Le Carbet Vendéen

You should surely start with some time spent exploring the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park. There are lots of great walking trails around, and Centre Équestre de la Tour 85 (10 minutes’ walk) has a range of horse riding activities, from beginner lessons and carriage rides to longer hacks for experienced riders. You can hire boats from Embarcadère de la Venise Verte (10 minutes’ drive) and it’s also possible to fish in the canals if you have the right licence. Head towards the coast and it’ll take you about 45 minutes in the car to reach La Rochelle, where you can visit the aquarium and maritime museum, hit the beach or try various activities including jetskiing and parasailing. There are also boat trips to the Île de Ré and Fort Boyard. If you’re on a family holiday, you may well want to plan full days out that everyone should enjoy. If that’s the case, there are two great options about an hour’s drive away. Futuroscope is absolutely jam packed with state-of-the art rides and shows (with an aquapark for added fun), while Puy du Fou looks to the past for its spectacular history-themed shows.