AQUITAINE 07/2010

HOTEL DU PALAIS***** Biarritz

Former imperial residence of Napoleon III and Eugenia de Montijo, Hotel du Palais is a palace of world-renowned. Such a steamer docked to the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, it reflects for more than a century the prestige and the splendour of Biarritz. 120 rooms and suites furnished in a Second Empire style and equipped with the latest technologies.

The hotel has 3 restaurants . The Rotonde for lunch or dinner facing ocean. 

La Villa Eugénie for a gourmet meal.                 The Hippocampe for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner in the summer.

 The Imperial Spa. Recently awarded "Best Spa European" (Condé Nast). In collaboration with GUERLAIN, distributed 3000m2 on 5 levels. A single space dedicated to your fullness, your physical health, beauty and well-being. Indoor heated swimming pool with jacuzzi. Hammams and saunas.

 http://www.hotel-du-palais.com

AQUITAINE

Bordered along the whole of its west coast by the Atlantic Ocean, Aquitaine is bathed in a mild oceanic climate with the influence of the Gulf Stream.
Mild temperatures all year round, enough rain to provide a green, floral environment, plenty of sunshine to enjoy the delights of the beach in spring, summer and autumn.

Biarritz has always been one of France’s most welcoming towns. A century ago, thanks to the Empress Eugenie, the little whaling town became a fashionable summer resort that, through the years, has stayed open to the outside world without ever losing its identity.
Today, Biarritz is undoubtedly the only town where you can see neoprene-clad surfers with their boards under their arms crossing paths with business men in suits and ties carrying towels!
www.biarritz.fr
    

Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world is a genuine tourist destination. 18th century architecture, deserted beaches, local gourmet specialities, museums…  www.bordeaux-tourisme.com

With 145,000 hectares of vines, 90% of which are Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (Designation of Origin) areas, Aquitaine is the biggest region of fine wines in the world!    

 www.bordeaux.com

The term “Château” in this region is specific, and stems from the fact that the big winemaking estates very often had their own castle. Margaux, Pichon Longueville, Yquem, Olivier – a historic monument dating back to the 12th century – and many, many more still embellish the Bordeaux region with their sumptuous architecture.
Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Pessac-Léognan, Sauternes… These appellations are well-known, but are also the names of charming, magical villages…

Much further south, don your snowshoes and climb the peaks of the Pyrenees. This is the realm of hiking, fishing and winter sports. Certain plant and animal species often find their last refuge in the Pyrenees National Park.
                                                                          

The lifestyle in South-West France is largely built around its culinary delights. Here in the region, the pleasures of the table are a key part of daily life, from delicious homely dishes to the exceptional creations of the top restaurants.
And then there is fattened duck – one of the essential ingredients in the cuisine of the region – with the famous foie gras, or the delicious flavour of duck breast prepared with spices or honey.  

 www.tourisme-aquitaine.com

Just one figure will tell you a lot: 250 kilometres of ocean coastline! Aquitaine has quite simply Europe’s biggest beach of fine sand. 

 LES RUSSES ET BIARRITZ

"La tournée des Grands-Ducs"
The Russians on the Atlantic Coast By Alexandre de La Cerda - Ed Altantic - 1999 - Work crowned by the Academy of Floral Games of Toulouse - Russian society between the history of South-West since the seventeenth century. Then, in a resort, Biarritz in the popularity will make a real second home for many Russians, including some famous people of literature, art, politics, Chekhov, Nabokoff, Stravinsky, Chaliapin, Yusupov etc..

e.mail : atlantica@atlantica.fr