Bordeaux is the administrative capital whereas the elegant city of Biarritz is generally recognised as the holiday capital - it's certainly France's surfing capital!
The same winds that bring in the surf also keep the winters mild and are a breath of fresh air during the long hot summers. The winter period can be very attractive. Holidaymakers have been coming here for over 100 years to enjoy the beaches, the vast stretches of sea pine; (planted by Napoleon to protect the valuable vineyards), the vibrant cities and the market towns.
Golf in this region is some of the best in Europe with four courses making the top 50. In and around Bordeaux you'll find the great 36 holes at Medoc and the equally challenging courses of Lacanau and Arcachon.
The Medoc (Chateaux) course is the best known as it's a regular host of PGA Tour events and ranked #4 in France. Meanwhile the Biarritz area has seven quality courses to choose from but the pick of the bunch are Seignosse, Moliets and Makila. Seignosse is a Von Hagge masterpiece that's been ranked in the world's top 100 whilst Moliets is a Trent Jones Jnr set-up, a regular PGA venue and in Europe's top 50.