The Tourism Labelling Schemes of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

When considering a holiday destination, it’s essential to look for indicators of quality, whether it’s evaluating accommodation providers or recognising the dedication of a particular area to tourism. Various types of tourism labelling schemes exist in France, each aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and simplifying the holiday selection process.
This section is dedicated to providing detailed information about the main tourism labelling schemes used in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Vignobles & Découvertes (Vineyards & Discoveries)

Vignobles & Découvertes is a national label that simplifies the process of organising stays in some of France’s most beautiful vineyards. It offers a diverse range of high-quality experiences amidst the finest vineyards, including hotels, rentals, campsites, restaurants, wine estates, château cellar tours, cultural and heritage sites, as well as opportunities to explore nature and discover local artisanal expertise. Every aspect of the world of wine, spirits, and vine products is encompassed in this scheme, carefully selected to provide visitors with an authentic French vineyard experience.

Numerous destinations in Nouvelle-Aquitaine hold Vignobles et Découvertes accreditation:
• Bergerac et Duras
• The wine routes of Bordeaux: Graves and Sauternes, Entre-deux-Mers, La Porte du Vignoble, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, and Fronsac, Médoc, Blaye, and Bourg.
• The vineyard of Cognac
• The vineyard of the Ile d’Oléron
• Jurançon in Béarn Pyrenees, and
• Irouléguy in Pays basque.

*A picturesque view of a vineyard in Saint-Emilion, Gironde.*

Grand Site de France (Leading French Destination)

A Grand Site de France celebrates France’s iconic landscapes, guaranteeing visitors that the designated natural environment is managed sustainably. These landscapes are safeguarded to ensure a high-quality experience for visitors while preserving their essential character indefinitely.

One must-visit Grand Site de France in Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the Poitevin Marshes and its iconic heartland- known as ‘The Green Venice’, situated at the gateway to Niort. Additionally, Nouvelle-Aquitaine features other Grand Sites de France destinations, such as the Dune du Pilat (Europe’s highest dune on the Atlantic coast near Arcachon), the Vézère Valley, and the Charente Estuary with the Rochefort Arsenal.

Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

The national Plus Beaux Villages de France labelling scheme encompasses particularly charming villages that have successfully preserved and promoted their heritage for the benefit of visitors. These villages are must-visit destinations in France!

Nouvelle-Aquitaine hosts numerous villages labelled under this scheme:

In the Dordogne: Castelnaud, La Roque-Gageac, Monpazier, etc.
In Lot-et-Garonne: Villeréal, Monflanquin, Pujols, etc.
In Béarn and the Basque Country: Navarrenx, Sare, etc.
In Corrèze: Turenne, Collonges-la-Rouge, etc.
In Haute-Vienne: Mortemart
In Vienne-:Angles-sur-l’Anglin, and
In Charentes: Aubeterre, Talmont-on-Gironde, Ars-in-Ré, etc.

Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Enterprise)

The Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label encompasses the vast spectrum of French excellence in heritage skills and expertise. It is awarded to enterprises committed to designing and producing exceptional products within France, symbolising the creativity of ‘Made in France’. This repository of highly developed expertise spans various sectors, including tableware, decorations, fashion, cosmetics, and food.
In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, tableware stands out as a dominant skill, ranging from Limoges porcelain (Bernardaud, Haviland, etc.) to Nontron cutlery and Basque Country weaving. In decoration, Aubusson tapestry, designated by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, serves as a potent ambassador for French luxury goods.

Beyond the expected, explore hidden gems:

Expand your horizons with labels like Petites Cités de Caractère and Villes et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire. These labels highlight smaller towns and villages brimming with architectural heritage, vibrant cultures, and unique experiences.

Couple rowing a flat-bottomed boat on a calm canal in Coulon, France. Trees and houses border the canal. — *Coulon, a tourist village in the Marais Poitevin, Deux-Sevres, France*

Petites Cités de Caractère

This labelling scheme for small towns and villages of remarkable heritage was initiated a few years ago in Brittany and Franche-Comté and has now been embraced by numerous destinations in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
These smaller towns undoubtedly possess character, and they are increasingly adept at showcasing their vibrant lifestyle and rich architectural and landscape heritage to attract more visitors. These are our favourite villages!

In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, must-visit villages include Coulon and Arçais in the Poitevin Marshes, Melle and Charroux in Poitou for their Romanesque art, Bénevent-l’Abbaye and Treignac in Limousin, and Brantôme in Perigord Vert.

Villes et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire

This label aims to safeguard and perpetuate French heritage, both in historic towns and regional landscapes. It acknowledges the special attention these towns and regions devote to promoting every aspect of their heritage, whether iconic or more discreet. Notable features of this scheme include guided tours, exhibitions, and discovery routes tailored for experts or those simply eager to explore the treasures of French heritage.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is home to numerous Villes et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire: From Pau to Bayonne, Villeneuve-sur-Lot to Bordeaux, Saintes to Rochefort and Angoulême, Poitiers to Parthenay and Thouars, Limoges to Les Hautes Terres Corréziennes, and from Sarlat to Bergerac and Périgueux.

Sustainable Travel Options- EU Ecolabel

How can one reconcile enjoyable holidays with environmental protection? The answer lies in the hotels, campsites, holiday rentals, guest houses, and other accommodation providers accredited by the EU Ecolabel scheme.
Whether for a weekend getaway, a holiday retreat, or a business trip, the EU Ecolabel endorses innovative eco-responsible services delivered in protected conservation regions.

These accommodation providers offer a range of assurances: the use of energy from renewable sources, conservation of water resources, waste recycling and minimisation, purchase of eco-responsible products, seasonal breakfasts prepared with regional produce, advocacy and awareness campaigns for good environmental practices, and a responsible package of services for an authentic local experience.

Gîtes de France- guaranteed quality!

Holiday rentals, guest houses, campsites, city breaks… Gîtes de France® signifies guaranteed quality. Are you searching for an irresistible rental, perhaps for a group, or maybe a country house with a pool? Gîtes de France is your guide to finding your dream rental or guest house in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Embrace the French Countryside:

For a truly immersive experience, explore Bienvenue à la ferme and Accueil Paysan labels. These networks connect you with farm stays, local producers, and charming rural accommodations. Breathe in the fresh air, savor farm-to-table cuisine, and discover the authentic rhythm of rural life.

Bienvenue à la ferme (Welcome to the Farm)

Bienvenue à la Ferme offers farm produce and farm holidays across all corners of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. If you relish the idea of fresh country air, the holiday rentals, farm campsites, open farms, and farm restaurants within this network are perfect for you.

Accueil Paysan (Country Welcome)

Accueil Paysan introduces a novel countryside holiday experience. From farm rentals to campsites and local hostelries, Accueil Paysan members represent the diverse rural world of the region.

Clévacances

Whether you seek a holiday rental with spa and sauna, unconventional accommodation, a rental amidst vineyards, in rural or coastal settings, Clévacances Nouvelle-Aquitaine offers a wide array of cottages or certified guest rooms. Clévacances is the trusted label for a successful holiday, enhanced by quality!

Active Exploration: Accueil Vélo (Welcome Cyclists)

This quality mark, akin to those found in certain other countries (e.g. Cyclists Welcome in the UK, Bett & Bike in Germany, or Welcome Cyclists in Quebec), is relevant to various service providers in France: accommodation, restaurants, tourist offices, bike rental and repair companies, and places of interest. This mark applies to service providers situated within 5 km of a cycle route.

Thanks to Accueil Vélo, enjoy a warm welcome along France’s cycle routes and greenways!

Thanks to these tourism labels, you can now tailor your holiday plans to your preferences by identifying which labels appeal to you the most. The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France offers an array of tourism labels to suit every traveller’s taste. From prestigious vineyard experiences to celebrating French heritage craftsmanship, preserving iconic landscapes sustainably, and exploring charming villages, Nouvelle-Aquitaine has it all. Sustainable travel options ensure guilt-free indulgence, while rural experiences and cycling expeditions promise authentic adventures. Moreover, if you have an affinity for nature, greenery, and flowers, you may also find our article on the Floral Towns and Villages of Nouvelle Aquitaine of interest.

In summary, whether you’re a wine lover, history buff, or nature enthusiast, Nouvelle-Aquitaine invites you to discover unforgettable experiences tailored to your preferences.