Camping La Rivière

If you can drag yourself away from the pool, there’s plenty to do close by. Top of any list should be a family outing to Futuroscope theme park, half an hour's drive away – plan to spend the whole day here exploring its virtual-reality rides and 4D shows. Kids are often keen on animal encounters, so keep them happy by visiting the chimps at Vallée des Singes Romagne (15 minutes’ drive). They can also get up close to alligators at La Planète des Crocodiles, and chances are they’ll also enjoy scaling rope trails and meeting camels at DéfiPlanet’ (both 40 minutes). Get the hiking boots on to explore Le Puits d’Enfer (half an hour) or hire a boat to paddle around Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park (50 minutes). For a change of pace, head to the elegant city of Poitiers for Clain riverside walks, museums and a lively restaurant scene (30 minutes). A little further afield, charming medieval Chauvigny (50 minutes) is also worth a visit.