Last March, I gave her a break in the Aquitaine region in southwestern France, I would like to share. I did not know the area, but a friend recommended me and I decided to try his luck. And what a nice surprise I got!

Photography by Toprural

Since Madrid is 5 hours by car across the border and come to Bayonne, the capital of French Basque country. On the banks of the river Nive, houses with red and white lattices transport you in time. At the turn of every alley of petit Bayonne, taverns and restaurants invite you to take a break while listening to the language whose origin remains a mystery. The market hall invites you to an inevitable stop to enjoy a good slice of ham or cheese. A charming small town!

And less than two hours drive north we came to Bordeaux, capital of modernity of the eighteenth century. Bordeaux is like an open air museum, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO last year. Pedestrian and shopping, lots of terraces … and above all, viñales bearing fruit wine some of the most prestigious appellations of origin. I recommend you visit a vineyard in the Bordelais!
Cathedral of Bordeaux:

And although you may not be big fans of the Opera, Grand Theatre of  Bordeaux, located on the Place de la Comédie, in the heart of the city, well worth a visit.  From Bordeaux, in one hour and a half by car, lies the beautiful town of Périgueux, the prestigious area known for black truffles that grow on their land.

More than two millennia, this town is part of the network of cities of art and history, and is also a gastronomic city where you can enjoy fine foods market. City in the country, ideal for walking along the greenway along the river Isle. And if you are a lover of foie … this will be your paradise!.

Photography by ahisgett

To finish the route back home, stop in the city of Pau, between gardens at the foot of the Pyrenees. Also known as the city of Henry IV, his footprints are visible in every corner. If you like golf, here you will find the oldest golf course in continental Europe. And to stop to replenish forces, dozens of good restaurants on every corner to enjoy the products offered by this beautiful land.

Photography by Eric-P

In southern France, within walking distance from Spain, we find reasonable prices, friendly people, good food, nature … It is a perfect getaway from the proximity and number of attractions offered by a few kilometers from each other. If you have a few days free and would like to use them for an interesting route, this is my proposal, you enjoy it!