Le Clos du Moulin

Time to get active? Barrel down to La Bernerie-en-Retz (10 minutes by bike; half an hour on foot) to learn the art of sailing or sand yachting, or meander to Les Moutiers-en-Retz (five minutes’ drive) to saddle up for seaside horse rides. Golf and sea kayaking are 15 minutes’ drive away in Pornic, as are the treetop trails of Pornic Aventure. While you’re in Pornic, it’s worth taking a tour of its castle and old port; if seafaring life floats your boat it’s a half-hour drive to Saint-Nazaire to see cruise ships and the like under construction at one of the world’s biggest shipyards, and visit the submarine museum. Should you prefer your seaside days to be on a simpler scale, take the 40-minute drive to the island of Noirmoutier for sea-view cycle rides and fishing. For family days out, take your would-be knights to patrol the ramparts of medieval Guérande (45 minutes’ drive) and your safari explorers to Planète Sauvage zoo or Legendia Parc (both 25 minutes).