Camping Le Puits Rochais

Les Sables d’Olonne has sand in its name for a reason – and that’s the sandy beach, which stretches out over three kilometres with places to rent watersports kit along the way or pick up drinks at beachfront bars. For a break from beach time, take a visit to the town’s zoo, which is home to more than more than 500 exotic beasts. For a bit more activity, head to the go-karting track in the resort, book a round of golf on the seafront course in Bourgenay (10 minutes’ drive) or clamber up into the trees at Le Grand Défi adventure park (25 minutes). There are a couple of parachuting outfits in the resort too if you’re up for real adventure – and it’s a 25-minute drive to the O’Gliss waterpark if you prefer your thrills a little less intrepid. Something a little gentler to fill a day or two? Watch the fish gliding about at Aquarium de Vendée (10 minutes) or learn a few sweet facts and see chocolate-making in action at the Chocolate Museum Gelencser (half an hour).