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.
Nouvelle Aquitaine is a very safe region for tourists with a low crime rate compared to French and European averages. The main hazards are natural—Atlantic ocean currents, Pyrenees mountain weather, and seasonal forest fire risk—rather than criminal.
Current safety advisory
Low
France maintains a Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) advisory for US citizens, primarily due to terrorism risk. Nouvelle Aquitaine itself is considered very safe; the Atlantic coast, wine country, and prehistoric sites are low-risk tourist environments.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities.
Standard Precautions
France is generally safe. Be aware of pickpocketing in busy urban areas and transport hubs.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Always observe beach flag warnings on Atlantic beaches: green=safe, yellow=caution, red=no swimming. Atlantic rip currents can be dangerous even for strong swimmers.
Be vigilant for pickpockets in Bordeaux's busy tourist areas—Place de la Comédie, Rue Sainte-Catherine, and the Marché des Capucins—and on public trams.
Avoid leaving valuables visible in rental cars, especially at car parks near popular tourist sites in the Dordogne and Médoc.
Use only licensed taxis or ride apps (Uber, Bolt, G7) and confirm the price before accepting an unlicensed taxi, particularly at Bordeaux-Mérignac airport.
In the Pyrenees, mountain weather can change rapidly even in summer—always carry extra layers, waterproofs, and a charged mobile phone on mountain hikes.
Forest fire risk in the Landes pine forest (Europe's largest artificial forest) is high from June to September—observe all smoking bans and fire restrictions.
Jellyfish (méduses) appear on Atlantic beaches in summer, particularly August—check local beach reports and avoid swimming when jellyfish are present.
Wild boar (sangliers) are common in rural Nouvelle Aquitaine, particularly in Dordogne and Landes—exercise caution when driving at dusk and dawn.
Respect vintage-season restrictions in vineyard areas from September to October—tractors and harvesters create hazards on country roads.
Winter flash floods (crues) can affect the Dordogne, Lot, and Adour river valleys—check weather forecasts if staying in low-lying villages.
The Côte Sauvage (Wild Coast) near Cap Ferret and Biscarrosse has extremely dangerous Atlantic surf and currents—swimming is prohibited in many sections; always heed warning signs.
Emergency services in rural areas of Nouvelle Aquitaine may take longer to respond than in cities—ensure mobile coverage before remote hiking in Pyrenees or Corrèze.
Scams targeting tourists are rare but can occur in Bordeaux city center—be wary of strangers offering gifts or approaching you insistently near tourist sites.
During Bordeaux wine festivals (June) and Les Fêtes de Bayonne (August), crowded events attract opportunistic theft—keep bags zipped and secure.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Petition scam
Individuals approach tourists with petitions to sign, then demand money. Increasingly common at Bordeaux tourist sites.
How to avoid: Politely decline and walk away; do not engage
Taxi overcharging
Unofficial taxis at Bordeaux-Mérignac airport or festivals may charge inflated rates
How to avoid: Use only metered taxis or Uber/Bolt apps; confirm price beforehand
Counterfeit wine
Very rarely, counterfeit Grand Cru wine is sold at significantly below-market prices at markets
How to avoid: Buy wine directly from licensed châteaux or reputable wine merchants
Fake surf equipment rental
In Biarritz, unlicensed surf schools may offer lessons with poor equipment and unqualified instructors
How to avoid: Use only licensed surf schools displaying the BPJEPS qualification
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No specific vaccinations required for EU/Schengen travel. Routine vaccinations (tetanus, flu) recommended. Tick-borne encephalitis risk is very low in Nouvelle Aquitaine forests.
- Water
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Nouvelle Aquitaine
- Food
- Food safety standards are very high; no special precautions needed beyond normal hygiene
- Facilities
- Excellent hospital facilities in Bordeaux (CHU de Bordeaux), Biarritz, La Rochelle, Pau, Limoges, and Périgueux. Rural areas have clinics (maisons médicales) and GPs.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Nouvelle Aquitaine is very safe for solo travelers of all genders. Solo hiking in the Pyrenees requires standard mountain safety practices. Bordeaux and Biarritz are lively and safe at night. Register hikes with local tourist offices when going into remote mountain areas.
Female travellers
Nouvelle Aquitaine is safe for solo female travelers. Normal precautions apply in busy nightlife areas, particularly during Les Fêtes de Bayonne in August when alcohol-fueled crowds can be boisterous. Most outdoor activities and beach environments are extremely safe.
Families
Excellent destination for families. Atlantic beaches have lifeguards at supervised areas from June to September; flag system is strictly enforced. Dordogne caves and vineyards are generally family-friendly though some require booking ahead.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are fully legal in France and widely accepted. Bordeaux has an active LGBTQ+ scene centered around the Saint-Pierre district. Biarritz is generally accepting and open. Rural areas are conservative but respectful; no safety concerns for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 17
- Medical
- 15 (SAMU)
- Embassy
- US Embassy: +33 1 43 12 22 22; UK Embassy: +33 1 44 51 31 00
- Tourist Police
- Not a separate service; regular police handle tourist incidents