Domaine de la Michelière

Domaine de la Michelière is surrounded by leafy countryside on the outskirts of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and its pretty pedestrianised streets. Should you want to stock up on Gallic delicacies like camembert and freshly baked baguettes, it's a 10-minute drive from the site to the traditional markets that crop up in town. And for leisure? Cyclists will have boundless trails to explore – there are more than 350 kilometres worth in the Vendée – while watersports fans can partake in a spot of sailing from Port la Vie back in St-Gilles or book surf lessons on the beaches. A 10-minute drive inland will bring you to a canoe centre for paddles around wetlands, and there’s an adventure park made up of treetop trails 15 minutes away. Or, for a slice of dreamy island life, Noirmoutier's gorgeous beaches and walking trails are less than an hour's drive north up the coast.