Camping with children in Nouvelle Aquitaine

The Nouvelle Aquitaine region in the south of France enchants with kilometres of sandy beaches, metre-high dunes and a diverse range of water sports. In the famous town of Biarritz, for example, there are special surfing courses for children. But the capital Bordeaux and the picturesque hinterland also have a lot to offer families. In the wine village of Saint-Émilion, for example, you can go on hikes through the vineyards, where delicious Merlot is predominantly grown.

Top tips

• Child-friendly campsites in Nouvelle Aquitaine on the Biscay coast are ideal starting points for a visit to the fascinating dance festival in Arcachon in September. For five days, classical and modern dance, flamenco and hip hop entertain visitors of all ages. The performances take place at the harbour and directly on the beach.
• Roquefort, around 110 km south of Bordeaux, is not only worth a trip because of the mighty 12th century Église Sainte-Marie. It is also home to the Walibi Sud-Ouest amusement park, which attracts families with sensational rides such as the Boomerang looping rollercoaster and a wild water ride. The enchanting Coccinelle ladybird rollercoaster, which is also suitable for younger children, is a more leisurely ride.

Activities and excursions

The numerous towns along the 750 km long Atlantic coast of Nouvelle Aquitaine promise bathing fun. Excursions to the picturesque vineyards in the hinterland are also worthwhile.

A varied seaside holiday while camping in Nouvelle Aquitaine

Families who choose the upmarket seaside resort of Biarritz for their camping holiday with children in Nouvelle Aquitaine are drawn to the shallow Grand Plage. The sea only gradually gets deeper on the town's main beach. Biarritz is known as one of the most popular surfing spots in the world. The local water sports clubs offer special courses for the youngest guests. However, between the Spanish border in the south and the Pays de la Loire region in the north, there are many other attractive coastal resorts, such as Hossegor with its fine sandy Notre-Dame main beach. The seawater lake inland also guarantees water fun. In summer, you can try out the trendy sport of stand-up paddleboarding and there are also playgrounds to keep you entertained. Like Hossegor, Biscarrosse is located in the Landes department and is known for Europe's largest shifting sand dune. The Dune du Pilat is one of the region's famous natural wonders.

Excursion destinations for active travellers and animal lovers

The capital of Nouvelle Aquitaine, Bordeaux, not only has a lot to offer wine lovers. The green city is also a worthwhile destination for families. Active travellers will be enchanted by the charm of Bordeaux on the 160 km network of cycle paths. A tour along the Garonne takes you past historic buildings from the 18th century. On the right bank of the river is the five-hectare Ferme des Iris farm, where you can pet tame guinea pigs, donkeys and ponies. Around 50 km east of the city is the wine village of Saint-Émilion, which has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beautiful landscape. Well-signposted hiking trails invite you to explore the surrounding area on your own. There are also special winemaking workshops for children, where the youngest visitors can learn interesting facts about the cultivation of fine grapes and wine production.

Events

Culture lovers and gourmets will be delighted by the diverse events in New Aquitaine.

July

• Mimos Festival in Périgueux: Guests and their children experience art without many words at the Mimos Festival. Circus performances, theatre and shows captivate visitors. Children learn about the genre in exciting workshops.

July - August

• Sarlat Theatre Festival: Every summer, the medieval centre of Sarlat is transformed into a large open-air stage. At historic sites such as the Place de la Liberté or the Jardin du Plantier, guests can experience classical and contemporary theatre in a dreamlike setting.

August - September

• Grand Pruneau Show in Agen: For three days, everything revolves around the delicious fruit at the Grand Pruneau Show in Agen. Concerts, competitions and a large gourmet market where visitors can sample plum delicacies are held in the town centre.