Camping Côte Sauvage

Beaches… so many beaches, all different and all fab in their own way. Close by, head to Montamer or La Salée for serious swimming at high tide, Grenettes for surfing (with lessons if you’re baffled by the technique) or Notre-Dame armed with a net for rockpooling. Two wheels is the local way here – get on your bike for visits to the ruined Les Châteliers abbey or the fortified Saint-Martin-de-Ré, or for a rural ride through the salt marshes. Other fresh-air frolics around the island include horse riding, golf and watersports. All are within a half-hour ride on pleasingly flat and quiet roads.