Camping Au Bois des Biches

Start off your coastal adventures at Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez for the Atlantic Tobaggan waterpark and the slides, ziplines, trampolines and pony rides of the family park L'ile-aux-Jeux. Then mosey along to the coast's swish resort of Saint Gilles for its long sandy beach and plentiful watersports, enough to keep you occupied for at least a couple of days. And after that? Saint Gilles is a fine fishing spot (charter a boat to bob out from the shore) and is the starting point for ferries to the scenic isle of Île d'Yeu – flocked to for centuries by artistic type. Another top option is the island of Noirmoutier (45 minutes' drive), walkable at low tide via the Passage du Gois. Also recommended are rides along the old railway line via the velorail at Commequiers (15 minutes); the castle, lake and beach at Apremont (20 minutes), and a trip to Les Sables d’Olonne (45 minutes) to watch the boat races, zip along to the car museum and potter around the fishing port.