Nouvelle Aquitaine today
Nouvelle-Aquitaine, located in Southwest France, was created through the territorial reform that came into effect on January 1, 2016. This new region combines the former administrative regions of Aquitaine, Poitou-Charentes, and Limousin.
The region’s administrative center, or préfecture, is Bordeaux, which also serves as its capital. With a population of 850,000, Bordeaux is France’s 7th largest city.
Aquitaine: A region of diversity
Aquitaine is made up of five departments:
- Landes (40): Capital Mont-de-Marsan, , known for its vast pine forests planted in the 19th century to prevent sand dune erosion.
- Gironde (33): Capital Bordeaux, a world-famous wine region.
- Dordogne (24): Capital Périgueux
- Lot-et-Garonne (47): Capital Agen
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64): Capital Pau, encompassing two culturally distinct areas:
- The French Basque Country (Iparralde) in the western section.
- Béarn, located in the heart of the Pyrenees Mountains.
These two regions are celebrated for their strong cultural identities and fierce dedication to preserving their traditions.
Poitou-Charentes is composed of four departments:
- Charente (16): Capital Angoulême, known for its comic strip festival and historic charm.
- Charente-Maritime (17): Capital La Rochelle, a vibrant port city with maritime heritage.
- Deux-Sèvres (79): Capital Niort, a hub for mutual insurance and gateways to the Marais Poitevin.
- Vienne (86): Capital Poitiers, famous for its Romanesque architecture and historical significance.
The region’s administrative center and capital is Poitiers.
Limousin is made up of three departments:
- Corrèze (19): Capital Tulle, known for its beautiful natural landscapes and historic sites.
- Creuse (23): Capital Guéret, famous for its peaceful countryside and outdoor activities.
- Haute-Vienne (87): Capital Limoges, renowned for its fine porcelain and rich history.
The region’s capital and préfecture is Limoges.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine: A region of history
Nouvelle-Aquitaine largely corresponds to the historic Duchy of Aquitaine, which was famously inherited by Eleanor of Aquitaine.
When she married Henry II Plantagenet, king of England, the duchy passed under English control, sparking a long period of territorial conflict between the French and English.
These conflicts culminated in the Hundred Years’ War, which lasted from the 14th to the 15th century. During this time, both sides built fortified towns, known as bastides, many of which are now considered some of the most beautiful towns in France. Aquitaine was fully returned to the French crown in 1453, following the French victory at Castillon-la-Bataille.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Geography and climate
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region largely encompasses the Bassin d’Aquitaine, a vast sedimentary basin that formed during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras.
As the largest region in France, its landscapes and climates vary widely from one area to another. The region stretches from the wetlands of Poitou in the north to the towering Pyrénées Mountains in the south. It is bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the east by the Massif Central.
Along the coast, the region enjoys a warm oceanic climate, while the inland areas experience more semi-continental influences. The Pyrénées have a distinct mountain climate, which changes with altitude, while the Basque Country features several micro-climates, adding further variety to the region’s weather.
Economy of Nouvelle-Aquitaine
The region’s economy is built on a diverse mix of sectors, including agriculture, particularly viticulture, tourism, aerospace, and industrial ceramics. In addition, the pharmaceutical industry, as well as the digital, design, and financial sectors, play significant roles.
As the largest agricultural region in Europe by turnover, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a leader in farming and wine production. It is also the top region in France for tourism employment, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The region’s extensive Atlantic coastline is home to prestigious seaside resorts and harbors that cater to cruise ships, including Arcachon, Bayonne, Biarritz, La Rochelle, Royan, and Bordeaux. In addition to coastal tourism, river tourism thrives along the Canal des Deux Mers, which connects the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean via the Canal de la Garonne and Canal du Midi. Ski resorts in the Pyrénées also contribute to the vibrant tourism sector.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the second-largest region in France (after Paris-Ile-de-France) in terms of the number of universities and Grandes Écoles, with notable institutions in Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Limoges, Poitiers, and Pau.
The region is well-connected both within France and internationally. Major road links include the A10 motorway, which connects Bordeaux to Paris and Spain, the A89 to Clermont-Ferrand and the Rhône Valley, and the A62-A61 to Toulouse and the Mediterranean. The TGV high-speed train connects the region to Paris, Toulouse, and Spain.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is served by five international airports: Bordeaux-Mérignac, Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne, Pau-Pyrénées Airport, Limoges-Bellegarde and Bergerac Airport.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine in numbers:
Area: 84,061 km²
Population: 5,844,177 (01/01/2013)
