Domaine de l'Oiselière

As you'll know if you've been a fortunate enough sort to have holidayed here before, the Vendée is a spectacular part of France with enough to see and do to keep you out and about for months. Countryside and coast can be explored by car, on foot, on horseback or – recommended – by bike: the Vendée has more cycling routes than anywhere else in France. Cultural days can be sorted at the medieval Château de Tiffauges, 30 minutes' drive away, and at Château de Saint-Mesmin (55 minutes), where there's regular entertainment the kids will find a hoot. The small castle of Logis de la Chabotterie, 15 minutes away at Montréverd, is also a pretty place for a wander. And your seaside days? Sorted at Bretignolles-sur-Mer, 55 minutes away; Saint Gilles Croix de Vie (an hour) and Les Sables-d'Olonne, an hour and five minutes from the site.