The best hobbies and leisure activities Aquitaine

The Société d'Astronomie des Pyrénées Occidentales was founded in 1973 by Canon Henri Louyat. It has two observatories near Pau, in Saint-Castin (equipped with a 300 mm telescope), and Idron (equipped with an instrument dedicated to observing the Sun). Throughout the year, SAPO organizes conferences, free public observation evenings at the Saint-Castin site, and daytime solar observations and workshops at Idron. The schedule of these events is periodically updated on the association's website.

The GROUPE D'ASTRONOMIE POPULAIRE DU LOT-ET-GARONNE in Montayral offers a complete and accessible astronomical complex. With its domes housing automated telescopes up to 500 mm, its 15-seat digital planetarium and its large 50-seat auditorium, this observatory offers a wide range of practical and theoretical astronomical activities that will delight astronomy enthusiasts. Although the north-western horizon is slightly darkened, moonless evenings are always a great success, allowing you to enjoy the site to the full. What's more, no reservation is required.

This beautiful observatory, founded in 1878 and listed as a Historic Monument in 2010, offers tours organized by the Sirius association, Bordeaux Métropole, the University of Bordeaux and the town of Floirac. These guided tours enable visitors to admire the large equatorial telescope with its 7m-long tube! You'll also learn about the rich history of the site and discover the work of British artist Suzanne Treister, installed in the large dome. Beware: you'll need to be able to climb the staircase, which is not suitable for young children or people with reduced mobility.

Caroline and Thierry Tribier organize courses called duck fat. During 2 days, the gourmets will be able to live at the rhythm of the farm and the manufacture of preserves according to the traditional techniques. 2 days of cutting, salting and cooking confits, pâtés and stuffed necks and making semi-cooked foie gras. Between tastings and visits to a nearby site, you will also be able to discover the farm and its practices and traditions. At the end of the stay, everyone will leave with their own production and will be able to impress their guests during a future meal.

Gargantua is both a guest house and a school of French cuisine and pastry-making, where you can learn to bake bread and croissants, cook macarons, paris-brest and other religieuses, and discover seasonal cuisine around asparagus or mushrooms, poultry or meat. In two, three or six days, you'll go to the market and visit producers, go on excursions and, above all, be in the kitchen with Marlène, an inspired chef and excellent teacher. It's possible to stay without taking a course, or to take a course without staying.

Tèrra Aventura is an original treasure hunt that lets you discover the local territory and heritage while you play. Simply download the free "Terra Aventura" application onto a smartphone and follow the instructions. With clues to find, riddles to solve and treasure to search for, young and old alike can choose to explore the playground of their choice. In Soulac-sur-Mer, there's the "Jusqu'à la Fin-des-Terres" adventure. A 3-kilometre trail (accessible to baby carriages) that reveals all the resort's secrets!

The observatory, situated in the countryside on the hills of Nantheuil de Thiviers, enjoys a clear sky over several tens of kilometres. The only city that could hinder observations with light pollution is Perigueux, but it is located 35 km. It is managed by the Club Regulus.

Isabelle Roberty, a confirmed winery, organizes tasting sessions at the Culturel Cultural Centre. Each session addresses a specific theme and the participants perform a tour of France in the year.

Master pastry chef and chocolatier in Bordeaux for over 20 years, Cyril San Nicolas was thinking of reinventing his craft. During the lockdown, he offered live pastry classes on his networks. And the whipped cream took so well that he naturally launched "coursdepatisserie.fr": a digital pastry school. Classes are held online, and can be accessed live or replayed, thanks to a no-obligation monthly subscription. The chef also offers face-to-face masterclasses to help students prepare for the CAP Pâtissier.

Treasure hunting with Tèrra Aventura, inspired by a worldwide game called Géocaching, which is played on over 400 routes, "life-size" in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Anglet with the "Cap sur la chambre d'Amour" and "Touche pas à mon Pignada" routes by bike. Over a few kilometers, you'll find clues to pick up, riddles to solve, treasure to find... and the Holy Grail, Zellé: the Poï'z, those little characters with a strong character. Equipped with the 100% free smartphone application, including an English version, the family is ready for adventure.

Get lost (or almost lost) in a corn maze, here's an original idea for having a good time with the family, testing your nerves and your sense of direction... A stroll lasting 1h30 or more, punctuated by stops with wooden games! There's no danger of getting lost, and if you do, exits, or "passages", are indicated to get you to the next stage. Murder Party, Horror Night... Pop Corn Labyrinthe is a multi-activity park. On hot days, remember to bring sun cream and a bottle of water. Another labyrinth in Saubion!

POtt Sérigraphia is a designer boutique in the heart of Petit Bayonne, open to all, where you can learn the techniques of silkscreen and handmade reproduction on textiles, paper, cardboard... POtt is also a typically Bayonne brand, emphasizing authenticity and love (POtt means "kiss" in Basque). Nicolas, the renowned craftsman and musician, trains people in this ancestral printing method, enabling them to create their own designs on T-shirts, bags, posters, cushions and lamps in limited quantities.

The Guyajeux franchise, present throughout France, has a store on the doorstep of the medieval city of Sarlat. With over 2,500 games in store, from small card games to role-playing games, not forgetting board games, figurines and trading cards, it's impossible not to find the one you like! And if you're not sure, you can try out some of the references at the games bar, and ask Seb, the store manager, for advice. He knows his references like the back of his hand, and will walk you through the different worlds with the ease of a good bookseller.

Very popular in the United States, disc golf is slowly coming to France. This sport is played in the great outdoors, the aim being to successfully throw your Frisbee - or disc - into a basket that looks like a basketball hoop from a distance. The aim is also to avoid the branches of surrounding trees, flower beds, etc. World record 260 metres! This mixed sport is suitable for all ages, from 8 upwards. The La Baye site includes an 18-hole course. The course is open to individuals with discs, except on Sundays and public holidays, from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Bayonne, a city of culture and reading, is inextricably linked with culture and education for all, and is supported by events organized all year round by the city and its associations, as well as by a very active network of community involvement. A network of independent booksellers, with one for every 5,000 inhabitants (national average: one for every 20,000...). Book boxes scattered around Bayonne and other towns, available free of charge. The Libreplume association aims to promote children's literature free of charge.

A must-see in Saint-Emilion, Vignobles & Châteaux is much more than just a boutique. Its idyllic location in the heart of the village is as sumptuous as the selection of wines on offer. Vignobles & Châteaux offers a wide range of wines, from old vintages to ex-châteaux, as well as wines from every region of France. Here, every bottle tells a story. Our friendly team is on hand to help you make the right choices and advise you on the best food and wine pairings. Whether you're a connoisseur or just a wine lover, Vignobles & Châteaux will win you over.

There aren't many stores specializing in astronomy and nature observation equipment, and there aren't any like these! Telescopes, spotting scopes, microscopes, weather stations, GPS... Loisirs Plaisirs offers top-quality tools. In fact, they're the only company in France to import and supply fully-compliant green laser pointers dedicated to stargazing. As true enthusiasts, the team is always available to advise and guide you towards the equipment best suited to your needs.

Carine Masson is an astrologer based in Gradignan. She offers astrological consultation services, accessible via her website. Consultations can be carried out either immediately or by appointment. Customers can order online by adding the desired services to their shopping cart, entering their contact details and accepting the general terms and conditions of sale.