Camping Fleur d'Oleron

As well as the sandy beach and the island capital of Saint-Pierre within a couple of kilometres, an early stop should be the fishing port of La Cotinière, less than 10 minutes by car or around 15 by bike. Local fishermen have landed shrimp and sardines, cuttlefish, lobster and langoustine here for aeons, as well as half the French yield of céteau in more modern times. Within a short drive, Oléron golf course and Iléo waterpark are both six kilometres away for days teeing off peacefully or watersliding shriekingly; canoeing, sea kayaking, sailing, land yachting and paddleboarding are within five kilometres, and the 17th-century fortress of the Château d'Oléron, with regular exhibitions and events, is about eight kilometres from the site. If you're not going to Fort Boyard (tsk), do the next best thing and gaze upon it, the Île de Ré and Oléron's east coast from Chassiron Lighthouse (35 minutes), wheere you can bound (or not) up the 224 steps for these spectacular views. And if you do desire to see the fort? Firstly, how clever, and secondly, drive via Marennes and Rochefort to get the ferry fortwards from Rochefort or Fouras-les-Bains. Those eager to dive into the history of Oléron's oyster farming industry can do so at the swish La Cité de l'Huître oyster museum, telling the tale of the trade as well as arranging tours of the local salt marshes. Find the centre just off the island about 35 minutes away at Marennes, in the oyster basin of Marennes- Oleron, the biggest such lush spot in Europe.