It will not take a lot to fall in love with Aquitaine – the charming, unassuming and laidback French region sitting idly along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Picturesque villages abound in most towns.

Slip into your flip flops and walk aimlessly through the village center in Arcangues and without warning, you’ll remember that first love and your first walk in the park together. Walk in on nearby Auberge d’Achtal restaurant, dine in the shades of the trees and reminisce the little details of that romantic night. That’s the Aquitaine spell cast on you!

But what’s a love affair without wine? Aquitaine is famous for its flourishing winemaking industry. With 117,000 hectares of vineyards and 13,000 grape growers in the capital city of Bordeaux alone, it’s not surprising Aquitaine is the most famous red wine region in the world. So be sure that as you sip some aromatic wines while you travel, bring a few bottles with you too when you go back home.

Bordeaux adorns itself with magnificent 18th century architectural designs showcased in buildings like St. Pierre Church, Sainte-Croix Church and Grand Theatre. It’s because of this that it’s been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t forget to bring your cameras to capture the awe-inspiring sights in this city.

And did you know that Aquitaine is home to the place where surfing was born? Surfing began in 1957 in Biarritz – a big cosmopolitan town popular for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, various sporting facilities and huge waves for surfing. If you’re a surfer or you simply enjoy watching people ride big waves then come to Aquitaine in July of every year to witness the Biarritz Surf Festival. It’ll be amazing to experience it in a place where it all started.