Domaine de La Forge

So, that dune: that's the Dune du Pilat, 20 minutes' drive away. Its vital statistics are indeed impressive: 2.7 kilometres long, 500 metres wide and up to 110 metres tall. You can clamber up its soft sides if you're feeling strong-legged, but many suggest that trotting up the wooden staircase is preferable. What goes up must, of course, come down – if you're not rolling or running, you can swoosh down on a bodyboard. For a more traditional beach day, take the 20-minute drive to Arcachon, which has a fab seven kilometres of sand. Those seeking watersports should take the half-hour drive to Étang de Cazaux et de Sanguinet, a huge freshwater lake with sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and canoeing as well as trails for biking or horse riding. If you're in search of a kid-friendly day out, the big beasts at Zoo du Bassin d'Arcachon (10 minutes’ drive) may well prove popular. Those on tiddler-free travels might like to consider a round at either of the golf courses within 15 minutes, or a round of top tipples in Bordeaux (50 minutes).