Bergerac, Fluss, Brücke, Springbrunnen | © Bert Schwarz 2022

Trails & Beyond

Dordogne-Périgord

Choose a vibrant, individual region of France.

Bayonne, Fachwerkhäuser am Place Morlesin-Carreau des halles | © Bert Schwarz 2023
Trails & Beyond

Basque Country

Choose the southwesternmost corner of France.

Die Pyrenaeen hinter Feldern, Wiesen und Baeumen | © Bert Schwarz 2026 | © Bert Schwarz 2026
Trails & Beyond

Béarn

Choose a largely unknown region in the French Pyrenees

Nouvelle Aquitaine

Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France is a true paradise for explorers. Born from the union of the historic regions of Aquitaine, Poitou-Charentes, and Limousin, it sweeps from endless Atlantic beaches deep into the lush green hinterland.

Wiese, Grapes | © Bert Schwarz 2020 Wine Farm Court-Les-Muts | Photo : © Bert Schwarz

The beating heart of this vast region is the majestic wine capital of Bordeaux – a city brimming with vitality, architectural elegance, and culinary delights.

The immense diversity of this region captivates at every turn. In the northwest, encompassing the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne departments, the landscape gently yields to rolling hills. World-renowned vineyards nestled in the valleys, dense forests, historic stone villages, and deeply rooted agricultural traditions define the scenery – a true haven for epicureans and culture enthusiasts.

Rocks, Cliffs, Sea | © Bert Schwarz 2025 Corniche Basque | Photo : © Bert Schwarz

Further south, the character of the landscape changes dramatically. The Les Landes department stands out as Europe's most heavily forested region. Shaped by sandy soils, fragrant pine forests, and sweeping heathlands, this area breathes the untamed spirit of historic Gascony. Bordering it directly is the richly contrasting Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, which unites two proud and distinctly independent cultural landscapes: the Basque Country and Béarn.

Pays Basque map | © Bert Schwarz 2023

The Basque Country immediately captivates every traveler with its lush, rolling scenery, rugged coastline, and deeply rooted identity. Right next door, historic Béarn reveals its very own, unspoiled character. Whether in the storied alleyways of Salies-de-Béarn or against the medieval backdrop of Sauveterre-de-Béarn, the region charms with its untouched nature and genuine traditions. We are journeying through these contrasting landscapes to discover the people, art, history, and, of course, the unadulterated gastronomy of this unique area.

House, Pyrenees, Farm, Foothills | © Bert Schwarz 2026 Béarn | Photo : © Bert Schwarz