8
SOMMAIRE spring 2012 ISSN :1767/5537 AQUITAINE TOURIST BOARD NEWSLETTER INFORMATION SUMMARY NEWS from AQUITAINE 1 BUSINESS TOURISM 2 Cycling breaks • Freewheeling along the Atlantic coast • Cycling the Bay of Arcachon 2 Horseback holidays • The Basque Country on horseback or by bike 3 • Horse-riding and personal training • The Basque country on horseback • Green Périgord Vert in a horse-drawn caravan 4 Wine tourism • The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux et Spa • Meet the winemakers • The 2012 Bordeaux Wine Festival 5 Accommodation • A new look for the Burdigala • Maison Fredon in Bordeaux • The Boutique Hôtel in Bordeaux 6 • The Bordeaux’s Hôtel Particulier • Bordeaux A’Part a home away from home • The “All suite Appart Hotel” in Pau 7 • Maison Antzika, on the Basque coast • In Lot-et-Garonne, the Malbentre campsite 8 News in brief • Tarnos receives the European Ecolabel • The Béarn Pyrenees, a region of Art and History • Bordeaux, on Tripadvisor.com 8 Online • www.handiplusaquitaine.fr • www.bordeaux-hotel.com Other ideas for trips and visits… • The Cap Ferret half-marathon (p6) • The secrets of a very surprising cigar: “made in Béarn” (p7) [ ] Last November, the Landes’ leading business tourism names came together to form the Landes Business Tourism Club for professional visits and event organi- sation. The Club includes professionals capable of covering every aspect of event organisation, from cate- ring to transportation via meeting space, tech- nical equipment, furniture, accommodation and other business-specific services for training days, conferences, conventions etc. The Landes region is an original, peaceful and exceptionally beautiful area for a business event. For 40 good reasons to choose the Landes, visit: Tel : +33 5 58 06 06 97 - +33 6 88 03 20 32 [email protected] http://www.lecap40-landes.com The Terres Basques agency in Bordeaux This agency has been established for 18 years, become a leading name in the Basque tourist industry in the process. The company have recently established a new office in Bordeaux, christened Bordeaux by Terres Basques. The agency can guarantee the success of your events with a combination of profes- sional expertise, a network of well-respected partners and a range of original products and activities: gala evenings in famous châteaux, boat races on the Bay of Arcachon, Citroën 2CV rallies, sunset picnics on the Arguin Sandbank… A whole host of options to make your visit truly unforgettable! www.terresbasques.com [email protected] Cap 40, the Landes Business Tourism Club © Terres Basques © J.-J. Brochard/CRTA

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Page 1: News from Aquitaine - Spring 2012

SOMMAIREsp

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5537

AQUITAINE TOURIST BOARDNEWSLETTER INFORMATION

SUMMARYNEWS

fromAQUITAINE

1

BUSINESS TOURISM2 Cycling breaks

• Freewheeling along the Atlantic coast• Cycling the Bay of Arcachon

2 Horseback holidays• The Basque Country on horseback or by bike

3 • Horse-riding and personal training• The Basque country on horseback

• Green Périgord Vert in a horse-drawn caravan

4 Wine tourism• The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux et Spa

• Meet the winemakers• The 2012 Bordeaux Wine Festival

5 Accommodation• A new look for the Burdigala• Maison Fredon in Bordeaux

• The Boutique Hôtel in Bordeaux

6 • The Bordeaux’s Hôtel Particulier• Bordeaux A’Part a home away from home

• The “All suite Appart Hotel” in Pau

7 • Maison Antzika, on the Basque coast• In Lot-et-Garonne, the Malbentre campsite

8 News in brief• Tarnos receives the European Ecolabel

• The Béarn Pyrenees, a region of Art and History• Bordeaux, on Tripadvisor.com

8 Online• www.handiplusaquitaine.fr• www.bordeaux-hotel.com

Other ideas for trips and visits…• The Cap Ferret half-marathon (p6)

• The secrets of a very surprising cigar: “made in Béarn” (p7)

[ ]Last November, the

Landes’ leading business

tourism names came

together to form the

Landes Business Tourism

Club for professional

visits and event organi-

sation. The Club

includes professionals

capable of covering

every aspect of event

organisation, from cate-

ring to transportation

via meeting space, tech-

nical equipment, furniture, accommodation and other business-specific services for training days,

conferences, conventions etc.

The Landes region is an original, peaceful and exceptionally beautiful area for a business event. For

40 good reasons to choose the Landes, visit:

Tel : +33 5 58 06 06 97 - +33 6 88 03 20 [email protected]://www.lecap40-landes.com

The Terres Basques agency in BordeauxThis agency has been

established for 18 years,

become a leading name

in the Basque tourist

industry in the process.

The company have

recently established a

new office in Bordeaux,

christened Bordeaux by

Terres Basques.The agency can

guarantee the success

of your events with a

combination of profes-

sional expertise, a network of well-respected partners and a range of original products and

activities: gala evenings in famous châteaux, boat races on the Bay of Arcachon, Citroën 2CV

rallies, sunset picnics on the Arguin Sandbank… A whole host of options to make your visit

truly unforgettable!

[email protected]

Cap 40, the Landes Business Tourism Club

© Terres Basques

© J.-J. Brochard/CRTA

Newsjanvier2012xp_Endirectquadrinov06 xp 24/01/12 14:48 Page1

Page 2: News from Aquitaine - Spring 2012

An invigorating day out: cycling the Bay of ArchachonVélo Voyageur is an agency specialising in the organisation of cycling

holidays for all ages and abilities, including bike tours which are perfect

for a breath of fresh sea air on the weekend. The dense network of

cycle trails in and around Arcachon opens up a wealth of possibilities:

the oyster-farming village of Gujan-Mestras, the vast sandy beaches to

the south, the immense Pilat sand dune and the pine forest which lies

behind it.

Every day, choose the route which you want to take: a coastal jaunt to

explore the dunes, a tour of the picturesque winter resort of

Arcachon, a trip to the great Pilat dune, an excursion to the Cap Ferret

peninsula with a boat trip included – you’ll have no trouble finding a

boat to take you from Arcachon over to Cap Ferret – or a visit to the

oyster-farming ports and a detour through the Leyre delta.

Prices: 219 Euros per person for 3 days and 2 nights.

The agency also has week-long cycle packages taking you from

Bordeaux to Arcachon, or deep into wine country with a 2-3 day

package exploring the Grand Cru estates around Saint Emilion.

� Information and reservationsTel. +33 9 70 40 61 68 - +33 1 80 91 98 18

[email protected]

pro.tourisme-aquitaine.frNEWS from AQUITAINE

2

Vélodyssée, freewheeling along theAtlantic coast

It will soon be possible to cycle the full 1200 km between

Roscoff (a beach resort near the Brittany port city of

Finistère) and Hendaye on the Basque coast. This epic

journey contains plenty of opportunities to discover the

riches of the Atlantic coast. This new route, 80% of which is on dedi-

cated cycle trails, passes through the Brittany, Vendée and Charente-

Maritime regions before hitting the Aquitaine coast. The Vélodyssée is

one of 15 designated EuroVéloroutes, and will have its official opening

in June 2012, although most of the route is already open to cyclists.

This route provides a new connection between Northern Europe and

Spain, and connects with other routes in Northern Spain and Devon

in South-West England. Easy, open-to-all, safe and well signposted with

standardised route markers, this cycle trail has been designed for

everybody: whether you’re in for the long haul or just out for the after-

noon, take it at your own pace.

www.lavelodyssee.com

CYCLING BREAKS[ ]

HORSEBACK HOLIDAYS[ ]©B. Ruiz - SIBA

Explore the Basque Country on horse-back or by bike, on the Smugglers’ TrailAn outdoor adventure across the Basque country from Saint-Palais to

Biriatou, the famous Smugglers’ Trail is a 200km-long route across the

peaks and ridges which form the border between France and Spain. The

trail has recently been refurbished, with new signposts and route

markers. The magnificent route is now safer than ever, and ideal for

experienced horse riders or mountain bikers.The trail passes through

Saint-Palais and Saint-Jean-Pied de Port before reaching the famous

Aldudes Valley, one of the most unspoilt areas of the Basque country,

and heading west towards the coast. There is a 1215m difference in alti-

tude between the highest and lowest points on the trail, and the route

is divided into 9 stages for horses and 7 for mountain bikes. Every stage

ends at a designated Vélo64 or Cheval64 hotel or guest house, quality

accommodation tailored to the needs of riders and cyclists. There are

also various equestrian experts along the way who can accompany you

along their section of the route and provide information on the area.

GPS routes and journey descriptions for all of the stages are available

from rando64.fr, the website of reference for all hiking and outdoor

adventures in the Pyrénées Atlantiques.

© L. REIZ - CRTA

©Céline Boute

Newsjanvier2012xp_Endirectquadrinov06 xp 24/01/12 14:48 Page2

Page 3: News from Aquitaine - Spring 2012

3

SPRING 2012

Horse-riding and personal training: anequestrian centre less than an hourfrom BordeauxThe Subileau stables are located in Saint-Martin-de-Laye, 15 minutes

from Libourne in Gironde, and offers traditional horse-riding lessons

as well as courses designed to boost the fitness and form of riders. A

training regime which includes yoga sessions can help you improve

your riding performance, whatever your level. These courses are orga-

nised by three coaches from very different backgrounds – horse-riding,

yoga and dance – who have pooled their knowledge and experience to

create a new and innovative approach to equestrian training. The aim

of the course is to allow riders to feel at one with their horse, comfor-

table and confident in their form and ability. The course involves work

on foot and on horseback and can be tailored to suit riders of all

levels, from beginners to competitive sportspeople.

Numerous courses, ranging from 2 to 5 days depending on the period,

are scheduled for the period April-October 2012.

� Information and reservationsLes écuries de Subileau - 33910 Saint Martin de Laye

Tel. +33 5 57 84 72 14

[email protected]

Explore the Basque Country on horseback with UrkodeaUrkodea is a horse farm near Hasparren which offers a whole range

of excursions, from day trips to 6-day expeditions, through the plains

and valleys of the Basque Country, through the historic provinces of

Labourd and Lower Navarre. These expeditions, led by an experienced

local guide, are a perfect way to discover the Basque hinterland and its

traditional villages, culture and cuisine. And of course there is no better

landscape for a spot of riding: vast meadows where wild ponies roam,

peaks, ridges, mountain pastures and truly breath-taking views.

The farm also has a large gîte which can sleep up to 32 guests in

dormitories and private rooms.

� Information and reservationsUrkodea - Quartier Celhay - 64240 Hasparren

Tel. +33 5 59 29 15 76 - +33 6 26 57 13 25

[email protected]

Leaving from Saint-Julien de Bourdeilles, a pretty village near

Brantôme and 30 kilometres from Périgueux, wind your way through

the famous landscapes of the Green Périgord region in a horse-drawn

caravan with room for 4 (sleeping area and kitchen). Once you get the

hang of the reins and directing the horses and the caravan you can

trot gaily from village to village, wandering down picturesque country

lanes in total freedom. At the end of the day, your accommodation will

be waiting for you: horse farm, country inn, countryside camp site

with water connections and sanitary facilities. Perfect for a relaxing

family holiday, getting off the beaten track to truly escape the daily

grind.

Various options available between April and October 2012, from 3

days to a whole week.

� Information and reservationswww.perigord-reservation.com

Trot your way through Green Périgord in a horse-drawn caravan

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Newsjanvier2012xp_Endirectquadrinov06 xp 24/01/12 14:48 Page3

Page 4: News from Aquitaine - Spring 2012

pro.tourisme-aquitaine.frNEWS from AQUITAINE

4

Meet the winemakersMes vignes is a scheme which allows enthusiasts to establish a truly

close connection with our partner estates, sharing in the passion of

talented and passionate winemakers and discovering the secrets of their

vineyards, wineries and barrel cellars. The idea is simple: you become the

proud owner of a few individual vines for one whole year, and you follow

the progress of these vines and the wine they produce, even visiting the

estate to help with the vinification process. At the end of the process

you will receive the fruits of your labour, presented in personalised

bottles: a totally unique wine, whose flavours will evoke memories of

times spent at the Château with the winemaker and other wine-lovers.

There are a number of participating Châteaux in Aquitaine, some of

which are located in very prestigious appellations: Bergerac, Bordeaux,

Pessac-Léognan, Médoc, Margaux.

www.mesvignes.com

[ ]WINE TOURISM

Bordeaux’s 5-star hotel The Regent, which has just changed its nameto become Le Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa, is always thinkingof new and exciting wine tourism initiatives. Their latest innovation isto establish a Wine Concierge service within the hotel. This trade-marked concept is designed to appeal to those demanding wineconnoisseurs who are looking to personalise their vineyard expe-rience. This is a flexible bespoke service, combining the features of anagency organising exclusive visits and tasting sessions at prestigiousChâteaux and a high-class concierge service capable of organising a

private tasting, including expert commentary, in your own hotel suite,or even tracking down a specific bottle of wine and bringing it to you!

� Information and reservationsGrand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa 5*

Place de la comédie - 33000 Bordeaux

Tel. : +33 5 57 30 44 44

[email protected]

Held every two years, alternating with the River Festival, the

Bordeaux Wine Festival is an internationally-renowned event

devoted entirely to the wines of Bordeaux and Aquitaine.

This year will see the 8th edition of the festival, held on the river

quayside where a 2-kilometre ‘Wine Route’ sees stands representing

80 wine appellations stretched out beneath the eighteenth-century

facades of this UNESCO World Heritage listed city.

To make the most of the event, pick up a €15 Tasting Pass and

discover the wines of Bordeaux and Aquitaine in all their rich diver-

sity. The Pass includes 12 tasting tickets and coupons for special

deals, as well as a special tasting glass and carrying case. With the pass

you can explore the festival at your own pace, following your palate

as you meet winemakers from all over the region in the various

‘Appellation Pavilions’. All lovers of wine, and a good party, are invited

to share in this truly special occasion as Bordeaux celebrates its

iconic wines with concerts, shows and more. This year, the event’s

partner city is Hong Kong. The festival reaches its grand finale with a

huge firework display over the Garonne.

� Information and reservationsOffice de tourisme de Bordeaux

12 cours du XXX juillet - 33080 Bordeaux cedex

Tel. +33 5 56 00 66 20

[email protected]

The 2012 Bordeaux Wine Festival

A new Concierge service at the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa

© Alain Bèguerie

© Alain Bèguerie

© GHB réservé - A. Caboche

© GHB réservé - A. Caboche

Newsjanvier2012xp_Endirectquadrinov06 xp 24/01/12 14:48 Page4

Page 5: News from Aquitaine - Spring 2012

Maison Fredon in Bordeaux: tradition and modernity In the heart of Old Bordeaux Jean-Pierre Xiradakis, best known as

owner of the celebrated La Tupina restaurant, has recently established

a boutique hotel with five bedrooms set in a pristine eighteenth-

century townhouse (built in 1750). The rooms are comfortable and

spacious (two of 30m² and three of 50m²), with a design scheme which

preserves the spirit of the hotel’s historic origins. The decoration

preserves the classic features of a Bordeaux townhouse with open

spaces, high ceilings and magnificent fireplaces complemented by a few

contemporary touches. One of the best rooms, and certainly the most

original, boasts a landing reading area complete with oval window

overlooking the Rue de la Porte de la Monnaie below. The walls are

adorned with old master prints and original lithographs from artists

such as Kandinsky and Arman, while the furniture includes pieces by

Starck among other contemporary greats.

Prices: Double rooms from €180 to €250 per night (depending on the

size of the room)

� Information and reservations La Maison Fredon

7 Rue Porte de la Monnaie

33800 Bordeaux

Tel : + 33 5 56 91 56 37

www.latupina.com/pages/maison-fredon.php

The Boutique Hôtel, historic charm andmodern design in BordeauxA new contemporary hotel located in one of Bordeaux’s most presti-

gious areas, the Boutique Hôtel certainly lives up to its name.

Industrial relics, precious materials and contemporary design pieces

are united by the theme of wine. This eighteenth-century townhouse

has its own shady interior courtyard, with eleven bedrooms and two

90m² apartments all furnished for maximum comfort: spa baths, balco-

nies with views of the city, wireless internet…

In 2012 the hotel will launch its own spa centre, set in the vaulted

cellar, as well as a wine bar serving some of Bordeaux’s finest Grand

Cru wines with a selection of cheeses and tapas dishes.

Prices: Double rooms from €169 to €355 (prices vary depending on

the date and the size of the room)

� Information and reservations Le Boutique Hôtel Bordeaux

3 rue Lafaurie Monbadon - 33000 Bordeaux

Tel. : + 33 5 56 48 80 40

[email protected]

A new look for the Burdigala,Bordeaux’s 5 Star Hotel Over the past few months the bedrooms and suites of this prestigious

hotel, just a short walk from Bordeaux’s vibrant, historic city centre,

have been fully renovated. This refurbishment has also seen big changes

made to the restaurant, the bar and the lobby.

Special attention has been paid to the quality of the materials used and

the harmony of the colours, with the whole décor intended to reflect

an ideal of ‘urban chic’. The lobby is tastefully attired in a creamy grey,

punctuated by artworks relating to wine and wine culture.

The overall result is sober and elegant, a paragon of discreet, refined

luxury which is resolutely modern. An ideal haven of peace for a busi-

ness stopover or relaxing holiday.

Prices: Double rooms from €240 per night

� Information and reservations Hôtel Burdigala 5*

115 rue Georges Bonnac - 33000 Bordeaux

Tel : + 33 5 56 90 16 16 - Fax : + 33 5 56 93 15 06

[email protected]

5

SPRING 2012

ACCOMMODATION[ ]

©Stefan Kraus

©Guilhem Ducléon

©Le Boutique Hôtel

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Page 6: News from Aquitaine - Spring 2012

pro.tourisme-aquitaine.frNEWS from AQUITAINE

HÉBERGEMENT[ ]Bordeaux A'Part, a homeaway from homeThis short-term letting agency has a selection

of 8 furnished apartments which offer great

value for money. The apartments are scat-

tered throughout Bordeaux’s various

districts: Jardin Public, Chartrons, Quai de

Bacalan… These apartments could be the

ideal solution for your stay in the city, profes-

sional or personal, business or pleasure.

Rentals from two nights to several months.

Well-appointed apartments, furnished with

taste and elegance in a style which blends

tradition and contemporary chic. Internet

access, washing machine and all necessary

household equipment provided.

The agency can also help you plan your visit

and explore Bordeaux and the surrounding

area. For a holiday or business trip which is all

about peace and well-being.Prices: From €500 to €750 per week. Prices

reduced for longer stays.

� Information and reservations Contact : Fabrizio Salomone

[email protected] A'PART

18, rue Quintin

33000 Bordeaux

Tel. :+ 33 (0)6 03 00 50 19

www.bordeauxapart.com

The All Suite AppartHotel in PauSet in 4 hectares of grounds, not far from the

Zénith de Pau, the All Suites Appart resi-dence has 155 apartments (ranging from

simple studios to suites), decorated in a

modern, elegant style.

These apartments have been designed with

comfort and calm in mind. As well as hotel-

style service, this 3-star residence also has

interconnected suites for families and a

babysitting service. For sports enthusiasts,

there is a gym equipped with the latest

equipment.

A partnership deal with the Caliceo aquatic

fitness centre and spa, located nearby, gives

guests access to special deals at this 4000m²

“aquatic temple”.

Prices: €49 to €99 per night (depending on

the type of apartment and the number of

guests). Reductions for longer stays.

� Information and reservations Résidence All Suites Appart Hotel

4 rue des Tiredous

64000 Pau

Tel. : + 33 5 59 71 77 77

[email protected]

A warm welcome at Bordeaux’s HôtelParticulierIn the heart of the city, a stone’s throw from

the central Place Pey Berland, the HôtelParticulier has five bedrooms – including

two suites – set in a beautiful Bordeaux

townhouse: wrought iron balconies, high

ceilings with original mouldings, antique chim-

neys and floorboards, a tree-lined patio and

garden area… These light, spacious rooms are

fitted with a mixture of antique furniture and

contemporary design pieces, with an atmos-

phere that strikes a balance between cosy

tradition and crisp, modern luxury.

The rooms also come equipped with all

modern conveniences, from Ipod docks to

Nespresso coffee machines. The Hôtel

Particulier also has 6 apart’hotel self-

contained suites and function rooms for

meetings and business conferences.

Prices: Rooms from €180

� Information and reservations L’Hôtel Particulier

44 rue Vital Carles - 3300 Bordeaux

Tel : +33 5 57 88 28 80

[email protected]

6

©Hôtel Particulier

©All Suite Appart Hôtel

…That’s 21.1 kilometres, set against the

breath-taking scenery of the Cap Ferret

peninsula. The course is nice and flat, as this

highlight of the local sporting calendar (reco-

gnised by the French Athletic Federation)

takes place mostly on the cycle trails which

criss-cross the pine forest, with the start and

finish points set on one of the beaches of the

Bay of Arcachon. The 2012 running will be the

first event held under the new organisation,

and with a new and improved route. The Cap

Ferret Half is scheduled for May 8th 2012,

acting as a curtain-raiser for two other hotly-

anticipated and very popular runs on the

peninsula: the Foulée des Baïnes in June and

the Marathon des Villages in September.

� Information and reservations Tel : +33 5 56 60 01 01

[email protected]

Get your running shoes on… or just watch: the Cap Ferret half-marathon

©DR et SIBA

Newsjanvier2012xp_Endirectquadrinov06 xp 24/01/12 14:48 Page6

Page 7: News from Aquitaine - Spring 2012

Maison Antzika, a luxury guest houseon the Basque coastA genuine tribute to the traditions of the Basque country, this guest

house is set in the countryside just outside Biarritz, basking in the

charm of this unique region.

The picturesque guest house marries the traditional features of a

Basque country house with elements of chic contemporary design.

The Antzika has 3 suites with independent access and 2 large

bedrooms on the first floor of the house. The rooms are large and

well-lit, decorated in the spirit of ‘luxury, calm and privacy’ and over-

looking a landscape of woods, flowering plants, a private lake and a 2-

hectare meadow populated by pottoks, adorable Basque ponies.

The house also has several lounges and terrace areas, a bar and grill

area... and a beautiful swimming pool in dazzling blue, with borders

decorated by famous Basque ceramicist Cazaux. Whether you choose

to stay in ''Imanol'', ''Arbonne'' or ''Amaïa'', the bathrooms are large

and well-designed. A protected parking area keeps the cars safe, leaving

guests with a clear view of the landscaped garden.

The owner, a young Basque craftsman, will even pick you up at the

station or airport... in his fully-restored vintage campervan.

Secure wireless internet, home-made breakfasts.

Prices: from €110 per night in off season and €160 in peak season

� Information and reservations Daniel Housset, Route de Borda - 64210 ARBONNE

Tel. +33 5 59 41 87 72. TM. + 33 6 80 23 73 65

[email protected] www.immersive.fr

In Lot-et-Garonne, Malbentre is a campsite located in one of France’smost beautiful villages

SPRING 2012

7

In May 2012, a new three-star campsite will be launching near the Lot-

et-Garonne village of Pujols, officially one of France’s most beautiful

villages. The new site, operated by Grand Bleu Vacances, will meet the

requirements of the EcoCamps quality label in terms of reduced

impact on the environment. Malbentre is set in 12 hectares of land-

scaped grounds, including 5 hectares of protected land. The remaining

7 hectares provide room for a maximum of 110 pitches (for caravans,

chalets, tents and campervans). A cycle trail will be marked out to

connect the site directly to the Villeneuve Green Route (Voie Verte).

The site will also have its own top-class facilities (pool, kids’ play areas,

leisure facilities).

� Information and reservations Office de Tourisme du Grand Villeneuvois

51 rue des Acacias 47300 Villeneuve-sur-Lot

Tél. : +33 5 53 41 02 46

administratif@tourisme-villeneuvois.frwww.tourisme-villeneuvois.fr

©http://www.immersive.fr

©Camping Malbentre

In the heart of the Béarn des Gaves, ‘Region

of Art and History’, lies one of the most

surprising specialities in the south-west: the

only cigar which is 100% ‘Made in Europe’ –

the Navarre.

In Navarrenx, world salmon-fishing capital, a

former musketeers’ headquarters dating from

1537 is now home to the Maison du Cigare

de Navarre. This working museum includes a

full explanation of the 300 steps through

which a finely-selected grain of tobacco must

pass before it becomes a truly exceptional

product: the Navarre Cigar, a tobacco legend.The tobacco plants, special exhibition,

videos and, of course, the incredible cigar-

rollers themselves all bear witness to the

rich human history which lies behind these

extraordinary, highly-prized cigars.

� InformationMaison du Cigare Free visits Monday-Saturday from 9:30 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:30.

Cigares Navarre

Place des Casernes

64190 NAVARRENX

Tel : +33 5 59 66 51 96

[email protected]

The secrets of a very surprising cigar: “Made in Béarn”

©Cigares du Béarn

Newsjanvier2012xp_Endirectquadrinov06 xp 24/01/12 14:49 Page7

Page 8: News from Aquitaine - Spring 2012

The Landes Forest in Tarnosreceives the EuropeanEcolabel

This holiday village is

one of the first in

Aquitaine to obtain

the European

Ecolabel, still a rare

honour in France.

Environmental efforts

in this section of the

southern Landes coast - also known as Le

Seignanx - have been greatly expanded in

recent years, with six other locations recei-

ving Ecolabel status: 2 camp sites in Ondres,

3 guest houses and a gîte.

www.seignanx-tourisme.com

The Béarn Pyrenees recognised as a Region of Art and History

Five years after the town of

O l o r o n - S a i n t e - M a r i e

obtained the same honour,

the ‘Art and History’ certifica-

tion has been extended to

cover the whole Haut Béarn region – the

foothills around Oloron and the Aspe, Ossau,

Barétous and Jospaig valleys – and form a

brand new cultural region: the Béarn Pyrenees.

This region becomes the second “Region of

Art and History” in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques

department – and in Aquitaine generally –

after the Béarn des Gaves.

www.piemont-oloronais.fr

Bordeaux, a “destination onthe rise” on Tripadvisor.com

On January 3rd 2012 the website Tripadvisor –the world’s largest online travel advicecommunity (according to comScore’s MediaMetrix ratings for Advisor sites worldwide, asof August 2011) – revealed their list of the top15 “destinations on the rise” in 2012. Theseare the cities or attractions which have seenthe biggest rise in comments and reviewspublished on the site between June-November 2010 and the same period in 2011.Tripadvisor users give their own reviews ofdestinations and their tourist facilities.Only 2 French cities made the list: Bordeaux(11th place) and Lyon (13th place)

pro.tourisme-aquitaine.frNEWS from AQUITAINE

NEWS IN BRIEF[ ]

ONLINE[ ]

Comité Régionalde Tourisme d’Aquitaine

Cité Mondiale

23, parvis des Chartrons

33074 Bordeaux Cedex

Tel. +33(0)5 56 01 70 00

Fax +33(0)5 56 01 70 07

[email protected]

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A new site to plan your getaways: www.handiplusaquitaine.frThe Handiplus Aquitaine associa-

tion have just launched their new

site, packed with trips, activities

and accommodation options

which are suitable for visitors

with disabilities. The site is full of

practical information, particularly

concerning transport options.

Last but not least, join the

Handiplus community to share

your own tips and experiences.

An online makeover forHôtel Bayonne Etche-Ona:www.bordeaux-hotel.comThis Bordeaux Best Western hotel has

completely overhauled its website, making it

easier than ever to plan your trip, check out

the latest deals and find the best rates. You

can also find updated tourist information and

photos of the new design scheme in the

bedrooms and bathrooms, following major

renovation work. Rounding off the site’s

services are a section dedicated to the latest Bordeaux news and an interactive section

where you can share your own experiences and leave comments.

©CRTA

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Newsjanvier2012xp_Endirectquadrinov06 xp 24/01/12 14:49 Page8