News from Aquitaine - Summer 2014 by CRTAquitaine

summer 2014

In Périgord [ ] Accommodation

In Périgord

Bordeaux and the surrounding area

Nestled in a charming little village in Périgord, « Saint Avit Loisirs » is the first 5 star campsite in Aquitaine. It is a 53 ha site in the middle of the countryside. With a choice of camping pitches and different types of rental accommodation, there is something for everyone. This year, two new additions are the « Luxury Safari » tents (35 sq. m) and the « Madras » cottages (3 bedrooms + living room). They complement the already wide range of accommodation, which includes 3 star serviced apartments, wooden chalets and a gîte in a typical Perigourdine house, all offering relaxation, comfort and the good life. « Saint Avit Loisirs » is near the Lascaux caves and Sarlat, which makes it the ideal place for exploring all the riches this region has to offer. Lovers of history and prehistory or nature lovers and fishing fans can recharge their batteries with their family. Make the most of the many leisure facilities and the all new aquatic

Around the Pyrenees

On the Basque coast

Reservation Contact Saint-Avit Loissirs 24260 Vialard Tel.: +33 (0)5 53 02 64 00 www.saint-avit-loisirs.com

Unravel the mystery of the Périgord black truffle

park, which has been added to the well-being space (with jacuzzi, balneotherapy, whirlpool bath and high pressure jets). Everything here has been well thought out to make each stay a delicious well-being cocktail. Open from 5 April to 14 September.

Short breaks

On the Landes coast 6 In Lot-et-Garonne

Safari tents and balneotherapy at Saint-Avit de Vialard

In Gabillou, near Perigueux, Nadine and Eric ALLEGRET,passionate truffle growers,organise short breaks to learn about the Périgord black truffle in their truffle farm Les Mérigots. They offer truffle weekends where you can learn everything about truffles - how to find, cook and taste the famous « tuber melanosporum », the summer truffle, « tuber aestivum » and the winter truffle, « tuber brumale ». Several short introductory and gourmet breaks are available, for one day, 2 days/one night or 3 days/2 nights. The gourmet break includes: a tour of the 6 ha truffle farm and a small saffron

farm, hunting for truffles with flies and dogs, cooking courses and tastings based on an « all truffle » gourmet dinner. Depending on the package chosen, there are also accompanied visits to Périgueux or Sarlat with their typical markets and/or a visit to a duck breeding farm. The accommodation, five rooms full of charm, and the catering are all in typical Périgord buildings (with a swimming pool) in the heart of the truffle farm. The farm itself is planted with rare trees such as Atlas cedars, Austrian black pines, Turkish hazels, hornbeams, and linden trees as well as better known trees like hazels, downy oaks and holm oaks. Prices: €200 for the introductory break with an overnight stay, €250 for the gourmet break with an overnight stay. Reservation Contact Les Mérigots 24210 Gabillou Tel.: +33 (0)5 53 03 96 28 Mobile: +33 (0)6 64 17 71 11 www.truffes-noires-du-perigord.fr 1

NEWS from AQUITAINE pro.tourisme-aquitaine.fr

Family adventures in « L’Appel de la Forêt » leisure park

After a briefing and a test run monitored by a park operator, visitors can launch themselves on 10 different independent courses built by more than 135 workshops for a fun filled time

mixing games, sport and emotion. Open to children over 4 years old and more than one metre high.

Located 25 km from Périgueux and 30 km from Brive and Sarlat, « L’Appel de la Forêt » has aerial high ropes courses. Zip lines, monkey bridges, Tarzan swings, Nepalese bridges, giant nets, tree surfing and giant walkways : there’s something for all tastes and all ages.

Reservation Contact Route de Périgueux 24210 Thenon Tel.: +33 (0)5 53 46 35 06 www.appel-de-la-foret.com/parcoursacrobatiques

Ideas for visits

Located close to prestigious prehistoric sites, such as the Lascaux caves (5 km), Losse castle dominates the Vézère valley which is still known as the « Valley of Man ». Surrounded by walls lined with a deep moat, the medieval fortress which was built straight out of the river, was replaced in 1576 by a pleasure palace. The castle is a classified historical monument and the gardens are classified as « Jardin Remarquable ». This former residence of Jean II of Losse, tutor to King Henry IV and Governor of Guyenne, is a must see. It is one of the most beautiful buildings of this kind in the South West.You can visit the walls, the towers, the moat, the green spaces in the terraced garden (free admission) and the Great Renaissance Lodge (guided tour), with its remarkable period furniture (16th and 17th centuries).

Losse castle and gardens: a Renaissance jewel

A translation of the tour in English, Dutch, German, Spanish, Italian and Belgian is available for foreign visitors at the entrance. There is a picnic area in the garden and a tea room in the « Garden of the Princess ». Prices: Adult: €9 - Student: €6.5 - Children (7 to 14 years: €4.5 / Groups: €7 - €5.5 - €3.5).

Reservation Contact Château de Losse 24290 Thonac Tel.: +33 (0)5 53 50 80 08 The castle and gardens are open daily from 1 May to 30 September from 12:00 to 18:00 - Closed on Saturdays except during holiday weekends.

Go back in time at the Gouffre de Proumeyssac park Known as the « Crystal Cathedral », Proumeyssac is the largest developed cave in Périgord today. Access to this huge underground vault whose walls are adorned with very tightly packed and exceptionally beautiful crystal formations is via a tunnel.

You can also be lowered down into the cave in a rotating basket (11 people), which offers 360° panoramic views of the formations. Emotion guaranteed. This year, the park has a new play and learn area and a museum space.

Various « stations » allow the whole family to make geological discoveries, to go back in time or to learn about caving, thanks to a range of specific games. The aim of the new museum is to immerse visitors in an underground universe. Within the setting of the cave,

visitors can travel back in the time from the legends surrounding the Gouffre de Proumeyssac to the 18th century, via the history of its discovery and its opening as a tourist attraction. Commentaries in English, Dutch, German, Spanish, Italian and Japanese are available on audioguides, included in the admission price. Prices: From €9.70 for adults - €6.30 for children and €7.30 for students for the traditional guided tour. Reservation Contact Gouffre de Proumeyssac - BP 7 24260 Le Bugue sur Vézère Tel. +33 (0)5 53 07 85 85 Booking required for groups, and advisable in the summer for individuals. www.gouffre-proumeyssac.com

SUMMER 2014

Bordeaux and the surrounding area [ ] Accommodation

Boutique luxury hotel owned by Bernard MAGREZ Bernard MAGREZ, the wine man with 40 castles and estates around the world, and four Bordeaux Grands Crus Classés and Joël Robuchon, the chef with the most stars on the planet have joined forces to open a top class gourmet restaurant in a mansion house in front of the Bernard Magrez Cultural Institute, on rue de Tivoli in Bordeaux, near the Public Gardens (see What’s New for Spring 2014).

Reservation Contact Agence Bernard Magrez Luxury Wine Tourism N° Licence : 033080001 Château Pape Clément

216, Avenue du Docteur Nancel Pénard 33600 Pessac Tel.: +33 (0)5 57 26 43 06 Email : contact@luxurywinetourism.fr www.luxurywinetourism

« La Grande Maison Bernard Magrez » will combine the best from the world of restaurants with the best from the world of hotels. This beautiful house will be transformed into boutique luxury hotel with six suites (scheduled to open in October 2014).

« Sea & Golf City » 10 minutes from the city centre spacious apartments, studios for 2, 3/4 people and 2 room apartments. They all have kitchens with ceramic hobs, microwaves, fridges, dishwashers, and open onto terraces with table and chairs. They also have direct-dial phones,

Sea & Golf has just opened a new holiday complex near Bordeaux Lake, ideally located only 6 tram stops from the city centre and 10 minutes walk from « LesAubiers » station (line C). The three star air-conditioned complex has 72

televisions and WiFi. The reception staff speak English, Spanish, German and Chinese. Pets are allowed. There is a launderette on site and nearby there is a small supermarket and the « Calicéo » aqua fitness space, which has just opened on a 2,700 sq. m site dedicated to health and fitness. The Parc des expositions, the Palais de Congrès, the Casino, Golf Blue Green with two 18 hole golf courses and Bordeaux Lake Sailing Centre are all in the immediate vicinity. Prices: Average price: €90 per night. Reservation Contact Rue Jean Pommiès 33520 Bruges Tel.: +33 (0)5 57 22 40 40 Email : citybordeaux-bruges@meretgolf.com www.meretgolf.com

12 new suites at « Sources de Caudalie »

The suites (55 sq. m) with terraces (10 sq. m), are built to look like the wood cabins of the oyster villages in the Arcachon Basin. They are decorated in a well-

conceived fifties style, making each suite feel like a family house. There will also be a new indoor swimming pool and a bar-grocery offering local products selected by Nicolas MASSE, the Michelin starred chef at « Sources de Caudalie ». Price: €840 per suite. Reservation Contact Les Sources de Caudalie***** Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte 33650 Bordeaux Martillac www.sources-caudalie.com

In June 2014, 12 new suites will open at the famous health centre « Les Sources de Caudalie », a palace with a spa built in the heart of the Graves vineyard 15 minutes from Bordeaux.

NEWS from AQUITAINE pro.tourisme-aquitaine.fr

« Clos Marcamps » and « Maison Bord’eaux » join the Castles and Hotels Collection®

Le Clos Marcamps

• Le Clos Marcamps Located in the heart of the Bordeaux vineyards, near the Gironde estuary, half an hour from Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion, and 1hr 30 mins from the Arcachon Basin, « Le Clos Marcamps » is a 19th Century monastery surrounded by

a wooded park with hundred year old trees and a swimming pool. This charming house has two master suites and two classic rooms, all with terraces and independent access. The luxurious rooms are decorated authentically, and particular care has been given to the hand-picked objects adorning the place. A gourmet table d’hôtes is open for lunch and dinner. Price: From €95 according to season. Reservation Contact Le Clos Marcamps 2 chemin des Carrières 33710 Prignac-et-Marcamps Tel.: +33 (0)5 57 58 57 09 www.closmarcamps.fr • La Maison Bord’eaux Owned by Pierre Lurton, manager of prestigious vintages such as Cheval Blanc in Saint-Emilion and d’Yquem in Sauternes, « La Maison Bord’eaux » is a former mansion built around a large patio area, in the heart of Bordeaux near the Public Gardens.

La Maison Bord’eaux

Two charming guest houses, « Le Clos Marcamps » and « La Maison Bord’eaux » have just been added to the renowned chef Alain Ducasse’s « Châteaux et hôtels de collection® », a collection of the best, top class charming hotels and gourmet restaurants. Aquitaine has 45 guest houses and 25 restaurants in this guide.

Both a charming hotel and a bed and breakfast, the property has 14 rooms and room service. With advance booking, it is possible to organise tastings on the premises, in the lounge, run by a professional or a team, as well as visits to castles or even a massage at the Grand Hammam in Bordeaux. Price: from €170. Reservation Contact 111/113 Rue du Docteur Albert Barraud 33000 Bordeaux Tel.: +33 (0)5 56 44 00 45 www.lamaisonbord-eaux.com

Œnotourism

« Bordeaux 360 » semi-private « Wine Tasting Tours » « Bordeaux 360 » is a team of wine tourism professionals and specialist qualified vineyard guides, which organises wine tours with tastings for small groups (maximum of 8 people). There are half-day or full day visits, to one, two, three or four castles, depending on the package chosen. It could be a Grand Cru, a Cru Classé, a Grand Cru Classé, a premier Cru Classé or even a Cru Bourgois, depending on the vineyard. The visits cover the major appellations of Bordeaux vineyards: Médoc, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Graves and Sauternes. The Saint-

Emilion circuit includes a private guided tour of the village and its underground monuments. « Bordeaux 360 » can also organise private tailor made events. Each tour starts from Bordeaux, in an air conditioned minivan. The tours are bilingual in French and English and there are additional tours in German and English on Fridays and Saturdays. Price: from €70. Reservation Contact www.bdx-360.com IM033110010

Discover vineyards your own way with the « Bordeaux Wine Experience Pass »

Price: €55 per pass (access to 4 castles), valid for 3 months and usable as you like with prior booking from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 16:00 in all the properties (plus Saturdays at Château Desmirail and Château Camarsac only). The pass is on sale at the Tourist Office in Bordeaux and in the four participating castles. www.chateau-bouscaut.com www.desmirail.com www.camarsac.com www.marielaurelurton.com

Château La Tour de Bessan Salle de dégustation

This Wine Pass is a unique experience which, for an attractive price, lets you visit four Châteaux belonging to the Lurton family and take part in various workshops. At Château Bouscaut, (Cru Classé de Graves) in Pessac-Léognan, it will be « wines and cheese », at Château Desmirail, (Grand Cru Classé) in Margaux, there is a « cine-wine » tour, whereas Château de Camarsac, in Entre-Deux-Mers has a « chocolate and wine » workshop and La Tour de Bessan in Margaux holds the introductory course.

SUMMER 2014

Médoc workshops

Armelle FALCY CRUSE from Château du Taillan and Martine CAZENEUVE from Château Paloumey, two properties located in the Haut Médoc appellation, in southern Médoc, offer different fun and educational workshops for amateurs and novices. By taking part in « the assembly workshop », you will learn the art of assembling the Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and

Cabernet Franc varieties. You will develop your own wine by obtaining the most harmonious assembly possible. At the end of September « the grape harvest workshop » lets you live a day in the life of the winegrower, busy in the vines and the wine cellars. www.chateaudutaillan.com www.chateaupaloumey.com

Ideas for visits

« Bordeaux World Heritage », taking a modern view of the city and its heritage

Good plan

Free admission every day. Reservation Contact Bordeaux Patrimoine Mondial 2-8 Place de la Bourse www.bordeaux-tourisme.com

Bordeaux is in travellers’ Top 10 Favourite French Cities

Rather than letting your car sit in the car park at Bordeaux airport while you’re travelling, you can make it available to other users subject to certain conditions. This car-sharing service is offered by the young company « Tripndrive ». Car owners can save on parking fees or even make some money. For potential renters the service lets them save up to 60% on the price of conventional car hire. A simple, economic and safe service which has been tested in the Paris airports since late 2013. 3,000 customers have already tested the formula. www.tripndrive.fr

« Trip and Drive »: everybody is a winner

the city for the first time. It is a unique space dedicated to Bordeaux-Port de la Lune which is on the UNESCO world heritage list, and an unmissable source of information. Some of the guided tours of the city depart from here. © Florian David

This new cultural site is located in the heart of the 150 ha protected sector facing the Miroir d’Eau. This interpretation centre for architecture and heritage is an invitation to travel through time and the urban geography. It has a route based around several thematic modules. Interactive installations, computer generated reconstructions, digital table, videoprojections of archival documents, models and plans, create the experience of visiting

The results of Traveller’s choice have just been published on Tripadvisor. Comments left by travellers on Tripadvisor rank Bordeaux 4th in the best destinations in France, after Paris, Nice and Lyon.

New airline

Turkish Airways links Bordeaux with Istanbul Turkish Airlines will fly to and from Bordeaux from 12 June 2014. Flights between Istanbul and Bordeaux, on Boeing 737-800 or Airbus A 320-321 planes, will operate four times a

week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. www.turkishairlines.com 5

NEWS from AQUITAINE pro.tourisme-aquitaine.fr

On the Landes coast [ ] Accommodation

Sleep in an old farmhouse and an old post office Mézos farm has 5 bed and breakfast rooms in the main house. The half-timbered Landes house was built in 1800 from barons (a type of local brick). It used to be a farmhouse and also the local post office. In June 2014 there will be a new gîte which will be identical to the main house as well as a spa with a sauna and a Jacuzzi all on the same site. All this accommodation is in Mézos village, in the heart of the Landes, 12 km from the beaches of Contis, Cap de l’Homy and Mimizan. The village of Mézos is a « Station Verte » on the pilgrims’ route to Santiago de Compestela (coastal route). It is 45 km from the thermal baths at Dax, 75 km from Bayonne, 12km

from Contis, 15 km from Mimizan and 120 km from both Bordeaux and Spain. You can go for beautiful bike rides on the nearby cycle routes or go canoeing or boating on the Courlis and the Born. You can go riding at the pony club in Saint Julien en Born and the equestrian centre in Contis. Price: From €65 per night Prices vary depending on the duration of the stay. Table d’hôtes: €19. Reservation Contact Avenue du Born 40170 Mézos Tel.: +33 (0)5 58 42 51 63 / (0)6 12 64 35 40 www.la-ferme-mezos.com

« Fleur des Pins » guest house 300 m from the sea Only 300 meters from the beach at BiscarrossePlage , two family houses have been made into a beautiful Basque-Béarnaise villa which is bathed in light.

terrace and patio where Beatrice welcomes all the guests for an aperitif on summer evenings.

There are 3 guest rooms and a gîte which can accommodate 2 to 4 people.

Reservation Contact 51 Rue des Ecumes 40600 Biscarrosse Tel.: +33 (0)5 58 78 38 93 www.fleurdespins.fr

The décor is warm, and some rooms are inspired by the sea or the local area while others are exotically Balinese. There is a large

Price: from €80.

Sporting Breaks

There are 50 km of cycle routes around Biscarrosse which means you can cycle safely between the different areas: the forest, the dunes and the sea. There is a route connecting Biscarrosse Ville to Biscarrosse Plage via the north lake. The hills can be a surprise, but the view is magnificent where the ocean meets the lake. The route extends as far as the Arcachon Basin and passes through the forest, and then along the sea front and the Dune of Pilat. From Biscarrosse town you can reach southern 6

Cycling getaways in the Landes Landes. You can also explore the Velodyssee© cycle route which goes from Roscoff to Hendaye (1,259 km long). In the Landes, this route runs along the coastline for 163 km from Biscarrosse to Tarnos. There is approved Accueil Vélo accommodation, mainly campsites and guest rooms, for you to stay near the cycle route, which makes cycling fans very happy. Reservation Contact www.biscarrosse.com et www.lavelodyssee.com

SUMMER 2014

In Lot-et-Garonne [ ] Accommodation

Luxury, charm and serenity at « Moulin de Madame »

Walibi theme park, for family fun, is 36 km away. The nearest airport, Agen La Garenne, is 40 minutes by car and Château de Bonaguil is 45 minutes away. The 30 spacious rooms and suites (20 to 40 sq. m) are furnished in

Louis XVI style. They are air conditioned with satellite televisions, minibars and Nespresso coffee machines. Some rooms also have a balcony with a view of the Lot. The hotel has a large terrace and free Wi-Fi. Continental breakfast is served every morning. The panoramic restaurant serves traditional French cuisine. Languages spoken: French, English, German, Italian and Spanish. Price: From €90 for a single room to €170 for a junior suite.

« Moulin de Madame » in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, is a hotel and restaurant with a spa, housed in a mill dating from 1769, overlooking the impressive locks. This charming hotel between Bordeaux and Toulouse sits on the peaceful banks of the Lot, near a superb 18 hole golf course.

Reservation Contact Le Moulin de Madame Route de Casseneuil 47300 Villeneuve-sur-Lot Tel.: +33 (0)5 53 36 14 40 www.lemoulindemadame.fr

Business Tourism

This double offer includes Château de Mazelières and Bastides du golf d’Albret

Château de Mazelières is a 17th century wine château in a 50 ha park, with a 4 star rating.

These two sites, 13 km apart, have teamed up to offer high quality facilities in a bucolic setting, perfect for seminars where you think and concentrate.

It has meeting spaces, lounges and an authentic dining room (think castle atmosphere with large fireplaces) as well as two guest rooms and two gîtes. At « Les Bastides d’Albret » the original architecture of the old 17th century priory has been respected. It has 35 stylish suites, which have been renovated and are located on the Albret golf course. They can sleep 30 to 40 people. The two sites are built around an internal

courtyard. If you love old buildings you’ll be seduced by the ancient stones. There are endless views of lush green valleys, the Landes pine forests and the Buzet vineyards. It’s the ideal holiday location for lovers of history, architecture, gastronomy and golf. Connected by a shuttle bus, these two sites offer great flexibility as a venue. Reservation Contact Route d’Espiens - 47600 Espiens Tel.: +33 (0)5 53 97 24 09 wwwchateaudemazelieres.com www.bastides-albret.fr

Around the Pyrenees [ ] « Le Roncevaux » Hotel: a good place to know in Pau « Le Roncevaux » is an old mansion loaded with history, built around a private courtyard where guests can enjoy peace and quiet.

smoking, with televisions, free WiFi and bathrooms with shower or bath. Some rooms also have a safe and a four poster bed.

This 3 star hotel near the centre of Pau and its castle, where Henry IV was born, is spacious, zen, sleek, simple and chic. It has 39 rooms which have been completely renovated each with its own style.

And some offer enough space and privacy for families.

The hotel has a lift and all rooms are non-

Price: From €86 - breakfast: €11.

A personal welcome awaits you, even if you arrive late. Pets are allowed. The hotel has a car park, so you can explore the city on foot.

Accommodation

Reservation Contact 5 rue Louis Barthou 64000 Pau Tel.: +33 (0)5 59 00 00 40 www.hotel-roncevaux.fr 7

NEWS from AQUITAINE pro.tourisme-aquitaine.fr

Château de Baylac has regained its former glory Between Navarranx and Orthez, facing the Rhune, the famous Basque mountain, this old Bearnaise house built at the foot of the Pyrenees, dates from the 17th century. Jacquie and Patrick DARRIGRAND, have spent six years restoring the house to its former glory. The restoration has been carried out using traditional methods.

in French and English, will be in keeping with the spirit of the place. Château de Baylac is the ideal starting point for exploring the Basque Country, the Cirque de Lescun, the Aspe Valley, the Ossau Valley, the mountain streams and all the other wonders nearby.

There are five luxurious guest suites which have been tastefully decorated in keeping with the beauty of the place. Your welcome,

Reservation Contact 64190 Bugnein Tel.: +33 (0)6 07 80 72 54 / +33 (0)6 07 42 24 33

Price: €138 including breakfast.

Ideas for days out

with a pack donkey that children can ride and guide. After the walk, you can visit the sheep pen and the cheese salting room and help with the process.

Have lunch at the edge of Lake Soum and taste products from the farm: cold meats, cheeses, red wine and claret. Go walking

Reservation Contact Compagnie des guides pyrénéens www.guides-pyrenees.fr

Walks can be organised between 8 July and 23 August, every day except Saturdays and Sundays.

Comité Régional de Tourisme d’Aquitaine 4/5 Place Jean Jaurès - CS 31759 33074 Bordeaux Cedex Tél. : +33/(0)556 017 000 Fax : +33/(0)556 017 007 tourisme@tourisme-aquitaine.fr pro.tourisme-aquitaine.fr aquitaine-bordeaux.fr

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On the Basque coast [ ] New airline

Fly between Lille and Biarritz with HOP! From 5 July to 30 August, you will be able to fly from Lille to the Basque seaside town on the new airline opened by HOP!, a subsidiary of Air France. This is a summer route, with weekly direct flight on Saturdays. www.hop.com

Biarritz and its winning beaches

Biarritz is another winner in Travellers’ Choice on Tripadvisor. The famous beach on the Basque coast came first place in the Top 10 most beautiful beaches in France for « its breathtaking views, its fantastic waves and its really beautiful sunsets! ».

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

In the Ossau Valley, you can spend the day with a shepherd and go for a family hike to find the herds of cows and sheep. On the programme: Learn about pastoralism with Josie, a shepherdess and Jean-Pierre, a shepherd and mountain guide and see a demonstration of a working sheepdog.

Spend a day with a shepherd in the Ossau Valley