Things to do in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks

The highest dune in Europe, a unique landscape with an incredible panoramic view over the ocean, forest and Arcachon Bay but also and more importantly, a living, natural space that needs to be looked after and protected. Since December 2007, the Syndicat Mixte de la Grande Dune du Pilat has been working to protect and preserve this national piece of heritage that belongs to us all. From the top of this giant (109 meters high, 2,7 kilometers long, 500 meters wide), you can see many remarkable sites of the region.

Castle of Commarque, the adventure from Prehistory to the Middle Ages Once upon a time, in a legendary valley, there was a grandiose pile of stones where dungeons and fortified castle, troglodytes and prehistoric grotto were superimposed on a rocky outcrop in a breathtaking landscape. You will engrave the stone with Cro-Magnon, you will draw with the bow like a true knight, you will draw with the pen the poems of the courtly love. You will discover the mysteries of Commarque through games and workshops, medieval investigation but also with free tours, guided tours, exhibitions and 3D projections. Adventure awaits you at Commarque Castle! The ticket includes: free visit, games of yesteryear, exhibitions and 3D projections. During holidays and school holidays are included: guided tours and workshops (archery, stone sculpture, draw me a castle, parietal layout, medieval calligraphy). Medieval survey with small supplement

Looking out to the Atlantic, the Tour Saint-Nicolas (14th century), the Tour de la Chaîne (14th century) and the Tour de la Lanterne (12th and15th century) are the remains of a great fortification building campaign undertaken in the City of La Rochelle from 1199. The Tour Saint-Nicolas and the Tour de la Chaîne form the majestic gateway to the Old Port and for ten centuries formed the key defensive bastions to the city. As true palatial constructions and city castles, they are the symbol of a city with a very rich hand proud seafaring and trading heritage. The Tour de la Lanterne, the oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic coast and then a navy prison, contains over 600 examples of graffiti carved into the walls by prisoners in over 3 centuries. Open: > 1st April to 30th September: Tower Saint-Nicolas: from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. ; Tower of La Chaîne and La Lanterne: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2.15 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2.15 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 1 tower ticket : 6 € ; 3 towers ticket : 8,50 € ; Concessions (18 to 25) = 1 tower ticket : 4 € ; 3 towers ticket : 5,50 € ; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

A HIDDEN HERITAGE, UNIQUE IN EUROPE In this 45 minutes long tour, your guide makes you discover Saint-Emilion’s underground heritage. From the monk Emilion’s story, between truth and legend, to the carving of the surprising monolithic church, walk through several centuries of history. Your guide, only holder of the keys, opens the monuments’ doors and shares their secrets ! Observe the details of the Trinity Chapel’s paintings and discover the mysterious catacombs and the Hermitage… A historical summary within four essential monuments.

UNIQUE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE Visit a unique museum in France which is protecting a vast gallo-roman house vestiges, the Vésone Domus. Opened since 2003, in the heart of archaeological and plants park, Vesunna offers a 3000 m2 itinerary of permanent presentation of antique Perigueux. AN ARCHITECTURE BY JEAN NOUVEL Jean Nouvel the building project architect has completed a great number of works throughout the world. He is in particular the architect of the Quai Branly museum in Paris. A large umbrella, which is protecting the antic walls, floats above it. From the mezzanines, an impressive view opens onto the vestiges. Further on, the high glass walls reveal the landscaped gardens of the Vesone Tower and the IVth century rampart vestiges. The building is like a window onto the past which is buried under the modern city.

Embark on the Hermione adventure in Rochefort ! Explore France's largest replica of an old sailing boat. Find out more about this extraordinary adventure with a host of guided tours, events and activities. Get on board and discover the upper deck and go on the gun deck, learn more about traditional craftmanship, sailmaking, rigging,... Through panels, pictures and movies, you will discover history, shipbuilding and life on board.