Camping La Brande

Thanks to the D26 road bridge, it's simple to drive over to Île d'Oléron. On the journey, you'll likely spot Fort Louvois out in the sea – visit this 17th-century fort by taking the free boat from Bourcefranc-le-Chapus (15 minutes' drive) or by walking over the causeway at low tide. There are also 140 kilometres of flat and well-maintained cycle trails here, so consider leaving the car behind for a day or two and hiring a bike at reception. Green-fingered guests may well want to check out some of the flora that thrives in these sunny climes: head to La Boirie botanical gardens (15 minutes) or Compostelle gardens on the mainland (40 minutes) to find out more. Rochefort (45 minutes) is the nearest big town on the mainland. It's a hub of naval history, with highlights including a historic rope factory and a major naval museum. It's also home to several more niche attractions, like the Rochefort-Martrou transporter bridge and an exhibition about what shopping was like in days gone by (Musée des Commerces d'Autrefois).