Camping le Jardin du Marais

Camping Le Jardin du Marais is on a stretch of coastline between the islands of Noirmoutier and Yeu. Catch the ferry to l’Île d’Yeu from Saint Gilles Croix de Vie or Fromentine and explore its lighthouses, châteaux, forts and beaches, or make your way to Noirmoutier for its château, l’Île aux Papillons and museums. You can even stroll to the latter across the Passages du Gois – just keep a careful eye out for high tide. Le Jardin isn’t the only garden in the Vendée: Le Potager Extraordinaire botanical gardens, Vent Garden, Jardin des Olfacties and Biotopia are all within 40 minutes of the site, and gardens at the spectacular Logis de la Chabotterie and Château d’Apremont are well worth a trip. There’s plenty nearby to keep kids entertained if they’re beginning to chafe at the bit, starting with horse riding on the beach (head to Nelly’s Ranch, 10 minutes away). Le Jardin is close to absolute oodles of animal parks, theme parks, waterparks and aquariums, but if you've only got time for a few you should hit up Zoo des Sables d’Olonne, O’Gliss Park, Sealand (on Noirmoutier) and, a little further afield, Puy de Fou.