Find your new life
Nestled between the majestic Pyrenees, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Massif Central, Aquitaine is a region where nature and history meet to offer an exceptional living environment. Known for its iconic beaches (hello Biarritz), verdant valleys crossed by the Dordogne, and famous vineyards around Bordeaux and Bergerac, Aquitaine attracts with its beauty and diversity. Whether exploring the prehistoric caves of Lascaux or admiring the medieval castles scattered across its lush landscapes, every corner of this southwestern French region embodies a rich cultural heritage.
Ideal for those seeking to settle in a natural yet vibrant environment, Aquitaine is alluring with its unique lifestyle, dynamic cities, and picturesque villages. For those dreaming of a daily life between the sea and the mountains, it's the perfect place to unpack and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life!
Aquitaine is a former administrative region situated in the extreme southwest of France, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees, comprising five departments: Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Dordogne, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Some of its most famous cities include Bordeaux, Biarritz, Périgueux, Bayonne, Arcachon, and Bergerac, not to mention charming villages like Saint-Émilion, Monpazier, or La Bastide-Clairence.
Today, Aquitaine is part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, which was expanded by merging with Poitou-Charentes and Limousin.
Aquitaine boasts excellent transportation infrastructure, easily connecting it to the rest of France and Europe.
Aquitaine enjoys a temperate oceanic climate. Winters are mild, and summers are pleasantly warm. Along the Atlantic coast, the ocean moderates temperatures, making the region particularly attractive for those seeking pleasant weather year-round. Inland, in areas like Dordogne or Lot-et-Garonne, the climate is slightly more continental, with cooler winters and warmer summers.
However, it’s important to note that Aquitaine is a humid and rainy region. While this provides lush, green landscapes, you'll need to be fond of rain!
Aquitaine boasts an exceptional heritage, including vineyards, medieval castles, prehistoric caves, and historic villages. Bordeaux, the regional capital, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding architecture.
The region is also famous for its unique gastronomy: Bordeaux wines, foie gras, oysters from the Arcachon Basin, and Basque cuisine make it a highlight of French culinary culture.
Aquitaine is a region of contrasts, combining endless beaches, pine forests, mountains, and verdant valleys. The Atlantic coast, stretching over 250 km, is ideal for surf enthusiasts and water sports lovers. The Landes and the Basque Country offer untamed and preserved nature, while inland areas like Périgord are a paradise for those seeking peace and quiet, with their bucolic landscapes of forests, rivers, and medieval villages.
Aquitaine is a diverse region, offering the sea, city, countryside, and mountains. Your choice of where to settle will depend on your preferences!
The real estate market in Aquitaine offers a wide variety of properties, ranging from apartments in major cities like Bordeaux to country homes in more rural departments. Prices can vary significantly depending on the location.
Aquitaine has a dynamic job market, driven by key sectors such as aerospace, agribusiness, tourism, wine, and digital technology. Bordeaux, in particular, has become a major economic hub, attracting numerous companies and start-ups. For job seekers in Aquitaine, it's advisable to consult local job sites and recruitment agencies. The wine sector also offers seasonal opportunities. Joining professional networks, such as chambers of commerce, can help with integration and job searches.
Thanks to its mild climate, proximity to nature, and exceptional quality of life, Aquitaine is an increasingly popular choice for retirees, both French and foreign. The cost of living is more affordable than on the French Riviera, especially inland, and the region offers a variety of services and infrastructure suited to seniors, as well as numerous sports, cultural, and culinary activities.
Living in Aquitaine means choosing a region rich in contrasts, where you can enjoy the sea, mountains, and countryside all at once. With its pleasant climate, diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and renowned gastronomy, Aquitaine offers an exceptional quality of life. Whether you’re looking for a primary residence, a vacation home, or a place to retire, this region has something for everyone.
