Aquitaine contains the departments of Dordogne, Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, Landes and Pyrénées-Atlantiques. The region`s population is 2.9 million. Once part of ancient Gaul, Aquitaine is rich in history.
Early human remains have been found, as well as cave paintings (to be found in Lascaux). Human occupation from 400 000 years ago exist.
Over 500 years of Roman occupation began in 56 B.C. (when vines were introduced). In the 5th century it was surrendered to the Visigoths. In 507 they were defeated by the Franks and subsequently incorporated into the Frankish States.
The Kingdom of Aquitaine was created in 778, part of the Carolingian empire.
In the 9th century royal control was wrestled away by noblemen with a powerbase in Auvergne. This lasted until a new duchy was founded, Gascony. In 1053 this was annexed to Aquitaine by William V.
Descendant William X died in 1137, when his daughter Eleanor of Aquitaine wed Louis VII (son of Louis VI). However, they divorced in 1152 and Eleanor married future King of England Henry Plantaganet. When he became Henry II , Aquitaine was bound for three centuries to the Kingdom of England. Eleanor brought Aquitaine to Henry as her dowry. She gave birth to ten children, one of which was Richard the Lionhearted.
1337 was the start of the `Hundred Years War`, which in fact ended in 1453 in Castillion. Here Charles VII was victorious, capturing Bordeaux and the dukedom of Aquitaine was returned to the Kingdom of France. From this period, castles, churches, strongholds, abbeys and sanctuaries can still be found.
Forward to 1884, a scientific discovery in the form of `Cro-Magnon Man`. Palaeolithic skeletons were found at Les Eyzies, Dordogne.
Another, more recent, historical date is 1955 when the region became defined by it`s administrative departments. These each have a departmental capital;
Dordogne (Perigueux)
Gironde (Bordeaux)
Landes (Mont-de-Marson)
Lot-et-Garonne (Agen)
Pyrénées-Atlantiques (Pau)
Bordeaux is the overall capital of Aquitaine.
The region is spacious and has Europe`s largest forest within it. Outdoor activities are plentiful (sailing, surfing, horseriding, cycling, walking). It is also Frances best area for golf courses.
The population has been increasing in recent years, faster than the French or European rate.
The climate of the region is often humid with plenty of rain from the Atlantic. Good temperatures are maintained well into autumn. In the summer, the coastal area has a cooling sea breeze to relief sustained periods of heat. The inland areas become very hot in summertime.
In the Pyrénées-Atlantiques there are the Pyrénées mountain range which is found in the south of Aquitaine. Here, we find chalet style properties amongst the lush mountain foothills. Skiing is popular here. This department includes some Basque country, it borders with the Spanish Basque region.
The Landes department is part of Aquitaine`s coastline, extensive forestation here provides much of France`s supply of wood.
Throughout the region there is a rich diversity of food produce. Thanks to the climate, there are tomatoes, plums, prunes, asparagus, strawberries and kiwi fruit. In addition, the region provides veal, goose, oysters, truffles and foie gras. That is before the wine!
Dordogne is picturesque with historic, charming towns Bergerac and Riberac. Good air and road links and variety of property in Dordogne provides opportunities for house hunters to live in this appealing area. The whole region is famed for its abundance of water and that includes the Dordogne River.
Of course wine production is integral in Aquitaine, with the world renowned Bordeaux it`s centrepiece. The vineyards here provide Saint-Emillion,Medoc,Sauterne and Margaux varieties of wine. Bergerac also has excellent vineyards.
The region has a strong British expat contingent including many who moved for the quality of life or for employment.
A piece of England has been imported with expat cricket teams popular!
This article on one of France`s most beautiful areas is designed to provide an insight into it`s history, landscape and culture, as well as it`s diverse activities.
Aquitaine is still pretty much unspoilt and is a tourist and permanent destination of note for those who wish to sample the French lifestyle.
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