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places to visit in the aquitaine

Here are just some of the fantastic places to visit during your siblu holiday in aquitaine.

dune du pyla

South of the Arcachon Bay, about 60Km from Bordeaux,  you can visit the highest dune in Europe, the Great Dune of Pyla (pictured above). The dune reaches a height of 100m. At the summit the view is spectacular with the ocean coast, the inlet of the Bay and the large pine forest that surrounds it and when the sky is very clear you can see the Pyrenees mountains.

st emilion

St Emilion is a heart-warming 'ugly duckling grows up and becomes glamourous swan tale'. In the 8th century a hermit called, Emilion dug out a cave for himself in the rock. A monastery followed. Then it blossomed into a gorgeous medieval hilltop village.

The village is surrounded by endless vineyards that produce full-bodied deep red wines, handy for keeping the 50 or so local wine shops well-stocked. Bizarrely, the cobbles on every street are English, which might explain why they're the most uneven you'll ever walk on in France, and that's without even sampling the wine! Don't miss the Église Monolithe, as this is one church that children might actually enjoy visiting, because it's underground and carved out of the limestone. It dates from the 9th century and is Europe's largest subterranean church. The lowest level is a maze of pillars and ironwork that support the structure above.

bordeaux

Bordeaux is best known for its wine, producing a staggering 44 million or so cases per year. But it offers more than just wine, it's a great place for your children to practice their photography. Here are three places that like to pose for the camera: the 'Quartier Saint-Eloi'; the 'Pont de Pierre', which ranks high in the top ten of attractive bridges; and the 'Maison du Vin', a beautiful 18th century building offering wine tasting.

dax - a peaceful spa town

Dax is a warm and peaceful spa town that's mercifully easy to pronounce. Hot springs bubble at a constant 64ºc and you're positively encouraged to cover yourself in mud - a sight your children will find hilarious! Before leaving, stretch your legs along the banks of the River Adou or in the colourful public gardens, where you'll see lots of other families having a stroll. You should probably also wash off that mud.