The Aquitaine region borders the southern-most part of the French Atlantic coast. It comprises the departments of Dordogne, Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, Landes and Pyrenees-Atlantique. The very names of these departments suggest the wide variety of Aquitaine's appeal. The sunny valleys and castles of the Dordogne (also known as Perigord) give way to the fresh air and surf of Atlantic beaches and the southern border is lined with the imposing heights of the Pyrenees. The very southern area of this region is Basque country, while to the north lies the world famous wine growing region of Bordeaux. The area still often known as Gascony spans part of Aquitiane and stretches into the Midi Pyrenees region.

The region offers places to stay that range from seaside through rural to mountainside and therefore the type of accommodation available is very varied. By the sea there is the usual assortment of apartments, luxury villas with pools, bungalows and townhouses. In the more rustic areas, accommodation becomes typically French - gites, cottages, Dordogne stone farmhouses - peaceful countryside getaways. And the area is not without its chateaux and mansions for that extra bit of style.