Camping Les Charmilles

As part of a migration route, the Marais d'Yves natural reserve (five minutes’ drive) is an excellent spot to go looking for rare bird species or peaceful strolls. Nearby Île de Ré (50 minutes) also has a reputation for wildlife – see what you can see from bicycle paths all around the island's salt marshes, beaches, dunes and pine forests. It's hard to believe that Chateau de la Roche Courbon (half an hour) has been around since the 15th century. Once a castle and then an elegant chateau, it is still extremely grand and surrounded by an ancient forest too. Stopping for hikes on the Passe aux Bœufs (35 minutes) on the way, head to the Fort de l'Ile Madame (40 minutes), a coastal castle where history aficionados can carry on their self-guided heritage tour.