Hameaux des Marines

Just off the west coast of France and joined to the mainland by the Oléron bridge, Oléron island is dotted with dense pine forests, nature reserves, salt marshes and sand dunes, making it something of a wildlife watchers' haven: take a walk around the dunes that lie right behind the site, or visit the Moëze-Oléron nature reserve, 25 kilometres away on the island's south coast. Remember to pack all your beach-based paraphernalia too, because also within very easy reach of Hameaux des Marines are several sandy beaches such as the very nearby Huttes, and La Brée-les-Bains, a 10-minute drive away on the opposite stretch of coastline. The coastline is also fringed by several fishing ports; make sure you squeeze in a visit to Saint-Pierre d'Oléron's La Cotinière, around half an hour's drive away, and Le Château d'Oléron, a town famed for its oyster hauls and its huge waterfront fortress, Citadelle du Château-d'Oléron. Seafood sampling and wine quaffing is the standard around here, and the team at Hameaux des Marines recommend you get properly involved during your stay.