Aquitaine

Aquitaine refers to a historical and geographical region in southwest France. The name derives from the Aquitani, a Gaulish people described by Roman authors, and the term originally applied to the ancient Roman province of Aquitania as well as the medieval Duchy of Aquitaine. In modern administration, Aquitaine was a former region that, since 2016, forms part of the larger Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, which also includes Limousin and Poitou-Charentes. The historic city of Bordeaux served as its capital and remains a major urban and economic center within the broader region.

Geography and landscape: Aquitaine lies along the Atlantic Ocean and includes a varied landscape that spans coast, forest, river valleys, and foothills of the Pyrenees. The Garonne and Dordogne rivers meet near Bordeaux to form the Gironde estuary, a defining geographical feature. The region encompasses diverse areas from the Basque coast to the inland countrysides of Gascony and Guyenne, with a climate influenced by the Atlantic that is generally mild and conducive to viticulture.

Economy and culture: The area is best known for the Bordeaux wine region, one of the world’s most recognized wine areas. Agriculture, forestry, and tourism are important economic activities, aided by historic towns, coastal resorts, and prehistoric sites such as Lascaux. Culturally, Aquitaine exhibits Gascon and Basque influences, with a rich architectural heritage and a cuisine associated with southwestern France. Historically, it played a central role in medieval politics, including periods of English control during the 12th and 13th centuries before its consolidation into the French state.