Camping Activ'Loisirs Les Pins

Beach? There are more than a few prime plages to pick from in this part of Charente-Maritime. Facing the southern tip of the Île d’Oléron, Camping Activ'Loisirs Les Pins is 35 minutes' drive from Royan to the south and an hour from La Rochelle to the north. More locally, Plage de la Cèpe's sheltered waters and white sands are five minutes away by car. For kid-centric amusements, check out the rollicking attractions on offer at Luna Park (10 minutes' drive), a seasonal theme park with classic fairground rides. If your hol doesn't coincide with the park's opening times, a trip to Youpi-land (20 minutes) and its ace inflatable structures makes a good alternative. For quieter outdoor jaunts that you can partake in en famille, saunter down to the nearest riding stables (20 minutes' walk). See something large and island-like floating in the distance? That, dear reader, will be the Île d'Oléron, France's second-largest isle and a hub for cyclists (it's got over 100 kilometres of car-free trails) and seafood fans. If you're in the latter camp, make sure to visit La Cotinière (35 minutes), a pretty port town full of fish restaurants where you can sample some of France's freshest fruits de mer.