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SOUTH WEST FRANCE
Daniele, who
was born in Biarritz and grew up in Bordeaux, owns two houses
in a small hamlet which dates back around 250 years. The hamlet
is situated approximately midway between these two beautiful
cities, in the centre of a pine forest which covers 1 million
hectares.
This
region, known as Les Landes, (which means The Marshes, though
the land is now drained) is mostly a protected National Park
and is bordered to the west by 106 kilometres of white sand
beaches. This stretch of coastline is known to the French
as the most beautiful in France and carries the name La Cote
d'Argent, The Silver Coast. We are 40 kilometres inland, approximately
35 minutes by car.
Please view the maps
provided
To
the north we have the vineyards of Bordeaux and, to the south,
the fascinating Basque region around Biarritz towards the
Pyrenees.
Close by we have the peace of the forest, the beaches, the
quiet local villages and vibrant cities. The area has long
and interesting historical links with England.
To
learn about Bordeaux, the closest major city, please visit
www.bordeaux-tourisme.com.
To visit Labastide d'Armagnac, a pretty local village, please
visit the site www.labastide-d-armagnac.com
As in all of France, food and drink is an
important aspect of everyday life here. The region just to
the north is of course famous for it's wine. Guests will be
offered local cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruit and vegetables
bought from the markets and will sample traditional regional
cuisine. The famous French village markets are a great place
to have fun chatting to locals and choosing provisions for
the week!
The
Southwest is a very traditional corner of France and, though
it has much to offer, it has yet to fully open itself to tourism.
This makes it a desirable area for those looking for unspoilt
French countryside and culture.
SGuests of Learn French in France can be confident that in
coming to the southwest they are glimpsing true French life!
To know more about the region please visit
the sites www.tourismelandes.com
and www.landesdegascogne.com
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