Aquitaine's open farms

Aquitaine

For those who love the French countryside or just cannot get enough delicious local produce, the open farm network of Aquitaine is not to be missed. The Bienvenue la Ferme organisation is going from strength to strength and welcomes thousands of happy families every year. A network of around 1,000 farmers throughout the region work alongside each other to provide unforgettable experiences on working farms. There are currently 655 farms in Aquitaine which are open to visitors and each offers a unique experience. If you are staying in one of the many rustic gites in Aquitaine, be sure to schedule in a day or two at your nearest members of the farm network. Some farms are open all year round for visitors, but you will find the biggest choice of activities during the summer. The Bienvenue la Ferme organisation is loved by parents and children alike and offers a change from the usual holiday activities available in this part of France. The aim of the network is to give visitors a real glimpse of life on a working farm and to teach kids about where their food comes from. You will also find informal and formal lessons and courses, fruit-picking, animal-feeding, displays and food markets to keep you entertained. There are many different experiences available at the various farms taking part in Bienvenue la Ferme so you will find something to suit every member of your family, no matter what their tastes and interests. Some farms allow you stay overnight on their well-equipped campsites, while others offer the chance to spend a week in a traditional farm cottage. If you do opt for an overnight stay, expect the breakfasts and other meals to be out of this world, with fresh farm produce taking centre stage. There are also plenty of hands-on experiences on offer. Various farms offer things like a day of beekeeping, horse-riding lessons or cookery classes. There really is something for everyone and the whole family will love the chance to feed the farm animals or pick their own fruit. Most farms have farm shops where you can buy fresh-out-of-the-ground vegetables, just-picked fruit, locally produced cheese and all other manner of farm produce. If you are staying in one of the fantastic rural gites in Aquitaine, be sure to take this opportunity to stock up on lots of delicious local produce to fill the cupboards.