Nouvelle Aquitaine is France's largest region, stretching from the Atlantic coast and Pyrenees mountains in the south to the Loire Valley in the north. It encompasses world-renowned wine regions like Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, the surf capital of Biarritz, prehistoric wonders at Lascaux, and the dramatic Dune du Pilat. With diverse landscapes, rich gastronomy, and centuries of history, Nouvelle Aquitaine offers an unrivaled travel experience in southwestern France.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Greet shopkeepers and restaurant staff with 'Bonjour' (daytime) or 'Bonsoir' (evening) when entering—this is essential French etiquette and failing to greet is considered rude
Lunch (12PM-2PM) is sacred in Nouvelle Aquitaine—many shops, especially in small towns, close for a long lunch break
Wine is central to regional identity; showing genuine curiosity about local appellations, châteaux, and winemakers will earn you respect from locals
The Basque people (in Pyrénées-Atlantiques) have a distinct cultural identity, language (Euskara), and traditions—treat Basque culture with the same respect as French culture
Dress modestly when visiting churches and cathedrals across the region
Tipping in restaurants is not obligatory—service is included in the bill—but leaving €2-5 for genuinely good service is appreciated
Market shopping is a serious cultural ritual—take your time, greet the vendors, and don't squeeze the produce without asking
The pace of life in rural Dordogne and Corrèze is noticeably slower than in cities; embrace the rhythm and don't rush
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet with 'Bonjour/Bonsoir' when entering any establishment
- Try to speak a few words of French—locals appreciate the effort enormously
- Respect the siesta/lunch closure time in small towns (usually 12PM-2PM)
- Ask permission before photographing market vendors or local people
- Purchase wine directly from estates to support local producers
- Book restaurants in advance, especially for weekend dinner in wine country
- Attend local festivals—Les Fêtes de Bayonne, Bordeaux Wine Festival, Sarlat Film Festival
- Try the regional specialty at every opportunity—foie gras in Dordogne, pintxos in the Basque country, oysters in Arcachon
Don't
- Don't ignore the greeting ritual on entering shops—it's genuinely offensive to walk in without saying 'Bonjour'
- Don't assume everyone speaks English, especially in rural areas
- Don't take photos of people's private vineyard operations or cellars without permission
- Don't be loud or boisterous in restaurants—French dining is convivial but not exuberant
- Don't dismiss the Basque identity or culture as simply 'Spanish'—Basques are proud of their distinct heritage
- Don't swim at red-flag beaches—locals take ocean safety very seriously
- Don't pick up truffles or foie gras from unofficial roadside sellers without provenance
- Don't talk loudly on your phone in restaurants or small shops
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
La Bise (cheek kiss)
The standard French greeting among friends and family is la bise—light kisses on the cheek. The number varies by region; in Nouvelle Aquitaine, two kisses is the norm. Handshakes are used in formal or professional contexts.
Wine culture
Wine is not just a drink in Nouvelle Aquitaine—it's a cultural institution. Accepting a glass of wine when offered is a gesture of respect and friendship; swirling, sniffing, and commenting genuinely on the wine is welcomed.
Txikiteo (Basque bar crawl)
In the Basque Country, txikiteo is the tradition of moving from bar to bar in the early evening, sharing small glasses of wine or Txakoli and pintxos. Joining this social ritual in Bayonne or Saint-Jean-de-Luz is one of the best ways to connect with Basque culture.
Market etiquette
Saturday morning markets in Périgueux, Sarlat, and Bordeaux are serious social events. Don't rush, engage the vendors in conversation about their products, and bring a basket or bag—plastic bags are increasingly frowned upon.
Sunday closure
Most shops (including supermarkets) and many restaurants are closed on Sunday, particularly in rural areas. Stock up on provisions on Saturday for Sunday.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Always greet with 'Bonjour' (day) or 'Bonsoir' (evening) and 'Au revoir' when leaving any establishment; shake hands in professional settings; la bise (cheek kisses) with friends
- Dining
- Wait to be seated; don't call the waiter with fingers—make eye contact or a slight hand raise; say 'l'addition s'il vous plaît' for the bill
- Dress
- Smart casual for most restaurants; some upscale restaurants expect jacket for dinner; beach attire stays at the beach
- Gifts
- Bring wine, local Bordeaux chocolates, or regional specialty if invited to a French home
- Business
- Punctuality is valued; business cards exchanged; relationships are important before business
- Tipping
- Not obligatory; service charge is always included in restaurant bills; €1-5 tip for excellent service appreciated
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Bonjour
Hello (day)
bon-ZHOOR
Bonsoir
Good evening
bon-SWAH
S'il vous plaît
Please
seel-voo-PLAY
Merci
Thank you
mehr-SEE
L'addition s'il vous plaît
The bill please
lah-dee-SYON seel-voo-PLAY
Un verre de vin rouge
A glass of red wine
un-VEHR-duh-van-ROOZH
Où est...?
Where is...?
oo-AY
Parlez-vous anglais?
Do you speak English?
par-LAY-voo-ON-glay
Kaixo
Hello (Basque)
KAI-sho
Eskerrik asko
Thank you (Basque)
es-KEH-reek-AHS-ko
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Nouvelle Aquitaine.
Main: Roman Catholic (historically dominant); practicing Christianity remains significant in rural areas
Sites: Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux, Basilique Saint-Michel de Bordeaux, Cathédrale Saint-Front de Périgueux, Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Moissac (pilgrimage route)
Holy Days: All Saints' Day (November 1), Christmas, and local patron saint festivals are important events
Conversations: Religion and politics are private matters in French culture; avoid probing questions in social settings