Les Charmettes

Long stretches of golden Atlantic beach are within easy driving distance of Les Charmettes, such as the family-friendly sands and coves of sheltered La Palmyre within a kilometre and a half, the surfing waves of the Côte Sauvage within five, and the sightseeing of St Palais, home of Cordouan lighthouse and ten kilometres away. If you're on holiday with the kids, popular options in the area include Parc du Futuroscope in Vienne for rides and exhibitions on a multimedia theme, historical theme park Puy de Fou, the aerial runways of Aventure Parc Lacs de Haute Charente, and the huge aquarium and underwater tunnel at La Rochelle. You'll also be within driving distance of La Palmyre, one of the biggest zoos in Europe with over 1,600 animals to see. Another good option is a trip to Cognac, for wanders around its medieval quarter and a look inside some of its old cognac houses. Or island hop around the region by taking the three-kilometre bridge connecting La Rochelle to the cycle trails and restaurants of Île de Ré, or checking out more surf and the sand dunes at Oléron.