South West

Sunflowers blooms over 49 000 ha (64% of the national surface), and corn is widely produced for grain and seed. Modern irrigation systems in corn fields enable farmers to obtain high yields and a quality of seed suitable for commercial suppliers.

The sandy soils of the Landes are an ideal environment for large-scale vegetable growing. Carrots, asparagus, green beans, lettuces and potatoes are the local favourites.

Vast orchard landscapes can be found in South Western France : peaches and nectarines, apricots. Plums, to be consumed fresh or transformed into prunes, known as “Pruneaux d’Agen”, are part of the local identity.

Looking towards the mountains Pyrenees, cattle farmers rear cows and sheep. In the Pyrenees sheep farmers guide their flock to the altitude pastures during the transhumance season.

South Western France is also famous for its duck products. Over 11 million ducks are reared here. The animals are often killed on-site in dedicated units, and the meat is usually transformed by the farmers themselves into delicious products such as foie gras or confit de canard.

Around Bordeaux are many small estates, châteaux surrounded by a few acres of vines with private cellars, in which some of the best wines in the world are made. The sound of “Saint Emilion” or “Châteaux Margaux” is familiar to many wine afficionado. Discover the “Graves” and “Sauternes” designations, among many others, and surprise your taste buds with new aromas !

7.6 million hectolitres of brandy, aged for years in oak barrels, are also produced from the white varieties growing around Cognac.

In Languedoc, larger vineyards, mostly planted with Grenache or Syrah varieties. 230 cooperatives gather cluster of grapes from 30 000 wine-growers and produce around 12 million hectolitres, exported all around the world.

The South West region is crossed by a lovely canal, which name, “du midi”, rimes with plane trees, cicadas and leisure-boats. From the Mediterranean sea beaches to the dunes of the Atlantic ocean, the area has a lot to offer, whether you prefer outdoor or cultural activities.

Carcassonne is certainly one of the most beautiful fortified towns in Europe. This incredible fortress was built between the 10th and 12th centuries.

The cities of Albi and Toulouse display a unique architecture : when the sun rises in the morning, the bricks of the buildings turn a soft, orange-pink colour.

Bordeaux is a beautiful town, the door to hundreds of wine estates and cellars open to visitors, where you can spend the afternoon wine-tasting !

If you feel like breathing some fresh air, walk along the Atlantic ocean. Have some oysters for lunch and climb the dune of Pila, the highest sand dune in Europe, to enjoy the amazing view of the Arcachon Bay.

The local cuisine is as varied as the landscape of south west France, but is it always based on quality products, fruits of a specific “terroir”. Among some of the most popular recipes, cassoulet is a slow-cooked casserole containing pork sausages, goose or duck confit and white beans.

Yes, we know… most foreigners wince at the sound of foie gras. Literally fat liver, it is a highly-prized product in France, a favourite on Christmas and New Year’s Eve menu, and a tasty ingredient for many recipes !

The local saying is that “the more you talk about truffles, the fewer you will find”. Called Tuber melanosporum, black truffle, “truffe du Quercy” or “truffe du Périgord”, their unclassifiable nature, their wildness and their scarcity all help to make them a luxury product. Chefs love them because the tiniest sprinkle of crushed truffle gives a unique taste to an egg omelette !