Camping Oléron Les Pins

Wander through the forest from Camping Olérons Les Pins to see the colourful beach huts, 19th-century villas and the oyster harvesting of Saint Trojan les Bains, then take the Saint-Trojan miniature train from here on the hour and a half journey to Pertuis de Maumusson via the national forest, several beaches and the blue waters of Gatseau bay. Oléron is the biggest island off the French Atlantic coast and has heaps more to see and do around its 170ish square kilometres: recommended options are the mammoth waterside fortress of La Citadelle, pottering around the several fishing ports along the coast and snapping scenic shots from the Chassiron Lighthouse over the east coast of the island, Fort Boyard and the islands of Ré, Aix and beyond (fair warning: the lighthouse viewpoint is 224 steps up). The town of Saint Pierre d'Oléron is also well worth a look, or you could just take to the waters to tackle Oléron's waves for surfing and windsurfing.