Camping Le Paradis

It’s not just beaches that are a prime pull in the Vendée, as this part of France is a fine nature-spotting and birdwatching spot, with over 100 protected areas covering more than 2,000 hectares. Set out with your binoculars to see what you can see, or make sure of sightings with trips to the aquariums at Talmont Saint Hilaire and Les Sables-d'Olonne. Ask the friendly team for their tips on the top things to see and do nearby: particularly recommended are the waterfront 18-hole golf courses and pitch and putt at Port Bourgenay (five minutes’ drive from the site), potters around handsome Bourgenay harbour (also five minutes), and a day at the Château des Aventuriers theme park (15 minutes). Getting even more active, there’s jetskiing and sailing to tackle, 450 kilometres of bike paths to pedal, and several riding centres in Sables-d'Olonne (15 minutes). Famed tourist destinations for day trips include birdwatching and boating in the Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park (30 minutes), city days in Nantes or La Rochelle (both an hour and 25 minutes) and a trip to France’s historical theme park Puy du Fou, just over an hour away.