Nouvelle-Aquitaine: The favourites of Salt in our Hair

Floating with the current down the enormous Dordogne River is the best way to understand the nature that makes Nouvelle-Aquitaine so spectacular. We paddled by kayak past tall cliffs, postcard-worthy villages, and hilltop castles.

Welcome to the eco-paradise of Ile de Re! This was such a beautiful natural surprise to find on the west coast of France. Known as the jewel of the Atlantic, it’s no surprise that the people of Ile de Re are working to protect the amazing wildlife, flora, and fauna.

We spent our days cycling and paddleboarding among the luscious network of salt marshes, strolling hand in hand amongst the romantic streets of the villages, and eating at traditional bakeries.

Jump right into the pages of a Harry Potter book in Sarlat! Every corner of this village will charm and delight, with its gorgeous brown-tiled roofs and evening gas-lit streets. In fact, Sarlat has the highest amount of historical buildings per square foot in the whole of France!

Not only is it a pleasure to walk around and explore, but we also enjoyed the gastronomical experiences. The region is known for its production of the delicacies of truffle, walnuts, and Bergerac wine. The incredible markets reflect this, allowing visitors to sample and buy all this unique local produce.

Who would ever believe you could find a Caribbean feeling in France?! Despite only being 20 minutes away from Rochefort, this island is a world away when it comes to its scenery. Approach the island by boat, and see blue waters, tropical plant life, and white sand beaches.

On reaching Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, we instantly saw why this village is on the list of the most pretty villages in France. White-stone houses, with wooden balconies and hanging flowers, stretch uphill from the banks of the River Dronne. We learned that it used to be an important site for pilgrims, who stopped here on their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Visiting Aubeterre was also an amazing opportunity for us to feel at one with nature, as the river banks are the perfect place to camp. We stayed at a ‘Nomad Tent’, which was such a fun and different accommodation than we’re normally used to! It’s run by a lovely family, who live on the farm and focus on what really matters: growing their own food and taking care of animals in an environmentally friendly way. Falling asleep to the sounds of nature was one of our most calming and beautiful experiences in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

As photographers, Les Jardins de Marqueyssac was a photography heaven! This Italian-inspired garden with the morning dew was the perfect accompaniment to the panoramic views you can see from the height of the gardens (Marqueyssac lies on top of a rocky hill). Just to add even more magic to the experience: the pathways swirl around the chateau that sits in the center. This stunning part of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is tucked away, so it’s the perfect hidden gem to discover on your trip to the region!