Camping Lac de Carcans

It's 15 minutes by car to Lac d'Hourtin-Carcans's main sands, Maubuisson beach, which has lifeguarded swimming in summer as well as cafés and restaurants for hours of lazing and gazing out over the water. More beaches, on the seashore this time, are at Carcans and Lacanau, 10 and 20 minutes' drive away; the former a good bit quieter, but the latter well worth a trip too for its spectacular long beach, sand dunes and surfing. Half an hour north, the Hourtin Dunes and Marsh National Nature Reserve covers beach, dunes and forest, and is a top pick for birdwatching and nature spotting: species to see include minks, otters, turtles and teals. The Médoc region, home to fine wines and fine vineyards, is 45 minutes' drive inland. This lush land is also home to Fort Médoc, a 17th-century fortress that's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Citadel of Blaye, its city walls, and Fort Paté, all within an hour and a half of Camping Lac de Carcans.