Camping Ostrea

There's plenty to keep you entertained on the island, from the Île d'Oléron's enviable network of cycle paths – hire bikes in Dolus-d'Oléron (five minutes' drive) if you haven't brought your own – to its dozens of sandy beaches, like Plage de Vert Bois (10 minutes) and Plage de Boyardville (15 minutes). Much of the eastern side of the island is given over to traditional oyster harvesting, making this a great spot to try fresh local seafood. A few kilometres from base, Boyardville (15 minutes) has spectacular views over the Atlantic, including Fort Boyard, an offshore fortress in the Pertuis d'Antioche straits that can also be visited by boat from the town. You should also head to Boyardville if you're interested in day trips to other islands like the tiny Île d'Aix or mainland destinations like La Rochelle (an hour and 15 minutes by road if you prefer to stick to dry land). Over on the mainland, you might like to wait until low tide and walk over the causeway to Fort Louvois (20 minutes), take a ride on the famous transporter bridge at Rochefort (40 minutes) or visit family-friendly theme parks like Oceana Lumina (40 minutes).