Camping Les Adillons

Still looking for more alfresco sporty stuff to do? Get the kids hooked on laser games at La FabriQ (15 minutes’ drive), go cycling along La Vélo Francette (40 minutes) or spend the day sailing dinghies on the Thouet river (20 minutes) before retiring to the spa at Les Bassins du Thouet (15 minutes) for a spot of pampering to ease aching muscles. Chances are the kids will be keen to get to a theme park. The big hitters Puy du Fou (historical shows with casts of thousands) and Futuroscope (4D rides and interactive exhibits) are both around an hour’s drive away for fun-filled days out, but closer to base camp is the Parc de la Vallée (25 minutes), with loads of rides for all levels of bravery. When it’s time for a bit of culture, walled Thouars (15 minutes) is considered one of the loveliest towns in France. Have a wander around the medieval old town, lined with half-timbered mansions, admire the ornate facade of Église Saint-Médard and maybe tour the striking 17th-century Château des Ducs de La Trémoille, sitting on the hillside overlooking the river.