Camping Les Flots Bleus

You may not make it further than the beach while you're staying here, but it is worth getting out into your immediate surroundings – particularly for a walk or bike ride through the nearby Pointe d'Arcay Nature Reserve, a landscape of dunes and marshes with lots of wildlife. For a little more adrenaline, take a short drive to Atlantic Wake Park or the rides of Luna Park (both five minutes’ drive). Younger kids may well enjoy the rides and soft play at L'île aux Pirates (10 minutes), and there are beginner pony rides at Les Poneys D'ô Village (15 minutes). For older kids and grownups, there are plenty of surf schools and bike hire places along the coast, or speedy races at Vendée Kart Circuit (20 minutes). Further afield, you could explore the Marais-Poitevin Regional Natural Park, venture to La Rochelle (an hour) or check out the spectacular Puy du Fou theme park (an hour and a quarter).