France’s Atlantic Coast stretches along the Bay of Biscay from the rugged cliffs and mysterious standing stones of Brittany to the dazzling beaches and chic resorts of Biarritz. Among the area’s many attractions are the world-renowned wine region around Bordeaux with its hundreds of magnificent chateaux, the lush pine forests of Landes, and the Cote d’Argent, whose extensive seashore and sparkling water make it one of Europe’s leading spots for surfing, swimming, or soaking up the sun.

History

The history of the Atlantic Coast is vast and complex. There is evidence that Neanderthal man inhabited the region around Bordeaux as long as 30,000 years ago, and the Megalithic monuments of Brittany date back to the 5th millennium BC. The Celts, or Gauls, arrived from central Europe, ushering in the Iron Age, followed by the Romans, who occupied the area beginning in the 1st century BC. During the Middle Ages it was part of Charlemagne's Empire, and subsequently suffered through numerous conflicts and transfers of power. The port cities of the coast played critical roles over the centuries. La Rochelle was besieged during the Hundred Years War, and later became heavily involved with trade to the New World. During WWII, it was used as a German submarine base.

Art & Museums

Bordeaux is home to many excellent art museums, including the Musee d’Art Contemporain, Musee d’Arts Decoratifs, Musee des Beaux Arts, and Musee d’Aquitaine. In the town of Les Sables-d’Olonne, the Musee de l’Abbaye Sainte-Croix features modern and contemporary art. Bayonne’s Musee Basque et de l’Histoire de Bayonne houses an fascinating collection of art, artifacts, and exhibits about the Basque history and culture.

Nightlife

Biarritz has a lively nightlife, with two casinos and many clubs and discos offering a variety of music from house and techno to rock and salsa. The energetic spirit of Bordeaux is reflected in its vibrant music and entertainment scene, featuring a diverse assortment of bars, dance clubs, jazz clubs, and cinema.

How to get there

There are airports located in Nantes, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, and Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne. The TVG high speed train connects from Paris to several locations, including Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Arcachon, Bayonne, and Biarritz. Regional trains and buses provide links to the other towns and resort areas along the coast.