Camping Les Grenettes

You’re never far from anywhere on Ile de Ré; main town Saint-Martin is 10 minutes by car. This walled citadel of colourful buildings has forts to explore (part of a UNESCO Heritage site), markets to rummage and plentiful spots for lazy lunching. Get your bearings by ascending the bell tower for views of the whole island and afterwards (or before, depending on laziness) take the wildlife trail around the town. The beach by the site is popular with families and surfers, but it's worth visiting Sainte-Marie (10 minutes), an ancient and vineyard-fringed village whose beach is quieter and wilder, and a cracking spot for crab hunters and shell seekers. If it’s thrills you’re seeking, try kitesurfing at Rivedoux (also 10 minutes). An hour away, the Marais Poitevin is a protected marsh area of the Poitou-Charente region, where you can walk, bike or paddle your way around its myriad of creeks to spot waders, otters, eel and herons. The old port of La Rochelle (30 minutes) makes a splendid maritime-themed excursion you can do without getting wet… wander the harbour and say hi to the fish in the aquarium. For a contrast, Vertigo Parc has zipwires, ropes and treetop thrills for landlubbers.