DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Dordogne, Bordeaux and the Southwest Coast (Travel Guide)

First edition 2006

Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersley Limited,
80 Strand, London, WC2R 0RL

Published in the United States by DK Publishing,
1450 Broadway, Suite 801, New York, NY 10018

Copyright 2006, 2020 Dorling Kindersley Limited
A Penguin Random House Company

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

A CIP catalog record for this book is available from the British Library.

A catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress.

ISBN: 9780241409343
eISBN: 9780744023817

www.dk.com

INSPIRE / PLAN / DISCOVER / EXPERIENCE

Discover

Welcome To Dordogne, Bordeaux and The Southwest Coast

Reasons To Love Dordogne, Bordeaux and The Southwest Coast

Explore Dordogne, Bordeaux and The Southwest Coast

Dordogne, Bordeaux and The Southwest Coast Itineraries

Flavourful Food

Prehistoric Art

Stunning Landscapes

Family Fun

Amazing Architecture

Captivating Culture

For History Buffs

Wine Lovers Paradise

Basque Culture

The Great Outdoors

A Year In Dordogne, Bordeaux and The Southwest Coast

A Brief History

Experience

Bordeaux

Gironde

Dordogne and Lot

Lot-et-Garonne

Landes

Pays Basque

Barn

Need to Know

Before You Go

Getting Around

Practical Information

KEY TO MAIN ICONS

PRICE GUIDE

KEY TO MAPS

Phrase Book

Acknowledgments

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key to main icons

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price guide

Throughout the guide the following price categories have been applied:

On a budget
Mid-range
Splurge

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key to maps

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t Rooftops of Bordeaux, capital of Gironde

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t Old Town in medieval Sarlat-la-Canda.

The backdrop of this unhurried and delightful region of southwest France is formed of glittering coastline, emerald green hills and serene rivers. There are also fortified medieval villages carved into rocky outcroppings, historical centres of modern cities and the many chteaux that trace Frances turbulent history and architectural styles. Whatever your dream trip to Dordogne, Bordeaux and the Southwest Coast includes, this DK Eyewitness travel guide is the perfect companion.

The landscapes of southwest France offer something for everyone. History buffs will be moved by the prehistoric caves at Lascaux, where humanitys palaeolithic ancestors felt compelled to create images of the beasts that used to roam these parts. Nature lovers, cyclists and hikers will find themselves spoiled for choice between country lanes, thick forests and rolling hills, while massive dunes and soft sandy beaches on the Atlantic will keep sun-seekers and surfers content for days.

Even the urban spaces retain the relaxed, countryside atmosphere, all of them bursting with character and history. A stroll around the city of Prigueux reveals the legacy of its early Roman conquerors, whose bridges and amphitheatre are still part of the cityscape. Bordeaux Frances elegant wine capital is the belle of the ball, with exceptional architecture, outstanding museums and classic French cafs perfect for people-watching. Tiny rural villages are also a delight to explore, as each one is full of its own local charm, with unique festivals, speciality foods and traditional buildings surrounding old town squares.

With so much to appreciate, you wont want to miss a single thing. Weve broken this region down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge and colourful, comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether youre staying for a few days, weeks or longer, this Eyewitness guide will ensure that you see the very best of the region. Enjoy the book and enjoy southwest France.

A sampling of regional specialities.

Pic du Midi dOssau in the Ossau Valley.

A lighthouse in the old port town of Capbreton.

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It has a rich historical heritage. Its steeped in culture. Its cuisine and wines are world famous. Ask anyone from southwest France and youll hear a different reason why they love this region. Here, we pick a few favourites.

t Bordeauxs wines are known around the world, bringing fame to the region since the age of the Roman Empire. Sip for yourself at one of the many vineyards throughout Gironde.

Discover Reasons to Love

t The unique language, cuisine and architectural style of Pays Basque is most evident between the chic beach resort of Biarritz and the port city of .