L'Orée des Bois

Pretty much flat and criss-crossed by bike paths, the Île d’Oléron is something of a cinch for cyclists. Routes lead through pine forest, across salt marshes and past vineyards to the island’s famous oyster shacks. A circular, all-day ride suitable for kids begins and ends in Dolus d’Oléron (10 minutes) and takes in sleepy Saint-Trojan-les-Bains (20 minutes) and Le Château d’Oléron (15 minutes). Stay awhile in Le Château d’Oléron to have a nose around the ruins of its once-mighty citadel, and as it’s the renowned capital of Marennes-Oléron oyster production, taste the local delicacy in one of its many cafés. Fancy getting out on the water? Then take a boat cruise out to Fort Boyard, built off-shore to defend the region in Napoleonic times, from Boyardville (15 minutes). To explore further afield on the mainland, take the Viaduc de l’Île d’Oléron (20 minutes) to historic La Rochelle (an hour and 20 minutes) to walk the medieval ramparts, surf off its beaches and meet creatures of the deep at Aquarium La Rochelle.