A world of waterThe largest estuary in Europe
The Gironde Estuary has a surface of 625 km2, 170 km of shoreline and a width of 10 km at its mouth. The tides come more than 100 km inland. The prestigious vineyards of Bordeaux may have conquered both banks of the estuary centuries ago, but it also has a much wilder side with its currents and islands - Ile de Patiras, Ile Bouchaud, Ile Verte, Ile du Nord and Ile Cazeau - which can be visited by boat. Lined with marshes, fed by a host of small streams known locally as esteys and dotted with fishermen's cabins on stilts with nets reaching over the water on long booms, the estuary is home to shrimp, shad , lamprey, eels and their young - the latter a famous culinary speciality.
Lakes and Waterways
All the way along the coast of Aquitaine, the barrier of dunes has given birth to a series of large lakes linked together by rivers known as courants in the area. Surrounded by vast forests of maritime pine, these stretches of water are a real paradise for families in search of safe spots for swimming, as well as for sailing or fishing enthusiasts. Going from north to south, the largest of these natural lakes are those of Carcans-Hourtin (largest lake in France), Lacanau, Sanguinet, Parentis and Soustons.
Iraty : Paradise on a plateau
Perched between Larrau and Sainte-Engrace, just a short distance from the Spanish border, the forest of Iraty rolls out its thousands of hectares of deciduous trees dotted with pastures and rocky ridges at altitudes of between 1,200 and 1,500 metres - a real paradise for watching migratory birds, fishing, hiking and cross-country skiing in winter. Nestled in the heart of the forests, comfortable chalets provide accommodation for ramblers in all seasons.
<< Back
 |
|
|
| News |
What's happening in Paris/Ile De France? |
|
|
|
| 29/09/2011 Freedom of the city of London for ABTOF Member |
|
|
|
|
|
| 07/12/2011 Winning article - Online |
The winning article from the online category of the French Travel Article of the Year awards, written by Sharron Livingston
|
|
|
|
| 07/12/2011 Winning article - Magazines |
Winner of the magazine category of the French Travel Article of the Year awards, written by Eve Kerswill
|
|
|
|
| 24/08/2011 Le Weekend 20 & 21 August 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 02/11/2010 Collection of Snippets from ABTOF members 1st Nov |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
October (Annual)
|
Paris
|
| Held at the world-renowned Longchamp racecourse, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe sees equine athletes from around the world competing to take away the €4 million prize fund, making it the world's most richly rewarded turf race. |
|
|
|
Paris Gay Pride
June (Annual)
|
Paris
|
|
The romantic, enchanting city of
Paris celebrates Gay Pride at the end of June with a massive parade that draws more than 500,000 spectators and participants as well as a series of parties, balls, and other lively events.
|
|
|
|
Rallye Paris - Deauville
October (Annual)
|
Paris
|
| The Paris - Deauville rally is an annual event which sees the gathering and exhibition of pre-1940s vintage cars, cabriolets and coupés. |
|
|
|
Carnaval de Paris
February
|
Paris, Ile-de-France
|
Parisians ome out in force to participate in this cheerful annual procession, which runs from the Rue le Vau to the Hôtel de Ville.
|
|
|
|
Chinese New Year Parade
January - February
|
Paris -Throughout the 13th arrondissement in Paris
|
| Chinese New Year in Paris has become one of the city's most popular annual events. Paris has a large and thriving French-Chinese community whose cultural influence grows stronger all the time. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Newsletter
|
|
|
|
Sign up to our newsletter for latest news, offers and deals
 |
|
|
|
| Offers |
|
Discounts and special offers on French Cottages and Villas
Find your ideal Holiday in France with French Connections, the original French holiday website.
|
|
Early Booking Discounts
Book your summer 2012 holiday to France early and save up to 10% off
|
More Offers on French Holidays
More Offers ...
|
| Holiday Options |
Accommodation
Loading
|
VFB Holidays Paris and the Seine - An Impressionist River Cruise
4 day/3 night river cruise starting in Paris from £396pp. Departures in March & October 2010.
|
|
Camping in Paris / Ile de France
Excellent family camping and caravanning parks across France. Great coastal and inland locations with a wide range of facilities.
|
|
AA Getaways - French city breaks by Eurostar
Speed off by Eurostar to some of France's best loved cities, enjoy amazing offers or free nights in hand-picked hotels. Breaks to suit all budgets and occassions.
|
|
Serviced Apartments in Paris with Adagio
Choose from 12 Adagio City Aparthotels in Paris including Eurodisney.
|
|
City Apartments
Great value city apartments that give you a comfortable base from which to explore the city.
|
|
Paris holidays with French Connections
Self catering apartments in Paris for both long and short breaks. Search now for your next holiday in Paris!
|
More Holiday Options ... |
|
 |
Average Temperature
Dependant on When
|
|
Sunshine Hours
Dependant on When |
 |
Average Rainfall
Dependant on When |
|
|