When to go — Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Nouvelle-Aquitaine enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, mild and humid. Average temperatures: 6 °C in January, 22 °C in July. Variable rainfall by zone: 750 mm/year in Bordeaux, 1,500 mm/year on the Basque coast. The Basque Country is one of France's rainiest sub-regions (the Pyrenees capture Atlantic humidity).

Spring (April-June) is the ideal season: rapidly rising temperatures (15-22 °C), vineyards in bud, first asparagus on restaurant menus, sea beginning to warm (15-18 °C). Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion are at their most beautiful, the region's gardens overflow with flowers. May-June are the optimal months.

Summer (July-August) is high season on the coast: animated beaches, surfing, festivals (Hellfest in Clisson June, Saintes-Maries de la Mer May-June, Saint-Émilion Jazz Festival). Sea at 20-22 °C. But maximum crowds at Arcachon Bay, on the Basque coast (Biarritz saturated in August), and in Bordeaux. Heat possible (35-38 °C in Bordeaux). Hotels and seasonal rentals triple their prices.

Autumn (September-October) is the wine season: harvest in all Bordeaux vineyards (Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Sauternes), golden colours on the slopes, still-mild temperatures (15-22 °C until mid-October). It's the best time for wine château visits. Crowds drop sharply after 1 September. The sea remains warm until late September (18-19 °C).

Winter (November-March) is calm and crowd-free. Bordeaux and Biarritz remain visitable (8-12 °C during the day), but many seasonal shops close on the coast. It's the Pyrenees ski season (Gourette, La Pierre Saint-Martin, Iraty). Bordeaux Christmas market (one of France's most beautiful) in December.