with Volotea

Ryanair, which already serves two destinations in Aquitaine (Biarritz and Bordeaux) just opened, last April, a new Bergerac-Düsseldorf route (one flight per week). Following Belgium and Britain, the carrier is now opening the doors of the Dordogne to a German clientele. www.ryanair.com

Volotea officially kicked off its second French base on 28 March at BordeauxMerignac where both its Boeing 717s are based.The low-cost Spanish airline will serve three new routes this summer departing from Bordeaux: Munich (from 31 May), Florence (1st June) and Olbia (2 June), that is 12 destinations in total. France: Ajaccio, Bastia, Lille, Strasbourg and Toulon Italy:Venice, Florence, Palermo and Olbia Spain: Malaga and Ibiza Germany: Munich

And Hop! the low-cost airline of Air France in Aquitaine The new low-cost airline HOP!, a subsidiary of Air France resulting from the merger of Airlinair, Brit Air and Regional Airlines’ activities, was officially launched last March. Agen is now accessible at low cost from Paris (from €55 - list price), while Biarritz, Bordeaux and Pau welcome new low cost regional destinations. www.hop.fr

London-Pau with Cityjet Two flights per week are scheduled from London City to Pau-Pyrénées with CITYJET from €159 return and €69 one-way (list price). Pau Airport is located only 15km from the city centre, with very frequent departures by bus for a journey time of approximately 20 minutes. www.cityjet.com

Comité Régional de Tourisme d’Aquitaine 4/5 Place Jean Jaurès - CS 31759 33074 Bordeaux Cedex Tel. +33(0)5 56 01 70 00 Fax +33(0)5 56 01 70 07 tourisme@tourisme-aquitaine.fr pro.tourisme-aquitaine.fr aquitaine-bordeaux.fr

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The Gironde seen from the sky with Helipropassion Helipropassion puts its helicopters at your disposal for any requests for private or commercial transport. If you need a shuttle to travel to your clients at major Bordeaux trade shows, or if you dream of organising an aerial demonstration to celebrate an event or create a surprise for your congresses and incentives, its pilots, who are aviation enthusiasts, will offer you customised services. To help you discover new emotions, in groups or as an individual, Helipropassion also offers many gift box ideas including: Your flight initiation as a couple over the vineyards of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol (€185, including taxes, for 2 people) A flight over Arcachon Bay above Cap-Ferret, Banc d’Arguin and the Dune of Pyla (€275, including taxes, per person) A ride above the vineyards of Margaux, Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, Pauillac and Listrac with wine tasting and presentation of your oenological profile before returning to Libourne (€225 per person). Original packages to allow you to discover the Girondins landscapes reaching as far as the eye can see. Helipropassion - Tel.: + 33 / (0) 761 686 498 Email: bg@helipropassion.com • http://www.helipropassion.com

EDITION: new sales handbook The Aquitaine Tourist Board has published a professional handbook in both English and French, opening up this destination for professionals scheduling visits to Aquitaine or who plan to do so. A new edition of this sales handbook has just been released. All the circuits and practical information have been updated. This new edition includes new, improved pages covering the four main themes typical of the region (wine, gastronomy, Routes to Santiago de Compostela and beautifully preserved nature) and sectors such as golfing holidays, river tourism, well-being and cycling holidays. This handbook is distributed to tour-operators that the CRTA welcomes on educational tours, as well as those we meet in workshops such as the « Rendez-vous en France ». Beautifully illustrated, it suggests a host of circuits. Additional information likely to change is to be found on our website catering to professionals, which is updated semiautomatically using the SIRTAQUI database. To download the professional handbook, go to: http://pro.tourisme-aquitaine.fr S A L E S M A N U A L // G U I D E P R O F E S S I O N N E L

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Document imprimé sur du papier certifié PEFCTM avec des encres végétales par KORUS EDITION (IMPRIM’VERT® - PEFC/10-31-1118).

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