Camping Bahamas Beach

Saunter into Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie in 20 minutes or so and all sorts of aquatic activities await – here you can learn the art of surfing, take to the waters for windsurfing or don scuba kit to sink below the surface. It’s also the place to set off from for boat trips to the island of Yeu for walks and bike rides through its stunning heaths and dunes. If you're not up for the boat ride, head for the island of Noirmoutier instead – there's a bridge to this one, so you can drive there in about 45 minutes. Aiming away from the coast a little, a golf course and an adventure park are 15 minutes’ drive away, and there are walks, bike rides and canoe outings to be had through the area’s salt marshes. A couple of horse riding centres within 20 minutes’ drive can hook you up with wetland or beach rides. For full days out, it’s worth taking the hour-long drive to the huge Planète Sauvage safari park or the similar journey to Puy du Fou, the history-inspired theme park that’s one of France’s fave attractions.