A visit to the Aquitaine region will inevitably inspire interest in its past. With an abundance of prehistoric sites and a fascinating variety of artifacts, it is no wonder that the region is referred to as the "Cradle of the Arts." The outstanding finds at Lascaux, La Madeleine, and Rouffignac, the abbeys, fortresses, and chateaux, and the Gallo-Roman remains will delight those interested in architecture and archaeology.

Romantics will be fascinated by the social history of the region, the duchy ruled over by Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 12th century. Married first to Louis VII of France, and later to Henry II of England, Eleanor bore ten children, including Richard the Lion-Hearted. One of the earliest feminists, Eleanor's court encouraged the flowering of the troubadour tradition and the development of the concept of romantic love.

A wine-growing region of worldwide repute, the vineyards of Bordeaux produce Margaux, Medoc, Sauterne, and Saint-Emilion wines among others, leading examples from an area where many excellent wines are produced. Aquitaine abounds with time honored recipes and new cuisine, with local specialties like truffles and foie gras to whet the appetite of the gourmet. Local and international hotel chains offer all the services necessary to satisfy the most demanding visitors. Quality, price, and pleasure are the key words of promise in Aquitaine.