Camping du Bord de Mer

Seafront explores are a cinch, with the long-distance Vélodyssée path (1,200 kilometres of French coastal cycling) running by the site and lots else to keep those sticking closer to base entertained. Chief among these should be a trip to Guérande (35 minutes’ drive) to clamber over 15th-century walls, sample local eats at some highly rated restaurants and take a tour of the town’s famed salt marshes. Tastes for the salt lifestyle teased by Guérande? Head to Batz-sur-Mer (40 minutes) to tour the salt marsh museum, then stick about in the past with days spent diving into French history at Kerhinet Historic Village (40 minutes) and Parc de Préhistoire de Bretagne (an hour and 15 minutes). For peaceful days gadding about in nature, there’s plenty to choose from. It’s just 35 minutes from base to boat trips through Brière Natural Regional Park and 40 minutes to safari-style days at Planète Sauvage. Further afield are trips to see the 2,000-plus beasties at the Océarium du Croisic (50 minutes) and afternoons at Branféré zoo (an hour). When city days beckon, a 15-minute drive will land guests in Pornic to explore the old port and tons of seafood restaurants, and it’s an hour to châteaux, cathedral, botanical gardens and giant mechanical animals in Nantes.