Nouvelle Aquitaine is a very diverse region. In the far south, near the Spanish border, the area is known as the Basque region with a distinct culture and cuisine and a number of bustling seaside resorts. Further inland, the departments of Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne are typical of south-west France with scenic countryside, meandering rivers and beautiful bastide villages. The countryside varies from vineyards around Bordeaux and Cognac, sunflower fields in Charente, rolling greenery in Limousin and the green marshlands of the Marais Poitevin in Deux-Sèvres. All along the coast there are popular seaside resorts and quieter natural beaches.

With the Bordeaux, Médoc and Bergerac wine areas, wine is the main drink in the region. The region’s other speciality drink is cognac, which is produced in the area around the town of Cognac in Charente, and an aperitif called pineau des Charentes. Seafood is a speciality along the coast and other food specialities include truffles, foie gras, duck and beef. Those with a sweet tooth should try a canale from Bordeaux, a gateau basque or a clafoutis.

Average property prices in this region vary from €2,505/m2 for houses and €3,417/m2 for apartments.