Nouvelle-Aquitaine is an economic heavyweight in France, boasting a gross domestic product (GDP) of nearly €180 billion. The economy is highly diversified, resting on three main pillars: world-class agriculture and viticulture, a cutting-edge aerospace and defense sector, and a robust tourism industry.
Bordeaux acts as the economic engine of the region, recognized as a hub for both traditional commerce (wine trade) and modern technology. The region shares the "Aerospace Valley" competitiveness cluster with neighboring Occitanie, hosting major facilities for Dassault Aviation, Thales, and ArianeGroup.
The cost of living varies widely. The Bordeaux metropolis and the Basque coast (Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz) are among the most expensive areas in France for real estate, while inland and northern departments like Creuse, Haute-Vienne, and Charente offer a highly affordable cost of living. Future economic development is heavily focused on green energy, sustainable agriculture, and expanding the digital economy.
