And there’s the regional capital, Bordeaux, a vibrant and lively city steeped in history and with an abundance of cultural activities to keep busy and entertained. A well-established transport hub between the airport, train and buses to go to and fro within Nouvelle-Aquitaine and beyond.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Aquitaine varies depending on what area you choose to call home. An estimated cost of living for one person in Bordeaux before paying rent is around €850, and a one-bedroom apartment averages around €800 per month. Whereas the average cost of living for this region, including rent, utilities, food, eating out, entertainment and transportation, is around €1200 for one person. A family of 4 should plan for about €3000 per month to live comfortably. Whether you live in the city centre, taking local transport, or opt for a small village, driving a car and using fuel, will influence expenses.
Geography of the region
Tucked between northern Spain and the Pyrenees mountains, Aquitaine geography is diverse. Whether you prefer the mountains or to feel a coastal breeze, you’ll likely find whatever you seek in Aquitaine. If being surrounded by vineyards or hiking in forests or the foothills is your thing, you’ll also find it here.
With an expanse of over 200 km of coastline, known as the Silver Coast or Côte d'Argent, you can find your ideal beach, whether to ride the waves or soak up the sun.
And in the south are famous resort beach towns, Saint Jean de Luz and ritzy Biarritz in French Basque Country. In the winter, those who love to play in the snow can ski, snowboard or snowshoe in the Pyrenees.
Main attractions and destinations in Aquitaine
Because the Aquitaine region is vast, there are several destinations to explore and consider. What cities are in Aquitaine? The most famous, Bordeaux, is also a UNESCO world heritage site, known for its wine and Roman ruins that abound. But Bordeaux isn’t the only city, so consider visiting Bergerac and Limoges, too.
La Rochelle is a port town on the coast with a beautiful old town and with neighbouring islands where life goes at a different pace. Most people bike or walk instead of driving.
In the south of Aquitaine, there’s Basque Country or Pays Basque where you may hear both Euskara and French on the streets of the quaint coastal towns or the historical inland city of Bayonne.
What it is like to live in
Living in Aquitaine can be low-key or more upbeat, depending on whether you want to live in the countryside, coastal town or city. The best places to live in Aquitaine come down to preferences and lifestyle.
Many expats love living in Bordeaux and the surrounding areas for the sunny and relatively warm climate, delicious gastronomy, and cultural offerings, plus it’s easy to get away for day trips or longer getaways within France or Europe.
Some expats prefer to head to the Dordogne region and choose to either live in the city of Bergerac or opt for a small village in the countryside. Dordogne is often compared to the Tuscany of France and many expats own a second home in this area.
