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Southwestern France, a loosely defined area spanning Aquitaine & Midi-Pyrenees, has something to offer for everyone, from castle wineries to Catholic pilgrimage sites. The fertile region produces a variety of fine cuisine, from the renowned beef of Limousin to the many fine Bordeaux wines, including the classic Sauternes. Aquitaine, which encompasses the Basque region of France, has its own unique culinary traditions, featuring fruits de mer such as stuffed baby squid.

One of the highlights of Aquitaine is Bordeaux itself, a historic port-of-call and university town situated in the heart of the region’s wine-and-castle country.  From Bordeaux you can take a host of fascinating day trips into the countryside. Many visitors make a trip to Les Eyzies de Tayac, where France’s prehistoric ancestors made their home some 40,000 years ago. Located in the Vezere Valley, Les Eyzies is located one of the most beautiful and rugged areas in the country, dotted with unusual rock formations, dramatic cliffs and historic caves. Rouffignac Cave is several miles long, requiring a trip on an electric underground train to see the painted walls; Lascaux, with its prehistoric “Sistine Chapel,” is perhaps the most famous of its kind in the world.

St. Emilion is another favorite excursion; this medieval town, founded by a Breton monk, features a massive underground church carved out of solid limestone, and there are plenty of countryside wineries to visit en route – a must-do if you’re in Aquitaine. Bordeaux claims many divine vintages, including Margaux, Lynch Bages, Lafite Rothschild and Philippe Rothschild. It is also the birthplace of Cognac, and the medieval part of its namesake seafaring town still features historic homes and brandy warehouses.

Another highlight of Aquitaine, Biarritz, is one of the most popular resort towns in the area. Dubbed the “Jewel of the Coast,” Biarritz has transformed itself over the centuries, from a tiny fishing village to an early 20th-century aristocratic resort whose character remains today. Visitors flock here for the glamorous beaches and waterfront casinos, but the town offers a whole lot more, as it is a gateway to Basque culture and turn-of-the-century architecture.

The Midi-Pyrenees region, halfway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, is anchored by the historic city of Toulouse, situated on an ancient Roman settlement. The city’s many pseudo-Roman style red brick buildings give Toulouse its nickname La Ville Rose, The Pink City.

Toulouse is a short drive to some very fascinating places. You can visit Lourdes, the largest Catholic pilgrimage site in France, made famous by a 19th century girl's visions of the Virgin Mary. Another popular trip from Toulouse is the medieval walled town of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Gothic architectural treasures.