Camping Cabestan

Take a stroll around the harbour at Les Sables-d’Olonne (25 minutes’ drive), gawping at the sailing boats and yachts moored there, then head to the sandy Grande Plage beach for a swim. Alternatively, go to the Museum of Shell, which houses several colourful and pretty spectacular examples from all over the world. A vast area of marshes, the Regional Natural Park of the Marais Poitevin (45 minutes) can be explored by boat – either under your own steam or with a gondolier-type guide. Grab a map to navigate the network of canals, and keep your eyes peeled for birds and dragonflies. Travel back in time at Puy du Fou (an hour and 10 minutes), a theme park with immersive shows ranging from gladiatorial combats in Ancient Rome to medieval jousting, and from swashbuckling musketeers to a ballet of water jets set to 17th-century music.